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State Rep. Doug Dubinsky warns of budget cuts, towns watch hospital-tax debate
Summary
State Rep. Doug Dubinsky told NECCOG members that the legislature is in 'a state of extreme confusion' over the budget and that a deficit mitigation plan cut $200 million from the current year; municipal aid was described as 'protected' for now but its future is uncertain.
State Representative Doug Dubinsky told the Northeastern Connecticut Council of Governments on April 1 that the state legislature was in "a state of extreme confusion" over the budget and that a deficit mitigation plan had passed cutting $200 million from the current fiscal year. He said further shortfalls were possible before April and that while municipal aid had been "protected" at that moment, there was no guarantee it would remain so in future years.
The remarks came during a discussion of pending legislation and state fiscal pressures that could affect small towns in the region. Executive Director John Filchak provided an Office of Legislative Research (OLR) report on the Hospital Tax and said local legislators are pursuing measures to protect Day Kimball and Windham hospitals.
"Right now legislature is in a state of extreme confusion with regard to budget," Dubinsky said when asked to comment. He added that a deficit mitigation plan recently passed cutting $200 million from the current year and that additional holes could appear as lawmakers finish work in April.
Commissioners and selectmen pressed for clarity about town aid. Mr. Ives said his biggest concern was next year’s budget; Mr. Sweet asked whether municipal aid would be maintained. Dubinsky responded that municipal aid had been protected to that point but offered no assurance beyond the current year. Mr. Falzarano raised concerns about whether the state would again intervene to assist a fiscally troubled city such as Hartford; Dubinsky said he did not know and shared the worry that the state might be asked to provide assistance.
Why it matters: many of NECCOG’s member towns rely on predictable state aid and on local hospitals for regional health-care access. Filchak told the board the OLR material was provided to inform members about the Hospital Tax and ongoing legislative efforts to support Day Kimball and Windham hospitals.
The meeting moved on to other agenda items; there was no formal action taken on state budget matters at this session.
