Malloy vetoes bill restoring Medicare assistance funds
HARTFORD (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy has vetoed a bill that restored $54 million to a program that helps more than 100,000 seniors and people with disabilities pay for Medicare-related expenses.
The Democrat said Tuesday the bipartisan budget changes state lawmakers made to fully fund the program "are wishful thinking, double-counting, and pushing problems off into the future." Both Democrats and Republicans disagree with Malloy's characterization.
Malloy's veto is not a surprise. He had urged lawmakers not to pass the bill, telling them he delayed the program cut until July 1.
Also Tuesday, new revenue estimates show Connecticut's budget reserve account has grown to nearly $900 million, due to unexpected income tax revenues. However, new budget rules prevent that money from being used to address the current, approximate $260 million deficit.
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