Most of the state budget for the next two fiscal years has been adopted, but there are still a few loose ends. One of them is the proposed closing of Cedarcrest Hospital in Newington.
Governor Rell has proposed closing the hospital, consolidating the operations there with mental health facilities in Middletown. However, opponents of the shutdown say too many patients will be left with no where to go, that Middletown will not be able to accommodate all of the Cedarcrest patients.
Rell wants the hospital closed as a cost-saving measure, dealing with the state's budget problems. She says she has the right to shut it down. But Democratic legislative leaders say Rell is simply attempting an end run to usurp the clear intent of the legislature. House Speaker Christopher Donovan says the legislature appropriated $39-million to keep Cedarcrest open.
Democrats plan to try to overrule the Governor's decision. It's another showdown between Rell and the Democrats, one, experts say, could wind up in the courts.
