HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democratic legislative leaders say they're close to reaching a deal with Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's administration on a two-year budget.
House Speaker Joe Aresimowicz said Thursday he's optimistic the Democratic-controlled General Assembly will pass a deal reached with the Democratic governor before the regular legislative session adjourns on June 5.
Lamont, his budget secretary and top Democratic legislators plan to hold a media availability regarding the budget on Thursday at 4 p.m. in the governor's office.
Unlike the previous two years, when Republicans held more seats in the House of Representatives and Senate, the GOP has not been part of the final budget talks. Republicans have been critical of the spending and tax increases included in the Democratic plans that have advanced out of the budget-writing legislative committees.