State government leaders are coping with widespread budget shortfalls triggered by rising foreclosures and falling home values — both of which erode property tax revenue and reduce state revenue — in a variety of ways.
But balanced budgets — which are legally mandated in most, if not all, states — are never easy to accomplish; they usually consist of some combination of higher taxes and controversial cuts in social services. Read more »
Apparently, closing Connecticut’s budget shortfall of $1.35 billion this year is more important to the state’s governor than whether a bunch of drunk drivers are unleashed on Connecticut roads after drinking and gambling all night.
Governor Jody Rell has proposed 24-hour bar service at the state’s two casinos to match the round-the-clock legal drinking that already exists in Las Vegas and Atlantic City.
Right now, Connecticut’s casino the bars shut down at 1 a.m. on weekdays and at 2 a.m. on weekends. Democratic lawmakers want to keep it that way, arguing that to do otherwise would require more money be spent on law enforcement, patrols and DUI roadblocks.
“Drinking and gambling all night is not a responsible response to our deficit crisis,” said Senate President Pro Tem Donald Williams, the highest-ranking senator.
I have to agree. What is she thinking? This sounds like an incredibly shortsighted idea. We need to balance the state budget, but not with complete disregard for any other objective. Promoting all-night drinking at casinos just runs contrary to everything a lot of groups like Mothers Against Drunk Driving and the state police have worked hard for years to accomplish ⎯ a reduction in the tragic and senseless loss of lives due to drunk driving.
What kind of message does the governor’s proposal send? That state revenue trumps saving lives?
