Governor Malloy Wraps Up His First Session

The first legislative session under Democratic Governor Dannel Malloy ended at midnight on Wednesday. He says his proudest accomplishments include getting a budget deal with lawmakers and getting a paid sick day bill passed. But as WNPR's Tucker Ives reports, the legislature's work might not be done.

 

One big piece of the state budget is still missing and that's a concessions agreement with unions. If it isn't ratified by state employees, Governor Malloy says a special session will be needed to close the 1.6 billion dollar gap over the next two years.

 

"Listen, we get ratification and we're done. If we don't get ratification then there are additional steps to take."

 

Without an agreement, Malloy says thousands would be laid off.

 

"I'm not bullying anybody. Talking in real terms and telling the truth is not bullying." 

 

The unions are expected to vote on the concessions agreement by the end of the month.  If the deal is approved, Malloy is expecting the state will have a budget surplus in the near future. 

 

Meanwhile, the paid sick day bill is still drawing criticism from the business community.The Connecticut Business and Industry Association says the mandate will hurt job growth. Malloy defended the bill and says the CBIA looks at the glass half empty.

 

"They have a business model that requires that they warn people of threats that don't exist and they're very good at it."

 

Looking ahead, the Governor wants the legislature to take up education reform, which was abandoned by the General Assembly before the session ended.