In a recent editorial, The Day contended the governor’s low approval ratings and constant budgetary crises were signals that he needed to change direction. He has.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy this past week called for bipartisan budget talks, stating that the discussions should not only address current budget shortfalls but begin a dialogue about what the state can afford.

This is a welcomed change. The Democratic majority and governor excluded the Republican minority from the budget negotiations that led to a $40 billion spending plan over two years and more increases in taxes. While the governor characterized Republican alternative spending plans as unserious, he also never put the Republicans in a position in having to defend them. He simply dismissed them.

As a result, the governor and his fellow Democrats were left owning the budget and it was not an attractive purchase.

Less than one-third of the way into the fiscal year the state has faced emergency adjustments twice. A few weeks ago the governor saved $103 million with unpopular cuts in Medicaid revenue to hospitals, funding for social services and aid to cities and towns.

Last week, in making his call for bipartisan talks and a subsequent special session, Gov. Malloy said another $118.4 million in cuts are necessary due to a drop in state income tax revenue.

In calling Republicans to the table, the governor said he was “calling their bluff.” There is some truth to that. After making political hay with the budget problems facing the administration, Republicans now need to offer serious suggestions.

Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, said the talks should target finding $400 million in savings, providing a buffer to avoid more budgetary problems a few months from now. It’s a good suggestion.

Not terribly helpful was Democratic House Speaker Brendan Sharkey’s call for a 2.5 percent across-the-board cut to save $125 million. That’s a cop out. Lawmakers and the governor need to make the tough decisions where to cut.

Gov. Malloy was correct in putting everything on the table, except another tax increase.

And he sent the right signal by postponing raises for about 1,600 non-union managers, saving $5 million this fiscal year.

The public should welcome this change in direction, while greeting it with a dose of prudent skepticism.