Conn. Gov's Approach to Budget Mess Is Unique

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is taking a different tack from other governors waging tense battles with state employees, proposing deep spending cuts and taking no-tax-increase pledges to cover their budget shortfalls.

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

Malloy also says he doesn't dislike government — a defiant political statement these days given the national tea party movement and demands for major cuts in government spending.