Rell Warns Of "Challenge" In Connecticut State Of The State Address

[Pale Blue Dot]

As is customary, the speech was long on themes but short on specifics: Those will have to wait until early next month, when Rell delivers her budget address.

But one thing is already clear: "The sacrifices will not be easy or painless,'' Rell said. "The cuts must be made and they will be deep and they will affect every agency, every program and every service provided by state government.

At one point, Rell paused her speech as medical personnel rushed to help a television cameraman who suddenly collapsed. Rell said she realized her speech was a somber one, but was sorry "it had made someone faint.''

The fiscal realities facing Connecticut are stark: The state deficit for the current year is projected to be roughly $350 million, and deficit projections for the next two years have been put at $6 billion.

"I have spent countless hours in the last few weeks poring over every line item in our budget,'' Rell said. "We must make the right choices now so that we may close tightly the doorways of despair and open wide the windows of opportunity.''

The financial meltdown means more and more citizens will be looking to government for help, at a time when government is less able to provide that assistance. But Rell pledged that the state will not turn its back on the vulnerable. "Our revenues are declining but the need for government services is increasing,'' she said. "As jobs continue to be lost or wages cut or frozen, our citizens will need our help for basic necessities.

http://www.courant.com/news/custom/topnews/hcu-stateofthestate0107,0,2356254.story

I think the economic crisis is about to hit CT big time.

[wroberts189]

1. But what about all that Casino loot?????

sigh.... my prop taxes are close to 4k on a 315k house.