(Hartford, Connecticut) —  Today, the Connecticut Democratic Party released the following statement from Executive Director Jonathan Harris.

“On the Sunday, July 28 broadcast of WFSB’s ‘Face the State’, when asked by Dennis House ‘If elected, which measures implemented by Governor Malloy would you rollback or undo?’

“Sen. McKinney said as governor, ‘I’m going to reduce taxes by cutting spending at the state level.’

“Here are three examples of the kind of cuts he’d make:

“Sen. McKinney favored a large-scale cut to bus operations totaling $25.2 million. Bus ridership exceeded 3.4 million in 2012, and continues to grow substantially each year.

“Sen. McKinney cut the Connecticut Independent College Student grant.  This grant awards monies to worthy college students for use towards attending independent colleges and universities in the state.  Studies repeatedly show that college graduates are more likely to be employed; live longer, healthier lives; and have a more secure retirement.

“Sen. McKinney cut community residential services for disabled adults by $186 million.”   

According to the CT Mirror, Connecticut has the second-highest number of people with developmental disabilities living in state-run residential facilities in the country.  The expense of contracting these services to a private group home — through community residential services which Sen. McKinney cut  — is 2.5 times less expensive for the state.  Even Sen. McKinney’s colleague, Sen. John Kissel, agrees: “One thing that jumped out at me is the quality assurance when comparing public vs. private,” he said.  

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