Rell Calls For Lame Duck Session January 2

HARTFORD (AP) — Governor M. Jodi Rell is calling the lame duck legislature back to the Capitol next month, five days before the new session opens, to vote on her latest deficit-cutting plan.

Gov Rell said her proposal eliminates the current fiscal year’s $356 million deficit without raising taxes, laying off state employees, or spending any of state’s $1.4 billion budget reserve.

Her plan cuts spending and transfers money from various accounts, such as $35 million from the home heating oil assistance program approved back in August. Gov Rell says the state since received additional federal money to cover those costs.

Another $17.9 million is being taken from the state’s new public campaign financing program.

The new General Assembly will have to deal with the budgets for the next two fiscal years, and projected shortfalls of about $6 billion.