Connecticut Gov. Signs Exec. Order Taking Over Spending After State Fails To Pass Budget

With Maine looking like it will be the first state to shut down heading into the new fiscal year on Saturday morning and perhaps beating Illinois to the punch, moments ago Connecticut, as previewed last night, will also enter the new fiscal year without a budget, inviting rating agencies to downgrade it to Illinois' "barely junk" rating or perhaps making CT the first US junk-rated state.

Lawmakers and the governor had been unable to reach an agreement on a two-year budget that will cover a projected $5 billion deficit for months, and not even the threat of the new year prompted them to move as we expected.

Meanwhile, Governor Malloy signed an executive order taking over the state's spending authority which will cut most services but at least keeps the government open. From Reuters:
CONNECTICUT GOVERNOR SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO TAKE CONTROL OF STATE SPENDING AFTER FAILURE TO PASS FY 2018/19 BIENNIAL BUDGET
CONNECTICUT EMERGENCY SPENDING PLAN KEEPS STATE GOVERNMENT OPEN BUT CUTS SERVICES

As a result of the failure to pass a budget, AP reports that nonprofit social service agencies that rely on state funds are preparing for deep cuts. Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, who wanted the General Assembly to at least pass a proposed three-month mini-budget, is expected to reluctantly sign an executive order that maintains only essential state services.

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