So, I've covered a few of Rell's budget proposals now, and this one is definitely different than the rest.
If Rell has her way, big changes are in store for state government.
One thing Rell is proposing is the consolidation or elimination of 23 state agencies. Say goodbye to the Commission on Aging or the Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs Commission. The Office of the Child Advocate would be folded into the attorney general's office, and the Department of Higher Education would merge with the Department of Education.
Do you have any worries about the departments being eliminated or consolidated?
Merging the departments concerns some, but I think many more are bothered by the jobs that would be lost. About 400 jobs would be eliminated and 448 vacant position would also eliminated. During tough economic times, I think many are wondering if this is the way to go.
I could go on and on about Rell's proposals. There is no tax increase in the budget, but the fees for virtually all licenses and permits would be increased, etc.
But there is one proposal that stands out because it singles out only two Connecticut communities: Meriden and Bristol. Rell wants to eliminate the courthouses in the two towns, bringing matters normally discussed there to other nearby courthouses. Meriden matters would be divided between three courthouses. Madison, Meriden and Wallingford matters would be handled in Middletown, while Cheshire issues would be heard in Waterbury. New Haven would handle Hamden and North Haven cases.
The savings attached to the consolidation is $2.8 million annually.
Is closing the Meriden courthouse something that should be considered? How would it affect downtown business owners who rely on court employees and those serving on jury duty as customers?
I'm sure I'll have more to say about the budget tomorrow, but let's take it issue by issue on this blog. I am hoping for exchange on these topics!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
I think government has to change---it needs to become leaner. I am certainly not in favor of lost jobs, however, if the changes will reduce waste and decrease the amount of government, then I'm for it.
I think people should be more concerned with what's going on in Washington right now, which will ultimately affect all Americans. The unprecedented amount of new, wasteful spending that is being promoted by liberals like Pelosi should be of tremendous worry to us all.
Let's be honest, downtown Meriden has been dead for years...no one who doesn't live down there spends any time in those shops or restaurants. The fact that they have to rely on captive jurors for the majority of their business should be an indication that downtown isn't working.
Close the courthouse and concentrating on fixing the rest of Meriden. It's too late to save downtown.
Gotta agree with the above post. Tell it like it is - downtown Meriden is dead!!! Kudos to Rell, at least she has a of pair what our local legislators don't.
Post a Comment