Malloy says tentative deal reached on Conn. budget

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says there's a tentative, bipartisan agreement on a plan to cover Connecticut's current budget deficit, but the details could change before lawmakers return to the state Capitol for a special legislative session.

Rank-and-file state lawmakers were expected to review the proposal on Monday evening.

The current fiscal year's $20 billion budget is projected to have a shortfall of $365 million. Malloy has already ordered $170 million in spending cuts, using his executive powers.

Malloy said the proposal could be adjusted before state lawmakers meet on Wednesday for a special session.

Malloy said his budget director, Benjamin Barnes, has handled much of the recent, closed-door budget discussions because he has been busy dealing with the aftermath of the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown.