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Greenwich Delegation Blasts Lack Of Structural Changes In State Budget

GREENWICH, Conn. – State Reps. Livvy Floren (R-149), Mike Bocchino (R-150) and Fred Camillo (R-151) opposed a budget passed by the House of Representatives by a 74-70 vote during a May 13 special session, stating the budget lacks true structural changes, relies on gimmick and one-time revenue sources and fund sweeps and decimates social services for the mentally and physical disabled.

State Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149) opposes the budget passed May 13 in the House of Representatives, saying it lacks needed long-term structural changes.

State Rep. Livvy Floren (R-149) opposes the budget passed May 13 in the House of Representatives, saying it lacks needed long-term structural changes.

Photo Credit: Contributed

“What this budget lacks are long term structural changes that will put our state back on the path to fiscal sustainability. This budget is like Charlie Brown trying to kick the football — we have relied on one time revenue sources before and every time we find ourselves facing a deficit,” Floren said.

“Last year I stated that our budget did nothing to solve the systematic issues that continue to cause deficits," Bocchino said. "Once again, we had an opportunity to make long-term structural changes that could have created a surplus and instead I fear we will be back in special session in the fall negotiating another deficit mitigation package.”

The approximately $19.8 billion budget includes cuts to education, hospitals and community-based social services.

“I think what is most disconcerting is that we proposed a plan that did all the right things by the state," Camillo said. "It created long-term structural changes, protected our most vulnerable populations and even created a surplus. The budget passed does not do any of that.”

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