Episode Information

The state budget has gone from a $250 million surplus - to a much smaller surplus earlier in the week - and now to a $19 million deficit.

Democratic lawmakers are now proposing a "tax amnesty" plan to help close the gap...it would allow people to pay back taxes and avoid penalties. Such a plan has worked - short term - to generate revenues in the past. Why the scramble for cash? Well, Governor Rell now says she'll veto a crime bill which has been the signature issue of this year's session - because the state can't pay for the millions of dollars in new police and prosecutors.

Also - towns and cities are getting worried - saying they're relying on state money to come through - if it doesn't, it means property tax increases on residents. Today, speaker of the house Jim Amann joins us with an update.He announced recently he was going to retire from his post after this term is up - and he's considering a run for Governor.

Speaking of taxes, the advocacy group Connecticut Voices for Children has a new report saying that the poor and middle class are shouldering the burden of the state tax system. Shelly Geballe talks about the state's tax and spending plans, and how it's effecting the poor and middle class.