March 18, 2009

LATINO GROUPS PROTEST BUDGET CUTS

By Jodi Latina, News Channel 8

Hartford (WTNH) – Hispanic lawmakers and several Latino and Puerto Rican Affairs groups say they are angry about the lack of funding for Latino-based agencies around the state.

News Channel 8 recently profiled a New Haven-based agency called Junta that may have to close down because they rely so heavily on state assistance. Junta serves about 5,000 people in the greater New Haven area and helps with everything from learning English as a second language to helping families with financial guidance so they don't lose their homes.

But Gov. Rell's budget cuts Junta's funding along with other Latino programs.

"We can not be cutting our state budget at the expense of people at the bottom. It is the worst thing we could do in a recession. People are already at the margins and living on the edge," said state Rep. Denise Merill (D-House Minority Leader).

A spokesperson for Gov. Rell says these tough cuts must be made so that businesses and residents will not see a tax increase.

Governor Rell would have loved to have provided budget increases to Junta and a host of other worthy groups and organizations. The governor feels that these programs provide valuable services, but the bottom line is we just don't have the money this year to fully fund everything.