Malloy backs fiscal conservatism to business group

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has told the state's largest business group with which he's sometimes disagreed that he's pursuing a fiscally conservative budget that will put state finances on the right track.

Malloy spoke to about 200 members of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association on Wednesday. Chambers of commerce across the state visit the Capitol one day a year to meet with legislators and agency officials to discuss business and workplace issues.

Malloy said he's reduced the debt and repeated his promise to not raise taxes.

The Democratic governor and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature raised income and sales taxes in 2011 and won changes in the labor agreement with state workers to help control costs.

Malloy and businesses have clashed over spending, taxes and other issues.