September 6, 2011

GOV. MALLOY RELEASES LIST OF $135 MILLION IN BUDGET CUTS

(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Dannel P. Malloy today released a list of $135 million in savings and efficiencies across state government, which are part of $700 million in labor-management savings. While the SEBAC agreement was eventually ratified, and the vast majority of cuts that had been proposed in the so-called 'Plan B' budget plan will not go forward, these savings are based on ideas put forward during that process.

"This is another example of the Governor's commitment to making government smaller and more efficient," said Ben Barnes, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management. "We've said all along that there were a number of cuts proposed in the so-called 'Plan B' budget that made a lot of sense and didn't harm necessary services. These cuts will go forward as we work to meet the goals identified in our budget plan."

The $700 million goal in labor-management savings includes savings in state employees' wages, healthcare and pensions, plus to reductions from attrition and retirements and other savings initiatives. This includes $135 million in cuts outlined in the attached document.

Secretary Barnes noted that the amounts identified in the attached document will be held back by OPM from agencies' requested allocations. "These are not rescissions and not changes to line-items," he said. "They are budgeted amounts OPM will hold back from the agencies. If, as the year progresses, the state's fiscal picture deteriorates, the Governor retains the rescission authority granted him by statute." The Governor can rescind up to 5% for most of state government and 3% of any fund, except aid to municipalities and other statutory exclusions.

"We will meet our budget goals," Barnes said. "And we won't push budget problems into the future. This Governor has every intention of providing the citizens of Connecticut a fiscally responsible and responsive government. These cuts are another step towards that goal."

**Attached: List of $135 Million in Budget Cuts

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For Immediate Release: September 6, 2011

Contact: Colleen Flanagan

Colleen.Flanagan@ct.gov

860-524-7308 (office)
860-770-8090 (cell)

Twitter: @GovMalloyOffice

Facebook: Office of Governor Dannel P. Malloy