The Democrat controlled Legislature mercifully ended the second year of the 2007-2008 session Wednesday night, turning its backs on the citizens of Connecticut while promising to pursue several initiatives in a Special Session that further drive businesses and residents from our borders.  Gov. Rell skipped the end of session speech which speaks loudly on the performance of the majority Democrats.

“I decided that everybody’s temper is just getting a little too short right now,” Rell said about six hours before adjournment. “By midnight, I think everyone’s going to be a little tired.”

Despite efforts by the House Republican “Fighting 44″, the Democrats refused a vote on the GOP’s alternative budget that would have eliminated taxes on estates and businesses, reduced the gas tax at the wholesale level and provide an early retirement plan for 4,000 state employees that would save $160 million.

House Speaker James Amann, D-Miflord, eyeing the door toward an early retirement, blocked all efforts to have the Republican budget called.

Senate Democrats approved a health care bill that would open the state health plan to small businesses and municipalities.  The bill, backed by the public sector labor unions, would be the first step to state control of private health insurance. Gov. Rell has expressed deep skepticism about the proposal as has OPM Secretary Robert Genurario. All Senate Republicans and one Senate Democrat, Joan Hartley of Waterbury opposed it, so a veto would be sustained.

Democrats pledged to come back in a Special Session to push for more staffing at nursing homes that would bankrupt nursing homes, push again for pension revocation for public officials (but not those covered by collective bargaining) and to extend the Conveyance Tax on the sale of homes.

House and Senate Republicans will hold a press conference at noon today to discuss the session and offer their insights into what this means for Connecticut.