Budget Casualties: Rest Area Restrooms and Much More

Gov. Dannel Malloy released his plan for budget cuts on Friday, It includes laying off 4,328 people and cutting several services.

Among the plans that will affect residents is one to close restroom facilities at seven rest areas throughout state. This does not affect service plaza facilities.

Here are some additional things you will notice from the budget-balancing plans Gov. Dannel Malloy's administration presented to the General Assembly:
 

• Suspend athletic programs at regional vocational-technical high schools.
• Close Bergin and Enfield Correctional Institutions.
• Reduce cleaning, operating hours, security requirements at some state buildings.
• Defer state trooper training class for two years.
• Close Danbury, New Britain, Old Saybrook and Enfield branch DMV offices.
• Close DMV Putnam satellite office and photo license centers in Derby, Middletown and Milford.
• Increase bus fares by 10 percent; increase MetroNorth fares by 15 percent and Shore Line East by 14 percent.
• Eliminate ferry service between Rocky Hill and Glastonbury, and between Chester and Hadlyme.
• Eliminate existing Shore Line East weekend service.
• Reduce statewide bus service by 40 buses.
• Close regional state welfare offices in Stamford and Middletown.
• Close New Haven Juvenile Detention Center.
• Eliminate Drug Court Program in Bridgeport, New Haven and Danielson.
• Close Enfield Superior Court, Danbury Juvenile Court, Torrington Juvenile Court and Rockville Juvenile Court.
• Close 80 of 110 detoxification and rehabilitation beds at Connecticut Valley Hospital in Middletown.
• Eliminate bus transportation for low-income casino workers from Hartford County to southeastern Connecticut.
• Eliminate music, art, social workers, library media department heads at state vocational-technical high schools.
• Close adult programs at state vocational-technical high schools; affects dental, surgical technology, certified nurses' aide, and medical assistance programming and a new LPN program set to start in 2012.
• Eliminate funding for Spring 2012 film industry training program.
• Create new asset test of $25,000 for low-income adults seeking health insurance services in 2013.
• Close Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities Waterbury regional office.
• Eliminate Department of Agriculture's large animal rescue and rehabilitation program.
• Eliminate $1.1 million in new funding added for Operation Fuel, a fuel assistance program for the needy.
• Reduce Governor's Horse Guard units herd sizes to 10 horses each, locate them together at the Avon facility.
• Reduce mosquito control funding by eliminating one staff position.
• Eliminate Council of Environmental Quality.
• Reduce statewide business and tourism marketing account by $6.5 million over two years.
• Phase out culture and tourism grants to various arts and cultural organizations, such as Mystic Aquarium and Ivoryton Playhouse.
• Eliminate grant to Connecticut Fair Housing Center.
• Eliminate state subsidies for local tourism districts, and several attractions including the Mark Twain House.
• Reduce funding for AIDS services, such as HIV testing, prevention programs, housing and emergency assistance.
• Limit blood lead level testing for only uninsured children.
• Reduce funding for 13 of 14 community health centers in state.
• Close nine Department of Developmental Services respite centers.
• Close state-operated Birth-to-Three early intervention program for children.
• Eliminate Connecticut Valley Hospital Fire Department.
• Reduce financial aid for students attending Conn. private colleges.

Source: Office of Policy and Management and Judicial Branch.