Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s administration released yesterday a $170 million list of cuts from state agencies in attempt to address the $365 million projected budget deficit for the 2013 fiscal year.
The bulk of the cuts were made to social service agencies, state employee health services and higher education funding.
Next month the legislature is expected to make the remaining $200 million in cuts to balance the budget, as Malloy has previously pledged that there will be no tax increases.
According to state reports, the projected deficit is primarily due to increased demand for Medicaid services due to long-term unemployment.
“Many of these cuts are very difficult to make, especially now when so many residents continue to struggle in a tough economy,” said Ben Barnes, Office of Policy and Management secretary, in a press release. “But as painful as they are, cuts are necessary to keep this year”™s budget in balance. State government needs to live within its means.”
