FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: CHRIS HEALY (860) 826-7378

AUGUST 24, 2010

WHAT’S THE DEAL, DAN?

Now that he has pocketed $6 million in taxpayer’s money, Democrat Dan Malloy owes the voters an explanation on what he promised to the public sector employees to earn their whole-hearted support – and whether he will protect them from the budget axe, according to Republican State Party Chairman Chris Healy Tuesday.

“On primary day, Malloy marched on the picket line with a radical union whose work in Connecticut totals nearly $1 billion in taxpayer funded programs,” said Healy. “A week after the primary, the AFL-CIO endorsed his candidacy.”

The public sector unions have much at stake in this Election as voters find out about their off the charts compensation, generous benefit packages and unwillingness to acknowledge the burden it has created toward a balanced budget.

“The voters of Connecticut have a right to know: What’s the deal, Dan?” asked Healy. “What did Dan Malloy have to do, say, or promise to do on behalf of state labor leaders, to win their undying support?

Next year, most of the state union contracts will be open for negotiations, providing a critical opportunity for labor and management to work on an agreement that deals with a projected $3 to $4 billion budget deficit.

“Tom Foley has said that everything should be on the table and that the rank and file members of the various state unions must be willing to work together toward deficit reduction and long-term reform,” said Healy. “Where is the commitment from Dan Malloy?

Healy said Malloy has been pretty quiet of late, counting his newfound campaign windfall, courtesy of the Democrats in the Legislature and good polling data that shows him ahead.

“The Democrats are trying to buy this election for Dan Malloy with our money, the least he can do is tell us what sacred budget cows he won’t sacrifice if he is Governor,” said Healy. “Sadly, by his actions, Malloy has signed up the public union team, obfuscated about where he would cut spending – all while pocketing $6 million in taxpayer money when the state is broke. That’s not leadership.”

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