Pandemic bonuses for CT private-sector essential workers will likely be reduced as surging demand tests the program’s budget.
Keith M. Phaneuf
Keith has spent most of his 31 years 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.
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High demand for CT pandemic bonus program crashed website
The number of applications for pandemic bonuses for CT private-sector workers in the first days of the program crashed the program’s website.
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Erick Russell wins three-way Democratic primary for CT treasurer
Erick Russell, a partner at a law firm who specializes in public and private financing, is Connecticut Democrats’ nominee for treasurer.
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Larry McHugh to replace embattled CT Port Authority official
House Speaker Matt Ritter on Saturday named Larry McHugh, the former chair of the UConn Board of Trustees, to the CT Port Authority board.
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CT essential private sector workers can now apply for pandemic bonuses
Essential CT private-sector employees who staffed vital services during the pandemic can now apply for up to a $1,000 bonus from the state.
Posted inPolitics
In Tuesday’s CT treasurer primary, three Democrats square off
Erick Russell, Dita Bhargava and Karen Dubois-Walton want to oversee the nearly $45 billion in Connecticut pension and trust fund assets.
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Report: CT’s pension debt remains high despite residents’ personal wealth
A recent Pew report provided a sobering reminder of just how far Connecticut still has to go to overcome decades of fiscal irresponsibility.
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CT child tax rebate claimed by more than 70% of eligible households
Of the $125 million that CT legislators set aside for the child tax credit, about $92.5 million has been claimed.
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CT bond panel OKs $850M in finance, including $60M for local projects
The State Bond Commission approved more than $60 million for dozens of projects in lawmakers’ home districts.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Bob Stefanowski would tap CT’s reserves to aid small businesses
Bob Stefanowski’s $640 million relief plan would tap CT’s rainy day fund to help small businesses replenish the unemployment trust.
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Only half of eligible households have claimed CT’s $250-per-child tax rebate
The child tax rebate is available to single parents who earned $100,000 or less and to couples who make $200,000 or less.
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CT budget surplus shatters the $4B mark
Connecticut’s $4.3 billion budget surplus allows the state to make a huge payment against longstanding pension debt.
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Report: CT never came up with a plan to collect more online sales tax
State auditors say the tax department never fulfilled a 2019 directive to come up with a plan to secure $30 million from online transactions.
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Lamont: Pouring budget surpluses into pensions means big savings next year
CT used billions of budget surplus dollars to pay down pension debt, freeing up $440 million annually to use for other programs.
Posted inHealth
CT created a $34M COVID relief fund for essential workers. It remains largely unspent.
The state has awarded just 1.1% of the $34 million budget for the Essential Workers COVID-19 Assistance Program since it launched.