State still prisoner to budget battle

Derby (WTNH) - Democrats say part of their budget proposal includes the closing of two prisons in the state. Governor Rell counters this idea saying it will compromise people's safety.

"We support cuts that are made with a scalpel, not with a machete," said State Rep. Linda Gentile.

Something different happened, Monday, when the Democrats staged an event at the Derby Court House. The Republican Mayor came to urge that the Governor's proposal to close it be stopped.

"All the progress that we've been making, in Derby, making our city grow, will end up being reversed," said Derby Mayor Tony Staffieri.

At the Capitol, Democrats say they are ready to pass their version of the budget on Thursday. It's one, they say, contains $1.7 billion in cuts. It's still not enough for the Governor. And it'll feature $2.7 billion in tax hikes on the wealthy and businesses; it's a no go for the Governor.

And, instead of closing court houses, like the one in Derby, they are proposing the elimination of two prisons to save money.

The governor's office sent out an e-mail today saying that would result in the release of prisoners.

"You have to be up front and tell people, 'If I close this prison, we're going to let prisoners out early.' That would be what would happen," said Governor Rell. "If that's what they want to do, then they need to let the public know that."

"I think that is a way of trying to create fear in the community. That's not the reality," said Majority Leader Martin Looney. "We need to find ways of diverting people out of the prison system already, regardless of budget considerations; alternatives to incarceration programs work."

"If they honestly believe that they have nothing else that they can cut, they have to run a budget," said Governor Rell.

The Majority Leader said that's what they will do. And notes that it even includes cuts to the 'Festival of Arts and Ideas' and the 'Shubert Theater' in his New Haven hometown.

"There are painful cuts in every area of this budget. That's why this process is so painful," said Majority Leader Looney.