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Associated Press

HARTFORD -- Gov. M. Jodi Rell is directing the state's Department of Administrative Services to restrict the use of state purchasing cards, which are similar to credit cards.

Rell says the cards can only be used for critical needs. The card system accounts for about $20 million in annual spending.

It's part of Rell's effort to cut spending. She recently directed state agency heads to eliminate discretionary spending, reduce gasoline consumption, and suspend out-of-state travel for workers.

The new budget, which takes effect on July 1, is $40 million to $100 million in deficit, Rell's budget director estimates.

Besides calling on her agency heads to take action, Rell can cut up to 5 percent of any appropriation and 3 percent of any fund, such as the General Fund. The governor is barred from reducing municipal aid and entitlements.

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