Dems Fightin' Words

Lawmakers take aim at Rell over budget, she's considering more cuts

The budget might be passed, but the fight is far from over at the State Capitol. Democrats are taking their shots at Gov. M. Jodi Rell for allowing it through without her signature on it, the Hartford Courant reports.

Next year's gubenatorial election could be fanning the flames. Former House Speaker James Amann, who is seeking the Democratic nomination, said Rell should have vetoed the $37.6 billion dollar spending plan if she was so opposed to the tax increases proposed within it.

"If you really hated this budget, if you think it's going to do harm to the state, then you veto it," Amann said, according to the Courant. "She's trying to play Pontius Pilate, and it's not going to work. ... "It is a cowardly act. She has gone from Snow White to the Cowardly Lion."

Republican State Chairman Christopher Healy defended Rell.

"Jim Amann is more like the scarecrow — if he only had a brain," Healy told the newspaper. "No one takes Jim Amann seriously any more. For any Democrat to criticize the governor is ludicrous. They got what they wanted."

Rell's supporters are crying foul, saying with a Democratic legislature, there was little room for negotiation and all things considered, the budget that passed was an accomplishment. 

Rell's office declined to comment to the Courant, but an anonymous supporter told the paper the Governor doesn't need to make any immediate announcements on a possible re-election bid.

As Rell’s challengers throw lobs about the budget, she is considering ordering more spending cuts as soon as next month, despite the General Assembly's approval of the budget.

Rell says she expects the budget to fall out of balance within weeks if revenues don't meet expectations. State law allows Rell to make some spending cuts without legislative approval.

Rell says that governor's budget office is already monitoring tax collections. The first monthly report on tax collections and estimated revenues will be released Sept. 20. 
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us