Conn. Gov to Cut Agencies by 30 Percent

Gov. Dannel Malloy's new budget calls for whittling 81 state agencies down to 57.

The government restructuring plan released Thursday is a key component of Malloy's budget proposal, which will be unveiled on Feb. 16.

Benjamin Barnes, Malloy's budget director, told the AP the changes could save the state $10 million in the first year of the two-year budget.

The plan restructures how the duties of 27 existing agencies will be perfomed.

For instance, the duties of the Board of Education and Services for the Blind would be split between the Department of Education and the Department of Social Services. 

“This is a large shake-up, and I know there will be a number of questions. In the coming weeks and months, I’m going to be talking to people all across the state about my plan for a more streamlined and efficient Connecticut state government. But make no mistake – I am serious about these proposals, and I am ready to work with the committees of cognizance in the legislature to make this happen,” Malloy said.

Changes include a new agency, the Office of Governmental Responsibility, which will be made up of the freedom of information, ethics, and elections enforcement commissions, and the contracting standards board and judicial review council.  

You can review the governor's plan here.

The savings figure does not include higher education mergers.

While the $10 million in savings pales compared to the projected $3.5 billion budget deficit, Barnes said the administration hopes to improve operations and generate more efficiencies over time.

Malloy said he has reduced the governor's office staff by 15 percent.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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