Republicans propose more money for schools, but cuts to healthcare for immigrants

GOP leaders said this is necessary because tax revenues are falling. But the last-minute proposal received a lukewarm response from Democrats, including Governor Ned Lamont.

EXPENDITURE INCREASES

The GOP budget spends nearly $300 million more on schools — including underfunded special education programs, as well as magnet and charter schools. Ambulance providers would also receive $5 million in additional reimbursements, and $3.6 million would go toward Early Voting implementation.

It accomplishes all that while staying under strict state spending limits known as “fiscal guardrails.”

CONTROVERSIAL CIRCUMSTANCE

But to make the math work, Republicans are also calling for deep cuts. Most are non-starters for majority Democrats.

That includes leaving 11,000 undocumented children out of HUSKY Medicaid. Currently, children 12 and under are eligible. In July, the age limit will be increased to 15 years. Republican lawmakers said the state simply can’t afford it.

“The legislation that was passed initially said the free health care would cost about $7 million,” said State Rep. Tammy Nuccio (R-Tolland). “That number is actually closer to $50 million.”

Republicans estimate the move would save $45 million next year, but doctors warn it could backfire if more undocumented immigrants show up in emergency rooms. “One of the economic analyzes shows that insurance saves about $2,800 per insured child per year,” said Dr. Leonela Villegas, a pediatrician at Connecticut Children’s Hospital in Hartford. “Having health care is a fundamental right. Second, these are the most vulnerable populations in our community.”

The GOP plan also cancels an $8 million expansion of HUSKY C eligibility for seniors and disabled patients, cuts $26 million in unfilled state jobs and cuts $8.5 million to arts and tourism groups. It would repeal free phone calls from prison and other programs for inmates, saving the state $5.7 million next year.

LAST MINUTE BUDGET

Republican leaders said they made a last-minute proposal because Democrats offered no budget at all, choosing to stick with the existing two-year spending plan despite declining tax revenues.

“Someone in this building has to be an adult.” said state Rep. Holly Cheeseman (R-East Lyme), the top Republican on the Legislature’s tax committee. “And if it has to be our caucus, then so be it.”

Democratic leaders plan to use up to $400 million in pandemic relief money from Washington, due to be spent by the end of this year, to support public colleges, local schools and nonprofits. Republicans warned that using one-time money for current spending could lead Connecticut to deficits next year.

“If we don’t act today, we will jeopardize the ‘fiscal guardrails’ and put our budget at risk,” said State Rep. Vin Candelora (R-North Branford), the minority leader of the Connecticut House. “Buying your head in the sand and doing nothing and spending the last tranche of federal money we have is not good fiscal policy.”

LAW RECEPTION FROM DEMOCRATS

Democratic leaders said they are open to discussions with their Republican Party counterparts but said Medicaid cuts are off the table.

“Politically, that works for them,” said state Rep. Jason Rojas (D-East Hartford), the House majority leader. “I think ethically – and as human beings – these are individuals who need health care. And we will all pay for it one way or another.”

House Speaker Matt Ritter said reopening the budget this late in the session would be “difficult.”

“We’ll take a look at it,” he said. “If they have good ideas, we will always look at them.”

The Lamont administration said it “appreciated” the efforts but rejected the proposal.

“While we may not agree with all of the adjustments proposed by House Republicans, the Legislature has indicated that it will maintain the fiscal year 2025 approved budget without revision,” said Chris Collibee, a spokesman for the Lamont budget office. “To that end, we are working with legislative leadership to direct resources to priorities in the coming year, while adhering to the Governor’s commitment to a fairly balanced budget.”

Ritter predicted that lawmakers will vote on spending revisions late next week. If no deal is reached, the existing budget will remain in place, which could lead to tuition increases at public colleges.