HARTFORD – When Governor Rell met with legislative leaders last week, she offered to have OPM Secretary Bob Genuario and Commissioner of Revenue Services Pam Law brief legislators on the state’s growing budget deficit and overall financial picture.  In response, Senate Republican Leader John McKinney and House Republican Leader Lawrence Cafero have scheduled an informational forum for 10 a.m. Thursday, September 25th, in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building.  At the request of Governor Rell, Secretary Genuario and Commissioner Law will testify at the forum.  All members of the General Assembly have been invited to participate.    

Below, please find a copy of the Republican leaders’ letter to Governor Rell:

September 16, 2008

The Honorable M. Jodi Rell
Governor of Connecticut
State Capitol
Hartford, CT  06106

Dear Governor Rell:

Last week when you met with legislative leaders, you offered to have the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and the Commissioner of Revenue Services brief the relevant legislative committees on the state’s budget deficit and overall financial picture. 

To date we have had no indication from Democratic leaders that they intend to pursue this offer, but we believe it is nonetheless important that the General Assembly and the public have this information in light of the worsening national economy and dwindling state revenue.

Therefore, we would like to hold an informational session to which all interested legislators will be invited.  This briefing would examine the budget outlook for the current fiscal year as well as the upcoming biennium.  We request that you make OPM and DRS available for this session.  We also plan to invite representatives of the Office of Fiscal Analysis to get their outlook and analysis as well.

It is our hope that by working with your administration and across party lines in the legislature, we will find ways to address our growing deficit without adding to the financial burdens facing Connecticut businesses and families.  We agree with your assessment, that the right decisions do not include an increase in taxes or spending money we just do not have.

We appreciate your consideration of this request and your leadership in addressing the tough choices which we know will face our state in the months ahead.  We look forward to working with you to help Connecticut face its economic challenges in a fiscally responsible way.

Sincerely,

John McKinney                                                       Lawrence Cafero                                                                                                                 

Senate Republican Leader                                 House Republican Leader