Bipartisanship seen in state budget-cutting

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says he'll invite opposition Republicans to help figure out how to close Connecticut's $365 million budget deficit.

The Democratic governor told the Connecticut Post that the budget process should be cooperative.

Benjamin Barnes, Malloy's budget director, has asked Democratic and Republican lawmakers to submit ideas. He described the possible reaction to spending cuts as a "bipartisan horror."

Choices will be limited because Malloy has ruled out tax increases, two years after he and the Democratic-controlled legislature approved higher income and sales taxes. And labor concessions from state employees are off the table because a deal between the state and unions has been signed.

House Republican leader Rep. Lawrence Cafero said a deal negotiated by one party won't work.

Republicans will meet with Barnes on Dec. 4.

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Information from: Connecticut Post