All families are being hit hard by this recession. Connecticut state government is no different, and we have immense budget deficits for this year and next. I want to share some ideas about how we can close these budget gaps without raising taxes.

State Senator John A. Kissel, R-Enfield, said that today’s announcement by Gov. M. Jodi Rell that the state’s projected budget deficit for FY 2010 of approximately $2.6 billion is well beyond what most experts predicted just two months ago. Sen. Kissel said that the legislature must work with the governor to do everything possible to weather this massive fiscal storm.

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) said he is looking forward to the opportunity to play a role in mitigating the state budget deficit during the upcoming special legislative session called by Governor M. Jodi Rell for that purpose.

I would like to thank the people of Stratford, Shelton, Monroe, and Seymour for re-electing me for a second term as state senator. I am honored to continue serving the people of our towns, and humbled by the trust that has been given to me.

Connecticut is facing many challenges right now, and we need practical solutions for these trying times—not partisan attacks or negative campaigning. I am focusing on the ideas that will help our families and address the three major challenges facing Connecticut: improving the economy, lowering energy prices, and eliminating the state budget deficit without raising taxes.

Hartford, CT – State Senator John McKinney (R-Fairfield) today applauded the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) decision to scrap plans to build an unsightly two-story truck stop and commuter rest area over and around the North Benson Road Exit off I-95 in Fairfield.

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) and Representative Sean Williams (R-68) last week honored Watertown Police Officer Jeffrey Desena for rescuing a baby from a burning building by inviting him to the State Capitol to meet Governor M. Jodi Rell.

Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26), a co-sponsor of the 1995 legislation that named Prudence Crandall Connecticut’s official state heroine, said she was proud to attend today’s ceremony dedicating the statue recently installed in the State Capitol in honor of the abolitionist and educator.

Hartford, CT – State Senator Robert D. Russo (R-Bridgeport) today called on the Connecticut Department of Public Utility Control (DPUC) to deny the most recent rate increase request by United Illuminating (UI). Senator Russo has received a number of calls and emails from constituents after they received a letter from UI notifying them of the potential increase in their electric bills. His comments come three days before the DPUC is scheduled to hold a public hearing on the proposal.

With loses on Wall Street continuing to mount and economic indicators such as job creation and the housing market pointing downward, it goes without much saying that the troubles with the economy are having an effect on just about everyone. During this period of uncertainty, families and businesses alike are forced to make changes in the way they manage their expenses. The old adage “tightening of the belt” quickly comes to mind.

Senator Judith G. Freedman (R-26) and Representative John Hetherington (R-125) have formally asked the co-chairs of the General Assembly’s Government Administration & Elections Committee (GAE) to hold an informational public hearing to “review possible voter registration irregularities in Connecticut.

Bridgeport, CT – State Senator Robert D. Russo (R-Bridgeport) announced last week he successfully secured a $5 million dollar low-interest loan to help keep Lacey Manufacturing and its 250 jobs in Bridgeport. The loan was approved by the state and is the result of the combined efforts of Senator Russo, Governor Rell, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Connecticut Development Authority.

Senator Rob Kane (R-32), a ranking member of the General Assembly’s Banks Committee, said Connecticut homebuyers will benefit from provisions of a comprehensive new state law that clearly describes the responsibilities of mortgage brokers.

Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that the state has approved a $5 million low-interest loan to Precision Engineered Products LLC (PEP) to help the company purchase Lacey Manufacturing, a move that will retain 250 jobs in Bridgeport.

HARTFORD – Promising to lead by example in the face of worsening economics for Connecticut families and workers, House and Senate Republicans today proposed spending cuts to eliminate the projected $300 million budget deficit and highlighted government spending and Capitol projects the state cannot afford.

Economic times are tough, and your family is likely tightening up its spending to make sure you can make ends meet. State government needs to do the same—with budget deficits starting to grow, we need to cut state spending to ensure we do not have to raise taxes or face massive state layoffs.

Senator Sam Caligiuri (R-16) said he is “disappointed and dismayed” by today’s State Supreme Court decision stating that same sex marriage is a legal right in Connecticut.

State Senate Minority Leader John McKinney (R-Fairfield): “While I believe these decisions are better left to elected representatives, it is ultimately the province of the State Supreme Court to interpret our constitution. The Court carried-out that responsibility today and ruled that the institution of marriage in Connecticut must include same sex couples. Whether people agree or disagree, we all need to respect the Court’s decision and abide by the ruling.”

Hartford, CT – State Senator Len Fasano (R-34) and Representative Steve Fontana (D-87) applauded new efforts by the state Department of Transportation Wednesday to improve safety along I-91. The State DOT announced this week it will develop plans to install and upgrade new guide railings in a number of Connecticut communities. Upgrades would be done on guide railings in Meriden, Wallingford and Cromwell. Additionally, median guides would be installed on I-91 in Wallingford, North Haven and Rocky Hill.

Like the rest of the country, the economy is the number one issue that I hear about from people these days as I meet them out in the communities that I represent. It is obvious that our national economy is suffering, but it is also becoming more evident every day that the Connecticut economy – and the state budget that depends on it – are also in serious trouble.

Senator Rob Kane (R-32) said the General Assembly should act as soon as possible to address the state government’s budget deficit, and applauded Governor M. Jodi Rell’s decision to use her authority to immediately cut spending.