© 2024 Connecticut Public

FCC Public Inspection Files:
WEDH · WEDN · WEDW · WEDY · WNPR
WPKT · WRLI-FM · WEDW-FM · Public Files Contact
ATSC 3.0 FAQ
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Connecticut Lawmakers To Restore Medicare Funding

Jessica Hill
/
AP

Connecticut lawmakers have rescheduled Friday’s special session for Monday because of the snow. The lawmakers want to use the session to restore funding to a program that helps elderly and disabled state residents cover Medicare expenses. 

Connecticut lawmakers need to fix the state’s Medicare Savings Program because of cuts they made to the program in the two-year state budget they passed last October. Governor Malloy has put off implementing the $54 million in cuts until the end of the fiscal year. He says he’s concerned that the legislature might restore the funding in a way that’s not fiscally sound. Malloy would prefer lawmakers deal with the deficit.

But Democratic Senate President Martin Looney says lawmakers are going ahead with their plan, saying, “The members of the General Assembly still would be willing to go forward with legislation to send a clear message to the seniors that we are attempting to change that part of the budget by statute, rather than having it just happen administratively.”

Looney says lawmakers will begin bipartisan discussions on the deficit. But nothing much can be done until after consensus figure on the state’s latest quarterly income tax receipts and some holiday sales tax receipts are in by mid-January. Connecticut’s deficit is currently estimated to be about $224 million for this fiscal year that ends on June 30.

Copyright 2018 WSHU

As WSHU Public Radio’s award-winning senior political reporter, Ebong Udoma draws on his extensive tenure to delve deep into state politics during a major election year. In addition to providing long-form reports and features for WSHU, he regularly contributes spot news to NPR, and has worked at the NPR National News Desk as part of NPR’s diversity initiative.

Stand up for civility

This news story is funded in large part by Connecticut Public’s Members — listeners, viewers, and readers like you who value fact-based journalism and trustworthy information.

We hope their support inspires you to donate so that we can continue telling stories that inform, educate, and inspire you and your neighbors. As a community-supported public media service, Connecticut Public has relied on donor support for more than 50 years.

Your donation today will allow us to continue this work on your behalf. Give today at any amount and join the 50,000 members who are building a better—and more civil—Connecticut to live, work, and play.

Related Content