Connecticut lawmakers pass plan to close budget deficit

December 07, 2015 11:00 pm • Last Updated: December 08, 2015 10:10 pm

By By SUSAN HAIGH, Associated Press

State Rep. Catherine Abercrombie D-Meriden, looks to Rep. Toni Walker, D-New Haven, left as she answers questions about cuts to the University of Connecticut during a special session on a plan to close a projected $350 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year, at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, in Hartford. (Jessica Hill/AP Photo)

Hartford — The Connecticut General Assembly has passed a $350 million plan to close a budget shortfall in the current $20 billion state budget.

The Democratic-controlled House of Representatives approved the deficit-cutting package during Tuesday's special session on a mostly party-line vote of 75-65. It cleared the Senate earlier by a vote of 20-15.

Lawmakers hoped to reach a bipartisan agreement, but House Minority leader Themis Klarides said Republicans and Democrats differed on approaches to fixing the state's budget problems.

Klarides and other Republicans expressed disappointment that the plan doesn't make structural changes to the budget.

But House Majority Leader Joe Aresimowicz said 90 percent of the package was agreed to by both sides.

The bill now moves to Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who said he will sign it.

People from the organization CT Parent Power hold signs inside the Hall of the House during a special session at the state Capitol, Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015, in Hartford. State lawmakers returned to the Capitol Tuesday for a special legislative session on a plan to close a projected $350 million budget deficit in the current fiscal year. (Jessica Hill/AP Photo)

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