There’s always room for pork / ‘Crisis’ budget still contains earmarks for Democratic districts

By Keith M. Phaneuf
Journal Inquirer

Published: Tuesday, September 1, 2009 9:38 AM EDT

HARTFORD — A budget that includes cuts to social services and town aid along with the largest tax hike in state history didn’t stop the Democrat-controlled General Assembly from endorsing nearly $1.5 million for pet projects in lawmakers’ home districts.

In the same budget that lawmakers cut $3 billion over two years from spending needed to maintain programs, there still was money for a nature center in Ansonia, the YMCA in Westbrook, and a Neighborhood Revitalization program in Waterbury.

The Manchester Area Conference of Churches was another winner, gaining $150,000 over two years for its food pantry.

“Ladies and gentlemen of the chamber, here’s what’s wrong about government,” House Minority Leader Lawrence F. Cafero, R-Norwalk, said as he outlined and protested against the various earmarks.

“I’m sure most of us have a YMCA in our districts. I bet most of us have food pantries in need in these tough times. Not all of us are getting this money,” he said.

Democrats, who control two-thirds of both the House and the Senate, focused those dollars on projects in their own districts, Cafero said, contrasting it with Democratic leaders’ public comments for a budget that balances sacrifices among various constituent groups.

“There are winners and losers here,” he said. “That’s not the way a budget that ‘shares the pain’ should be.”

As Cafero asked Rep. John Geragosian, D-New Britain, co-chairman of the Appropriations Committee, to explain how Manchester and Westbrook “got so lucky,” Geragosian replied: “I’m not sure.”

Rep. Ryan P. Barry, D-Manchester, whose community benefited, said afterward that “the budget’s a pretty complex document,” and communities with a strong Republican base have benefited on many occasions from Gov. M. Jodi Rell’s influence.

Barry also noted the additional funding for his community involves a nonprofit that provides crucial assistance for the some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.

“I don’t think there’s anything wrong with helping the most needy among us,” he said.There’s always room for pork