House Republican Press Release

 

 

 

October 17, 2008

Press Office: 860-240-8700

 

Rep. Marilyn Giuliano Calls for Action on State Deficit

 

Shoreline Legislator Says Savings Could Start with the Legislature Itself

 

State Rep. Marilyn Giuliano, R-Old Saybrook, said the state legislature should act promptly to close a $300 million state budget deficit, and applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell's decision to use her authority to trim spending.

 

Rep. Giuliano said it is important for the legislature to act immediately on a bipartisan basis to close a budget gap of slightly less than 2 percent in the state’s $18 billion budget—before it gets worse. Many other states are acting now to close deficits, and she said Connecticut must do likewise.

 

“Everywhere else in Connecticut, people are tightening their belts because of today’s economic realities. Let’s lead by example and clean house at the Capitol and take steps to cut expenses that we have direct control over,” Rep. Giuliano said.

 

Rep. Giuliano said there are examples of Capitol projects and legislative budget items - from $1.7 million in printing costs, to expensive statues, and $255,000 in new signs  – that could be eliminated or postponed because of the deficit.

 

She added, “Taxpayers and voters should expect elected officials to deal with this crisis, not wait for more studies and reports.”

 

Every state budget office and fiscal entity - Republican, Democrat or non-partisan - agrees that Connecticut faces growing deficits. The deficit is anticipated to reach as much as $2 billion over the next two years.

 

Some specific examples of spending that could be eliminated or postponed include:

·        100 yards of European black marble being replaced in the Legislative Office Building for $200,000;

·        $255,000 in new signs throughout the building;

·        Dozens of liquid crystal display screens installed in hearing rooms, replacing old television monitors;

·        nearly $300,000 the state spends on pagers despite new technology that has rendered them obsolete.

 

“People are postponing spending at home and at work, and so should the state legislature,” said Rep. Giuliano.

 

Rep. Giuliano serves the 23rd Assembly District of Lyme, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook and coastal Westbrook in the state House of Representatives.