HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Democratic leaders of the Connecticut House of Representatives say they oppose an idea floated by Republicans and Senate Democrats to offer state employees a retirement incentive program.

House Speaker Brendan Sharkey said Friday House Democrats agree that the idea ``is not on the table and should not be on the table.''

He says an incentive may save money short-term, but called it a ``disaster'' for long-term pension obligations.

Senate Democrats this week offered alternatives for closing an estimated $350 million to $370 million shortfall in the $20 billion budget. One proposal is a retirement incentive that would save $163 million over two years. Republicans favor a similar incentive to retirement-eligible state employees.

Legislative leaders and Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy plan to resume budget negotiations Monday.