HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut legislative leaders and Gov. Jodi Rell continued budget talks on Wednesday, the first day of the new fiscal year without a two-year budget in place.

Rell said budget talks, which have been held for the last four days at the Governor's Mansion, will remain behind closed doors until a decision is made.

Rell signed an executive order Tuesday that covers $1.3 billion in essential general fund spending and $110,000 in transportation for July.

Unlike in 2003 when John Rowland was governor and the fiscal year began without a budget, Rell has decided to keep state parks open.

Residents are Talcott Mountain State Park in Bloomfield said they were happy to hear the parks would remain open, especially with the Fourth of July this weekend. They said it gives residents something to do without spending a lot of money.

The money will also be used to pay for police, fire and other public safety needs, officials said.

Rell, a Republican, and the Democratic-controlled General Assembly have been at odds for months over how to cover the two-year deficit, predicted to be as much as $8.8 billion. Rell said no tax increases are needed while the Democrats have proposed raising taxes on wealthy taxpayers and corporations.

The new fiscal year also brings fewer state employees. The state comptroller's office estimates approximately 3,600 workers took advantage of the state's retirement incentive program.