While the proposed 4,700 layoffs for state employees has captured much of the attention at the state Capitol, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's "Plan B'' budget options would also have an adverse impact on cities and towns.
The list of options for Plan B include as many as $482 million in cuts in state aid to municipalities, including nearly $270 million in educational cost-sharing funds for public schools across the state.
Jim Finley, the CEO and chief lobbyist for the New Haven-based Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, said the cut in ECS funding would be more than 14 percent.
"It would have a huge negative impact on towns and cities,'' Finley told Capitol Watch. "We're hopeful that Plan B is never put into play. We're hoping that the concession talks are successful.''
The options, which would need to be approved by the Democratic-controlled legislature, include removing all $62 million from the Pequot - Mohegan Fund.
"The Pequot - Mohegan Fund would be totally eliminated,'' Finley said. "Particularly for our poorer cities and towns, that would be devastating.''