Lawmakers set aside June 29 for possible budget vote State elections panel denies Ganim bid for public financing
Hartford (AP) — At least one group of Connecticut legislators says it’s pushing forward with a possible state budget vote before the fiscal year ends June 30, even though there’s currently no agreement.
Democratic leaders of the House of Representatives said Thursday their rank-andfile members prefer voting June 29 on a new two-yearbudget rather than allowing Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy to use his executive authority to temporarily run state government.
If no budget agreement is ready next week, House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz says lawmakers may instead vote on a “continuing resolution” to keep government running.
But a Malloy spokeswoman says the governor won’t consider any budget — long- or short-term — that “adds to our fiscal challenges.”
Senate Democrats have asked their members to reserve June 29 for a potential session.
Bridgeport (AP) — Connecticut’s Elections Enforcement Commission has ruled that convicted felon and Bridgeport Mayor Joe Ganim is not eligible for public financing should he run for statewide office.
The commission on Wednesday voted to reject the Democrat’s request to lift a ban barring public officials convicted of crimes related to their office from participating in Connecticut’s Citizens’ Elections Program.
Ganim told the Connecticut Post the ruling is “disappointing but not surprising” and he may take the matter to court.
Ganim served seven years in prison after being convicted in 2003 of racketeering, extortion, bribery and other charges for offenses during his first stint as mayor of the state’s largest city. He served his time and was re-elected in 2015.
He has said he is considering a run for governor next year.