Rigby Supports Concept of Rell’s Budget Proposal

State Rep. John Rigby praised Gov. M. Jodi Rell today for keeping her promise not to raise taxes and reduce the cost of government to bridge a projected multi-billion budget deficit. Rigby, R-63, is particularly pleased with two of the hallmarks in Rell’s proposal: The protection of education funds and relieving communities of millions of dollars in unfunded mandates. “I’m prepared to move forward on the governor’s budget because I recognize the need to reduce spending to deal with this budget crisis,” said Rigby, a Colebrook resident. “This budget shows that it’s possible to make tough choices and still deliver the services that residents in my district expect and deserve.” Several local leaders in the Northwest Corner recently called for the suspension of costly binding arbitration, a proposal that Rell included in her lean spending plan to save municipalities money on contracts. “Now isn’t the time to raise taxes, when people throughout Connecticut are struggling to keep their jobs and pay their bills,” said Rigby, a member of the legislature’s Finance, Revenue and Bonding committee. Rigby acknowledged that Rell’s proposals will require re-ordering priorities and making tough choices that businesses and families have already confronted. Several governmental consolidations have been put forth that will reduce the state bureaucracy including:

Combining certain functions of higher education and the state education department

Re-ordering the functions of numerous departments within Legislative Management that is responsible for running the state Capitol

Eliminating 400 vacant state positions and cutting at least another 400 through consolidations

Anticipating $550 million in cost-saving measures from public sector employee unions. Rigby said that could mean possibly offering early retirement to those who qualify to reduce state payroll

For weeks state lawmakers have stated that everyone must come together to solve an anticipated $8 billion budget deficit over the next two years. Rigby said the legislature should pass a budget as early as possible to help towns and cities put their own tax and spending plans together. It’s a request that Northwest Corner leaders voiced during a recent meeting where they outlined their legislative priorities. “We all have to work toward the goal of avoiding any new taxes. Connecticut cannot afford it and now we have the opportunity to recast state government to work more efficiently,’’ he said.