Former Stamford Mayor and potential candidate for Governor Dan Malloy today released the following statement in anticipation of Governor Rell’s State of the State address on Wednesday afternoon:

“Yesterday Governor Rell said her budget speech this week would contain ‘no big surprises.’ Based on what the people of Connecticut have seen the last few years, perhaps we could use a surprise or two.

“One year ago, the Governor went on TV and spoke to the people of Connecticut about our state’s budget problems.  She said her budget would allow us to do more with less.  She said we would find opportunity within our challenges.  She said her budget would serve as a blueprint for the future. In short, the Governor promised answers.

“Unfortunately, just two days later, we got no such thing.  What we did get was a budget that was more than $2 billion out of balance.  We then had to wait six months before the Governor’s administration would admit the numbers were wrong and face reality, during which time tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars were wasted and vital social services were cut.  It was all so unnecessary.

“Tomorrow, I’m hoping things go differently.  I’m hoping that the Governor puts forth a budget plan that recognizes the gravity of our economic problems and provides a roadmap for how we’re going to begin to get past them.

“Everyone’s aware of just how tough a road we have ahead of us.  With billions in unfunded pension obligations, worsening revenue projections, and the possibility of a downgraded bond rating – it’s clear that tough decisions will have to be made.  I think families in Connecticut are ready to have that conversation, because they’re having similar talks among themselves each night already.  They know we need to sacrifice, but they need leaders with the courage to face reality and speak honestly about what must be done.

“We need to do two things immediately: fix the state budget, and get serious about creating jobs.  To the former, everything needs to be on the table for discussion…except cuts to the state’s most vulnerable population: those who are served by our community non-profit providers.  To the latter – job creation – I hope we’ll hear some creative, smart, tested strategies for fostering economic development.

“It’s true that we’re facing unprecedented economic challenges.  It’s also true that we can meet them.  But not if we play politics as usual.”