The order invites attention to CT’s success in providing public education and its failure to equalize opportunities in a state of extremes.
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.
House GOP budget offers big relief but works around spending cap
The CT GOP plan relies on shifting millions in hospital payments outside the spending cap and on CT winning a legal battle against New York.
Lamont delivers pledged raises to CT state employees
Gov. Ned Lamont has now reached tentative deals with unions and can ask lawmakers to approve raises for the bulk of CT’s unionized workforce.
Lamont, CT lawmakers could use more good luck this tax season
As final negotiations on the next CT budget get underway, Gov. Ned Lamont and his fellow Democrats in the legislature have a big problem.
Advocates press for promised pre-K funding as CT surplus in doubt
The fund was supposed to rely on $300 million of surplus funds, but with that drying up, advocates want another way to secure $600 million.
Towns to CT: We need bigger share of casino slot machine revenue
Advocates want a 50-50 split in casino slot revenues, saying it would help restore towns to the level of support they received decades ago.
Medicaid uncertainty looms over new CT hospital tax deal talks
As the hospital industry seeks a new multiyear financial arrangement with CT, both are threatened by huge cuts in federal Medicaid assistance.
CT on pace for tiny $6 million budget deficit, Comptroller projects
CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon projected that Gov. Ned Lamont is months away from the first formal budget deficit of his administration.
CT finance panel keeps Lamont tax rebate plan in play
The finance panel endorsed a 1.75% surcharge on the capital gains earnings of single filers with annual income that exceeds $1 million.
Legislature’s $29B spending plan sets up negotiations with Lamont
The Appropriations Committee’s $29 billion budget would enhance Medicaid payments and invest in public transit, municipal grants and more.
Finance panel endorses nearly $900M in tax-cutting options
A key CT panel endorsed nearly $900 million in new relief options, including relief for renters and expanded breaks for shoppers and seniors.
CT House Republicans say a one-time tax rebate is not enough
House Republicans called for the maximum property tax credit to grow to $650, which would cost CT an estimated $275 million per year.
As most states’ reserves have dwindled, CT’s safety net has grown
Connecticut has bucked a national trend, building unprecedented safeguards against a recession and federal budget cuts, a new report says.
Ritter sees compromise on CT tax rebates and aid to schools
A one-year advance on property tax credits could help CT legislators maintain or increase rebates while finding extra money for schools.
Lamont flirts with his first CT budget deficit
Lawmakers built a $309 million cushion into the budget, but eroding revenues, rising Medicaid expenses and other issues wiped out most of it.

