Holding Steady…For Now

By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114

Mary Welander

This past week it was announced that the legislature would not be bringing a new budget up for a vote. As we vote for a biennium budget at the beginning of each term that is supposed to apply for both years, this action would seem typical. But in reality, outside of the 2020 session that ended abruptly due to the pandemic, this is the first time since 2008 that this has happened.

Why would this be the seen as the best course of action?

To start, we need to look back at the fiscal guardrails that were extended last year for an additional five years. While it was a prudent action to take to ensure that financial responsibility defines the near future, it also strictly limits the amount of surplus funds that can be spent, no matter how worthy the cause. Additionally, federal emergency American Rescue Plan Act funds that came into the state during the pandemic are set to expire this year. Combine those points with the potential for lower sales tax receipts and the existing spending cap and there are few realistic options.

So where does this leave the state? That, it turns out, is not entirely clear.

I am in line with many of my colleagues who recognize that if we want to ensure a healthy financial outlook for future generations in Connecticut we need to take care of our debt obligations and be prudent with our spending. I also recognize that if we are going to ensure that future generations want to stay in Connecticut we need to create a state that supports its residents. That could look like focusing just on debt reduction. It could also look like strategic investments in infrastructure and programs that show results further down the road.

I won’t pretend to be a global economic expert or know the mindset of a Fortune 500 executive, but I do know that in the business world a quick return on investment is a constant goal. Here’s the problem: people aren’t a business and neither is good government. I know that many of us are seeing tighter budgets month after month, despite many having higher salaries than ever before. This isn’t sustainable as a state and it’s not healthy for communities.

There is the potential for some flexibility in this budget as it stands. As we move into the final part of this session I will continue to press leadership for a budget that is both responsible in the big picture, but also reflects the needs of our town and this district. To support our schools and small businesses. To create pathways for middle class families to thrive and see potential for economic growth, and provide opportunities for those in poverty to rise up into the security of the middle class.

I won’t promise anything that I can’t deliver, but I will always promise to do my best for Orange and the district.