State Unions Reject Concession Offer In Connecticut

HARTFORD, CT (CBSNewYork / AP) - A union vote sank a $2 billion labor concessions deal that Connecticut Gov. Dan Malloy was relying on to balance the budget, and he has called lawmakers back in session next week to give him authority to make more cuts.

Some Connecticut lawmakers, many of them big union supporters, are scratching their heads. They can't understand why state workers would turn down a package that offers them job stability, even raises starting in their third year out.

But the unions have voted to reject that and now Malloy turns to plan B.

That calls for eliminating more than 7,500 state jobs.

WCBS 880 Connecticut Bureau Chief Fran Schneidau With The Story

Most municipal leaders are asking how will this will affect them locally.

Ridgefield first selectman Rudy Marconi says, "What does that do to our budgets and what kind of an arrangement can we make with the state of Connecticut?"

He also said, "Believe me. We have made adjustments at the local level that have been more severe than what the state employees were asked to accept."

Malloy has said he will try to minimize the impact of his cuts on aid to cities and towns.

Meanwhile, a Hartford Superior Court judge says he will rule shortly on a motion to dismiss a challenge to the constitutionality of Connecticut's budget.

Judge James Graham heard arguments Friday morning and said he will issue a ruling in the afternoon.

Republican state lawmakers and a conservative think tank that filed the lawsuit say a $2 billion shortfall in the budget signed by Malloy violates a balanced budget law. The attorney general's office says the budget process is still under way and no law has been broken.

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