State Sen. Len Fasano said the state budget process isn't bi-partisan.
The Connecticut Senate voted on Wednesday night in favor of a two-year, $40.3 billion Democratic budget. The vote came about a half-hour before the midnight adjournment on Wednesday.
Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano said bi-partisan committees draft most of the laws in Connecticut, except for when it comes to the budget. "[We] scatter; go into separate rooms," he said. "We knock; not allowed in. So we end up with a lopsided, one-sided document for which many people in the state of Connecticut -- press, and otherwise -- point, and say, what are you doing? I can't answer that question."
As the evening progressed, it appeared uncertain whether there would be enough time to pass the legislation.
The General Assembly's minority Republicans were still debating the bill, prompting Senate President Martin Looney to consider an unusual procedure to cut off debate and stop the discussion.
"Madam President," Looney told the chamber, "it is now after 11:00 pm, and pursuant to Senate Rule 29, when a question is under debate, a member can move --"
"What purpose do you rise, Senator Fasano?" Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman interrupted, as Fasano stood.
"Madam President, we stand at ease," said Fasano.
Following a short closing statement from Fasano, the budget passed 19 to 17, with two Democrats and all 15 Republicans voting against it.
Legislators said a special session to implement policies outlined in the budget will have to be called in the coming weeks.
Governor Dannel Malloy and Lt. Gov. Wyman plan to hold a news conference at the State Capitol on Thursday morning at 11:15 am to discuss the end of the session.
Watch the closing of the session below, via CT-N:
Heather Brandon contributed to this report, which includes information from The Associated Press.
