March 5, 2009 - Governor's Weekly Radio Address - Closing the Budget Gap

Click here to listen to this address.

I recently announced my Administration's plan to close the state's most recent $650 million budget gap. Earlier, I shared with the Legislature how we would cover an additional $1.2 billion shortfall through reductions in state spending, while still preserving essential services and the well-being of our residents. 

To close the $650 million budget gap for Fiscal Years 2010 and 11, we are proposing a series of creative and responsible ways to reach a balanced budget, as required by the state constitution.

By taking maximum advantage of federal stimulus funds, our team was able to close the budget gap without the addition of any new taxes, without laying off state employees, and without any further reduction in essential public services.

Working collaboratively with legislators, union leaders, county mayors and social service organizations, we will come out of these tough times stronger than ever.