Locals ask state to finish budget

Hartford (WTNH) - The state budget deadlock is approaching a state budget record. Cities and towns, social service agencies and now libraries are pleading with state leaders to finish their work.

It was back to the mansion this afternoon for the latest round of budget talks as the Democratic leader in the State Senate calls for non-stop discussions.

"There is, right now, a philosophical difference," said Governor Jodi Rell. "I continue to believe that we need to cut spending."

"There's politics and there's philosophy," said Senator Don Williams. "But there's really the issue of getting things done."

"Librarians everywhere are very nervous this summer and so hopeful that the Democratic plan will be put into effect," said Christine Bradley of the Connecticut Library Consortium.

Democrats continue their daily events pointing at spending cuts the public doesn't like, like cutbacks at libraries across the state, where attendance is on the rise.

"It has made us the way that we connect the digital 'have nots' with the information technology that is becoming ever more important," said J. Emmett McSweeney of the Silas Bronson Library.

"The taxes that the Democrats have asked for, the most recent proposal is about $1.8 billion in new taxes; that is way too high," said Governor Rell.

"Right now, we're asking those who make $600,000 a year to kick in $20 a week," said Speaker of the House Chris Donovan.

The Democrats think they are winning the public relations war against the Governor's position while the Republicans, like Rell, think they are winning the public battle against higher taxes.

"Twenty bucks a week, not only for libraries, but for dental health for seniors, for housing, for magnet schools, for tech schools; that's all we're asking," said Speaker of the House Donovan.

If there is no budget by this Saturday, the Governor and the legislature will set a new record for tardiness and the way things are going the chances of setting that new record look very good.

Legislative leaders and the Governor will meet again Tuesday.