Posted on August 23, 2017
I had the privilege of joining some of my fellow legislators, as well as members of the Intellectual/Developmentally Disabled Community, at a Furlough Day Rally at the Capitol on Wednesday, August 23, 2017. The furlough day was the result of the budget impasse in Hartford. Typically, the state budget is drafted and approved by the General Assembly on or before the last day of the regular session, which was on June 7, 2017 this year. That day came and went, and still no budget has been approved. House Republicans offered several fully vetted balanced budgets, and was ready to proceed before the end of session in June, but unfortunately, these were never called by the Speaker for a vote.
The legislature’s inaction has left many communities across Connecticut in a state of limbo. Until a budget is passed, Gov. Malloy will continue running the state by executive orders. School districts have pushed back their start dates, and staff and faculty members face layoffs. Even more troubling is the cuts to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, some of our state’s most vulnerable residents. At the rally, many individuals living with I/DD and their families spoke out and expressed their disappointment with the state’s budget crisis, and how this unfortunate situation has left them uncertain about the future. We must take quick and decisive action to help those most in need of our assistance. Every passing day makes their lives more difficult, and they simply cannot afford to wait.
As always, I will do my best to keep you posted on any developments regarding the budget situation.