Late last night General Assembly leaders unveiled their own mid-year "deficit mitigation" plan that reportedly includes an $8 million mid-year cut in special education reimbursements to municipalities. That was not included as part of Governor Rell's mitigation proposal.

Leadership staff says the intention is to make up any shortfall using federal funds and that if such funds are not available they will find another way to bridge the gap. However, it is not clear that either will be possible.

Also expected to be included is the proposal by the Governor to eliminate $35 million in funds committed to municipalities through the Local Bridge Program.

The legislature is expected to vote today on the mitigation package.

YOUR ACTION NEEDED

Call your legislative delegation and legislative leaders NOW. Tell them:

• Mid-year cuts in any grant program to towns and cities would be a shift of the state's budget crisis onto local governments.
• Describe the impact on your community if Special Education reimbursement is cut, even a little. If your municipality is expecting Local Bridge Program funds, discuss the impact of that, too.
• That if $8 million can be taken "on credit" it shouldn't be from a municipal account.
• Tell them to be vocal to their legislative leadership in opposition to any mid-year cut to municipalities.

Please contact Gian-Carl Casa or Bob Labanara of CCM if you have any questions.