HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell has unveiled a plan she says will erase Connecticut's latest budget deficit of nearly $470 million.

Rell says she intends to call state lawmakers back to the Capitol soon to vote on the package because some of her proposed cuts require legislative action.

The Republican governor is recommending more than $116 million in program reductions, ranging from cuts in state tourism grants to rates paid to certain Medicaid health care providers.

Rell's plan also calls for reducing state aid to cities and towns by three percent. It marks the first time she's recommended cuts to municipalities during the budget crisis, which has dogged Connecticut all year.

Rell wants to create a panel of lawmakers and municipal leaders to come up with ways to offset the funding reductions.

© 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Learn more about our Privacy Policy.

Click here for copyright permissions! Copyright 2008 Associated Press