Cutting the pork from the state budget

Hartford (WTNH) - There is outrage tonight over some projects which are being funded by the state when we're facing such huge deficits.

Some question why certain plans, which they do not see as vital, are getting the okay in these tough economic times. They're goodies included in the state's $635 million bonding package, basically the state's credit card. A credit card bill paid for by you.

Gov. Jodi Rell presided over the final Bonding Commission meeting of the year today. Most of the money will go to money to work on roads and bridges and finish projects underway.

But there's also some items that some might see as pork including $200,000 to the town of Southington for the redevelopment of an old drive-in theater into a recreation park, complete with a pavillion, restrooms and a parking lot.

"This is a very difficult time for the State of Connecticut, very difficult time for our nation and I think people expect us to prioritize our needs," said Rep. Craig Miner (D-Litchfield).

Many people News Channel 8 spoke to agree with Rep. Miner.

"I think it's probably time to cut the pork. We've seen enough of it in Washington. It's a problem and it's our tax dollars shouldn't be going to that," said Scott Lamberson from Cromwell.

"My teacher was saying how we need to spend the money in order to make the money but I don't know if a recreation park is the best thing for it," said Latatiana Tubbs of Bloomfield. "Yes; roads. Yes; helping Hartford become better. Maybe we could wait on the park."

But the Southington project was not the only item like this passed today.

"Those small items that we had on the agenda today were part of the requests from some of our leadership," Gov. Rell explained.

Rell says the Southington project was passed for one reason.

"Because the Speaker (Jim Amann) asked for it," Rell said.

Amann says, "This project is geared to after-school activities for kids, which is always a great investment. Any funding that goes to our towns, particularly in a tough economy, also helps stabilize property taxes."

Check out the entire Bonding Commission agenda by clicking here.