After the state House of Representatives met Oct. 3 to consider overriding the veto of the GOP-backed budget, the Republicans refused to call the question for a vote. Now, it is time for us to work together and compromise with the governor and the Republicans to reach a bipartisan agreement on a final budget. To move Connecticut forward, we need to adopt a spending package that invests in our workforce, makes long-term structural changes, and provides municipalities with additional budget flexibility.

Rep. Gregg Haddad issued a statement Tuesday after the House of Representative met in a special session for the purpose of voting on Governor Dannel Malloy’s veto of the Republican state budget.

Referencing cuts to higher education, a reduction in aid to needy municipalities, and unsound changes to the state's pension plans, Governor Malloy vetoed the Republican-backed budget Sept. 28.

Governor Malloy is convening leaders of all four caucuses to move the discussion closer to agreement on a budget for the biennium.

The Republicans' two-year budget is unbalanced, relies on unrealistic savings, and contains devastating cuts to higher education. Their spending package would also inflict turmoil by slashing the vital services and programs that our most vulnerable residents rely on. I strongly opposed their spending proposal and voted "No" because I believe this budget is bad for our state and contradicts Connecticut's core values.

The Legislature recently passed a budget. The Republican-generated budget passed because it garnered a handful of Democrat votes in both chambers, although it’s a “bi-partisan” budget in name only.

The Republicans’ two-year $40.68 billion spending package decreases funding to cities that need it most and increases aid to affluent suburban towns. If adopted, this budget would hinder our urban cities’ abilities to be the economic engines Connecticut needs to drive its economy and attract young professionals and new businesses to our region. If adopted, this budget would have devastating effects on New Haven.

Rep. Toni Walker joined her legislative colleagues who represent New Haven and surrounding towns at a press conference to denounce the Republican state budget. “These are cuts we cannot sustain if we expect Connecticut to thrive,” Rep. Walker said.