Connecticut governor rarely meets legislators, records show

A review of Malloy's public schedule, obtained by The Associated Press through records requests, reveals the no-nonsense governor infrequently holds meetings with members of the General Assembly in his Capitol office.

[...] recent public skirmishes with lawmakers over how to fix the budget deficit, especially with his fellow Democrats, have provided a further glimpse into a relationship that's not particularly close.

Malloy's approach to working with the General Assembly contrasts with the style of his two Republican predecessors, who often held weekly meetings with legislative leaders to keep communication open and help build consensus.

The two met in January for an awkward, high-profile lunch in the legislative cafeteria, surrounded by TV cameras, after Republican leaders took issue with Malloy suggesting they write their budget-cutting ideas on the back of an envelope when they asked for meetings with the governor.

Despite the budget disagreements and questions of whether lawmakers will still pass Malloy's latest criminal justice reform bill in special session, Puglia said the "vast, vast majority" of Malloy's bills have cleared the Democratic-controlled legislature.

Early in 2016, as debate over how to solve a worsening budget deficit continued, records show Malloy stepped up meetings with lawmakers.

[...] Duff said he's surprised by how many people have Malloy's cellphone number.