HARTFORD — A new legislative report shows overtime spending for Connecticut state employees dropped nearly $33 million during the first 11 months of the last fiscal year, which ended June 30.
The report from the General Assembly’s nonpartisan Office of Fiscal Analysis, released Thursday, shows overtime spending was reduced from $237.6 million to approximately $204.7 million.
Gov. Dan Malloy released a statement on the report:
We are working exceptionally hard to make government smarter, leaner, and more efficient. As this report today shows, we are making strides towards that effort. Today, our state government is significantly smaller than it was when our administration assumed office five and a half years ago, and we are going to continue working to find ways that generate even more savings for taxpayers. We must continue to live within our means, and this report is no doubt a step in the right direction.
There’s been a push to reduce the state’s overtime spending to help balance Connecticut’s budget. Democratic Sen. Beth Bye, co-chairwoman of the legislature’s budget-writing committee, says the reduction is impressive considering there are now 5 percent fewer state workers.
“I think these numbers just go to show that Connecticut is taking its fiscal responsibilities very seriously, and that we are leaving no stone unturned–including layoffs, reduced overtime and increased productivity–in our effort to achieve budgetary savings,” Bye said in a statement.
Five state agencies account for 90 percent of overtime spending from the state’s general fund. They include the Departments of Correction, Mental Health and Addiction Services, Developmental Services, Children and Families and Emergency Services and Public Protection.
