Speaker James Amann, D-Milford, adjourned the session at midnight Thursday and asked members of the House to come back at 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon for the start of special session.
Amann said at 1:15 a.m. he was going to continue budget discussions with the governor’s office and Republican leaders. He said the two sides are close and are looking closely to see if the budget will balance in the second year. He said right now the only tax on the table is the cigarette tax. If the three sides reach an agreement then Amann will have to bring the budget back to the caucus for their blessing.
While House Minority Leader Lawrence Cafero, R-Norwalk, also seemed optimistic the sides were close to an agreement, he said he’s been around long enough to know “these things could fall apart,” just as soon as they come together.
Up in the Senate, Senate President Donald Williams’ chief of staff Patrick Scully was surprised to hear that his colleagues in the House were having a budget meeting at 1:15 a.m. He said the Senate leadership was not a part of the meeting. He also said that there will be no Senate session tomorrow.
More information on what the House and Senate didn’t get passed will be available tomorrow.
