Governor claims she is covering all critical services – maybe she should talk to one of the 8,000 individuals who received notices that this important state employment program was shut down on June 30.
And then – to highlight her willingness to use the stimulus package inappropriately the response is that “the governor’s budget office contends some of the $30 million in Workforce Investment Act funds the state allocated on June 19 can be used to fund the state program”.
But Thomas Phillips, president and CEO of Capital Workforce Partners, says that’s not the case….
aw, why let silly things like the law get in the way of good rhetoric.
As the legislative special session continues, Connecticut nonprofits are worried their budgets are on the chopping block.
On May 28, Gov. M. Jodi Rell proposed zero funding for all state cultural institutions. For some, including The Maritime Aquarium, this means a questionable future. The Aquarium receives $675,000 from the state.
“If we were to lose that from our budget, it would leave a huge hole, and I’m not sure how we’d make it up,” said Jennifer Herring, executive director of The Aquarium. “We’d have to close exhibits or discontinue major programs. It would put us in a downward spiral that could seriously affect our long-term viability.”
In November, the Aquarium cut 15 percent of its staff to offset decreased visitors and private donations.
“We did what we had to do to sustain ourselves in this kind of economy,” Herring said. “There is no more cutting we can do without cutting off an arm or a leg. We’re down to the bone right now.”
According to Herring, The Aquarium contributes $42 million to the state’s economy and created 392 jobs, including those affected by The Aquarium’s presence in South Norwalk, such as restaurant employees, making it an anchor to South Norwalk businesses.
“There are lots and lots of reasons not to deal us such a devastating blow.”
The budget proposed by Democrats gave The Aquarium $600,000 in funding.
“We could live with that,” Herring said. “If our budget was cut in half, or if it went away all together, it would be really, really difficult.”
Other nonprofits across the state are equally concerned about their viability due to the unresolved budget.
“While we recognize the fiscal challenges facing our state, we implore our elected officials to put aside their differences to preserve the essential health and human services that our citizens need and deserve,” said Ron Cretaro, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Nonprofits.
“Chronic underfunding, along with budget cuts, have destabilized many of Connecticut’s nonprofit human service organizations,” Cretaro said. “Additional cuts to Connecticut’s safety net would have devastating consequences.”
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