By SUSAN HAIGH
AP Political Writer
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) _ State lawmakers closed out the 2008 legislative session early Thursday morning, tired, testy and a bit wistful.
The session began in February with lots of promises and a plump surplus and ended with a burgeoning budget deficit and political squabbles. The atmosphere even prompted Gov. M. Jodi Rell to skip her traditional midnight address to the General Assembly.
Unlike past years, there was no great debate over the budget on the final day.
The Democrat majority and the Republican governor decided last week against making changes to the $18.4 billion tax and spending plan approved last year for the new fiscal year that begins on July 1. Their concern was the estimated $80 million deficit, a steep and stunning departure from a projected surplus of $263 million.
That decision left many bills in limbo, especially ones requiring new spending.
It also left some bad will among legislative Republicans, who unsuccessfully tried to amend numerous bills with their tax and spending proposal. Their plan included an early retirement incentive program to help reduce the number of state employees and save some money.
``I wish we had more money. I wish that we could simply meet the needs of everyone that's out there, all of the wants, all of the asks, whether it's a group or a person,'' Rell told reporters during a session-ending news conference in her office early Wednesday evening.
``But the bottom line is, we simply cannot afford it. Period,'' Rell said.
There were also some tears Wednesday night when House Speaker James Amann fought back emotions as he gaveled the House to a close. The Milford Democrat has led the House the past four years but has decided not to seek re-election while he considers a bid for governor.
``We're not saying goodbye to our friend Jim Amann, but we are saying goodbye to our Speaker,'' said a teary House Majority Leader Christopher Donovan, D-Meriden, who is expected to take over Amann's job next year. ``You've been our leader here for four years and we've loved it.''
Lawmakers spent much of Wednesday debating relatively minor bills and honoring fellow legislators who are retiring. One highlight was passage of a bill that addresses the subprime mortgage crisis, providing new opportunities for homeowners to refinance their troubled mortgages and avoid foreclosure.
Some key bills fizzled in the final hours.
A bill that would have revoked the pensions of corrupt politicians and government employees was caught up in a disagreement between the House and Senate over whether to apply the same standard to both groups of people. The concept has been in the works for years since former Gov. John G. Rowland resigned in 2004 amid a corruption scandal.
``Some people just want to dig in their heels,'' complained Rell.
Another bill requiring employers to provide their workers at least 61/2 sick days died in the House of Representatives due to inaction.
Lawmakers could still return for a special session next month to extend a local real estate transaction tax due to expire at the end of the fiscal year on June 30. The tax, opposed by real estate agents, provides cities and towns with about $40 million.
The Republicans oppose the tax. They argued that lawmakers should not be leaving without making changes to the budget, and have offered a proposal that provides more money for nursing homes, nonprofit agencies and other programs, as well as a gas tax holiday. It all would have been paid for with the early retirement incentive program.
Rell has said she'll veto most bills that reach her desk and require spending. But she signed a key crime bill on Wednesday that toughens penalties for repeat offenders and spends about $10 million to hire additional prosecutors, probation officers, state police and other criminal justice staff.
The bill comes in the wake two deadly home invasions in Cheshire and New Britain.
``Public safety has to remain our number one priority,'' said Sen. Andrew McDonald, D-Stamford, co-chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
Lawmakers also passed tougher rules for teen drivers, including an 11 p.m. curfew, more behind-the-wheel training and parental attendance at driver education classes; a new minimum wage that climbs to $8 on Jan. 1, 2009; and caps on global warming pollution.
The General Assembly also passed a bill that opens the state employee health insurance system to small businesses, municipalities and nonprofit agencies struggling to pay their premiums. The governor says she hasn't reviewed the legislation, but worries it will cost the state too much money.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
