Despite calls by some lawmakers for the creation of a state-funded SNAP program to make up for federal cuts to the food assistance program, Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration and a top lawmaker said that won’t be a priority this session.
The budget plan released by Lamont Wednesday did include modest increases to spending on social services, although it’s far less than advocates have asked for, especially in light of the federal funding cuts.
The federal cuts, especially for programs like food, health care and housing aid, have been center-stage for lawmakers across the country thinking about how to make their annual state budgets. Lamont’s proposed budget doesn’t establish a statewide food assistance program but maintains promises to nonprofits to boost spending by about $150 million.
The community-based nonprofits that deliver most state-sponsored social services to people with disabilities and those with mental illness and addiction say they lose hundreds of millions annually under state payment schedules that haven’t kept pace with inflation for decades.
Gian-Carl Casa, president and chief executive officer of the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance, said in a statement that nonprofit providers appreciate the preservation of “much-needed funding increases.
“However, our programs continue to struggle after falling behind for nearly two decades,” Casa said. “Now we face added pressure, with the federal government’s chaotic retreat from its traditional responsibilities.”
New federal guidance in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or food stamps, removes thousands of people from the program by introducing new work requirements.
Joshua Wojcik, secretary-designee for the governor’s budget office, said Lamont will propose creating a new advisory council to help deal with changes to programs like SNAP.
“The governor is not proposing to reestablish a state-funded SNAP program, and the primary reason why is we really want to focus on making sure as few people as possible lose their federal SNAP,” Wojcik said.
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter, D-Hartford, said some lawmakers have said they’re interested in establishing a longer-term state program. It may take longer than the short session to figure it out, he added.
“It’s going to be hard to prop up in two months,” Ritter said.
The governor’s proposal would also end the Connecticut Housing Engagement and Support Services program, which offers people Medicaid-covered health benefits and housing. The people currently housed through that program will be transitioned into a supportive housing program through the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Wojcik said.
The program had gotten difficult to run, budget documents note. Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness Chief Executive Officer Sarah Fox said while she was disappointed, she understood it was a difficult program.
“This is not ideal, but it is completely understandable especially in light of the federal uncertainty,” Fox said. “It’s time for us to all come together and figure out solutions that work here in Connecticut.”
The budget also proposes adding $10 million to the Department of Housing for the Rental Assistance Program to keep up with rising housing costs. Lamont said during his Wednesday budget address that the state’s economic success meant Connecticut can spend more on social services.
“That allows our 2027 budget to increase investments in education and not for profits and housing,” Lamont said.
The proposal would add several small programs and services including $1 million for free bus passes for veterans, hiring a dental anesthesiologist to improve care for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Norwich and Southbury, $1.9 million to administer case work services for people with mental health disorders who have low-level criminal charges, and $500,000 for a pilot program to provide supportive housing for homeless youth.
