HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — With the long Memorial Day weekend upon us, the state budget crisis is casting a dark shadow on Connecticut’s state parks.  Last year’s state budget brought cutbacks in the system of 110 state parks and 30 state forests.   People visit Connecticut state parks between 8 and 9 million times a year.  More than 2 million at Hammonasett State Park alone.

Last year the state cut back on lifeguards at the state park beaches so that they are only staffed Wednesday through Sunday during the peak summer season. There are only about 35 park maintainers for the entire state park system after the layoff of 12 earlier this month. One State Rep. says the cutbacks mean fewer lawn cuts.  “It was kind of chilling to see every single camp site with grass knee high,” said Rep. Melissa Ziobron (R-East Haddam).
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Possible Impact On Income Tax: Wealthiest Waiting For Trump Tax Cut

Chris Keating, Hartford Courant, May 26,

As concern grows over millionaire residents leaving Connecticut and income tax revenue plummets, the state has a new worry – its wealthiest residents might be delaying some financial decisions until tax cuts promised by President Donald Trump are enacted.

The combined result has meant the state was short by an unexpected $450 million in income tax collections recently, forcing the projected deficits to increase for both the current fiscal year and the next two years. The shortfall has had a direct impact as legislators struggle in the coming weeks to close a deficit that is now projected at more than $2 billion for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.
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