Malloy: I Am Not A Bully...

by: jonpelto

Fri Jun 10, 2011 at 09:23:21 AM EDT

Yesterday could have been a day of simple congratulations, with Governor Malloy congratulating himself and  Legislative Democrats and the Democratic leadership of the House and Senate returning the favor.

But then, as if he just couldn't help himself, Malloy returned to his old mantra of claiming that if Connecticut's state employees don't approve the concession package and come up with $1.6 billion dollars, he can't be held responsible for the pain and suffering that will occur.

Really?

Yes, really...

At yesterday morning's gubernatorial press conference, Malloy told the media "I'm not bullying anybody. Talking in real terms and telling people the truth is not bullying...I just want people to understand the reality."

And Malloy's "reality" is that if state employees reject that Malloy/SEBAC concession package, he will be "forced" to lay off up to 7,500 or more state
employees including public servants with as much as 10 to 25 years of service.

According to the Governor, his approach is not "bullying", it is just a simple statement of fact;  If the kid doesn't turn over his lunch money, he will be forced to beat the crap out of him.

Of course, the Governor's "reality" doesn't actually cover the whole truth and nothing but the truth.

That is not to say that rejecting the concession agreement is a good idea.

However, the real truth is that if the agreement is rejected, Malloy and the Democrats could utilize one or more of the following options to fill some or the entire $700 million deficit;

(1)   They could fill a portion of the budget deficit by utilizing the growing surplus from "excess revenue".  Connecticut's 2nd gas tax will generate more than $100 million dollars extra in the coming year.  The income tax and corporate tax will also likely produce more than was budgeted.

(2)  The budget itself has extra funds in some key line items.  The account to pay retiree health benefits, for example, may have as much as $70 million or more in extra funds

(3)    The Governor could utilize some of his authority to cut up to 5% of the state budget ($1 Billion) without legislative approval.  Although there are some limitations to areas that can or should be cut, the Governor could certainly cut millions if needed.

(4)    The law further requires that the Governor develop a plan to deal with any deficit that may arise and propose changes for the General Assembly to approve.

(5)    Finally, the Governor could follow the collective bargaining process and return to the table to negotiate a package that would garner majority support among state employees.

So - call it what you want - but the real reality is that Governor Malloy would have lots and lots of options if the agreement fails.

While suggesting that he will lay off 7,500 state employees may or may not be bullying, one thing is certain, it is not his only option.

Malloy didn't have one.

Ah... okay... Governor... but...

How about unfortunately having to raise taxes on the hard pressed middle class to balance the budget. (necessary but unfortunate).

What about the decision to eliminate most of the inspectors and auditors responsible for making sure candidates don't illegally spend their public campaign finance funds.

What about the budget cuts that will end the open-enrolment opportunities at Connecticut's community colleges and leave UConn, CSU and the Community Colleges with the deepest cuts in Connecticut history.

What about the decision to water-downed Connecticut's comprehensive health care  reform bill to the point that it doesn't help Connecticut's hard hit-small businesses nor does it include a public option to provide health insurance coverage to those who have no health insurance.

Do you really mean you don't have a single regret about the 2011 Legislative Session?

Wow...