"Conn. governor's approach to budget mess is unique"

AP:

While other governors are waging tense battles with state employees, proposing deep spending cuts and taking no-tax-increase pledges to cover their budget shortfalls, Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy - whose wealthy state faces the largest per capita deficit in the nation - is taking a different tack.

The state's first Democratic governor in two decades, Malloy is unapologetic about proposing a budget that raises taxes on everything from personal income to haircuts. And while he's calling for $2 billion in savings and labor concessions over two years from state employees, Malloy acknowledges he doesn't want to carry through on a threat to lay off thousands if a deal can't be reached.

Malloy also admits he's "not one of those people who dislikes government," a defiant political statement these days given the national tea party movement and demands for major cuts in government spending.

"I think we're a very different state. I think our people want different things and I'm trying to find the right match of cuts, consolidations and revenue, and that's what I'm trying to do," Malloy told The Associated Press during an interview in his Capitol office. "We need a Connecticut approach that works for Connecticut." MORE...

Howie P.S.: I lived in the "Constitution State" for two months long ago and I can still feel the nostalgia. Jeepers! Here's another governor with a crazy idea: "Minnesota Governor Proposes Tax Increase for Wealthiest Residents" (NY Times).