Hartford (AP) - Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell is asking state lawmakers to hold public meetings on this year's anticipated budget deficit, and she's warning that she will not sign off on tax increases to make up for the red ink.

Rell says current projections put Connecticut on track toward a $145.7 million shortfall in the current budget year, which ends June 30, 2009.

She says a current hiring freeze, a ban on out-of-state travel and other cost-saving measures will remain in effect, and she plans to order more budget cuts at state agencies in the coming weeks.

The governor wants two legislative committees - Appropriations and Finance, Revenue and Bonding - to meet with budget officials to discuss the deficit.