If CT can’t find the right balance between paying down debt and supporting towns and public services, deficits are coming, analysts say.
Keith M. Phaneuf
Keith has spent most of his four decades as a reporter specializing in state government finances, analyzing such topics as income tax equity, waste in government and the complex funding systems behind Connecticut’s transportation and social services networks. He has been the state finances reporter at CT Mirror since it launched in 2010. Prior to joining CT Mirror Keith was State Capitol bureau chief for The Journal Inquirer of Manchester, a reporter for the Day of New London, and a former contributing writer to The New York Times. Keith is a graduate of and a former journalism instructor at the University of Connecticut.
Posted inMoney
Lamont orders $300 grocery gift cards for residents losing SNAP
CT will provide the benefit to an estimated 25,000 residents who’ve lost federal nutrition assistance. Cards will be distributed by August.
Posted inHuman Services
All eyes on Lamont as CT’s hunger crisis worsens
Advocates are increasingly impatient with Gov. Ned Lamont’s response to a worsening hunger crisis in the wake of cuts to SNAP.
Posted inMoney
Higher gas prices could strain CT’s transportation rebuild plans
Certain gasoline and sales tax receipts could “soften” this summer if prices remain elevated or turn worse in the coming months.
Posted inMoney
Surging gas prices shine spotlight on CT’s fuel taxes
A tax cap has been mitigating pain at the pumps since March, but recent price hikes have some ready to revisit Connecticut’s fuel tax system.
Posted inMoney
New CT budget sets Lamont’s legacy as he seeks 3rd term
As he runs for a third term, a piece of Gov. Ned Lamont’s legacy already is established: He’s reduced CT’s debt at unmatched speed and scale.
Posted inMoney
Lawmakers solve town aid riddle on third try
The General Assembly OK’d a bill clarifying that towns could reopen their budgets to use increased state aid to reduce local property taxes.
Posted inHuman Services
Advocates press Lamont to aid thousands losing food benefits
Anti-hunger advocates are focused on Gov. Ned Lamont in their push to intensify aid for residents who have lost federal nutrition benefits.
Posted inMoney
CT legislature adopts $28B budget with big aid for towns, childcare
The CT legislature adopted a $28.1 billion budget Saturday that orders big new investments in municipal aid and affordable childcare.
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CT is much stronger fiscally as it tip-toes over spending cap
To bolster local schools, Gov. Ned Lamont and the General Assembly will exceed CT’s spending cap in a fashion not seen in nearly two decades.
Posted inMoney
Last-minute revenue surge makes path to new CT budget easier
Analysts estimate that surging income tax receipts and other revenue would add about $580 million to CT’s coffers this fiscal year and next.
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Can CT be more affordable without major tax cuts?
Democratic leaders say town aid and child care investments will pay big dividends, even without tax rebates or a child tax credit.
Posted inMoney
CT legislature OKs raises for unionized state employees
The legislature approved contracts Wednesday that would grant 2.5% annual cost-of-living raises for most CT state employees through 2028.
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Lamont moves quickly to tout new CT budget deal
Lamont said $270 million in municipal aid included in the deal would be available to towns even if they’ve already adopted a local budget.
Posted inMoney
Legislators, Lamont on cusp of tentative CT budget deal
The compromise plan to aid schools and hospitals in the next CT budget was to be shared with rank-and-file lawmakers Monday night.
