The contract guaranteeing pensions and other benefits to CT state employees expires June 30, but few candidates are discussing its renewal.
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
Report: SNAP benefits vanishing faster than CT officials expected
Nearly 63,000 people in CT have lost federal nutrition benefits since last July — roughly double officials’ projections, a new report says.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT winter heating benefits tick up but still lag pre-pandemic levels
The number of fuel distributors participating in the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program is up, but some fear the number could shrink.
Posted inHealth
Many immigrants with legal status could lose Medicare coverage
Hundreds of lawfully present immigrants in CT could lose Medicare health coverage in January, and officials must decide whether to help.
Posted inPolitics
CT worker unions to test gubernatorial contenders on key issues
Union leaders are making an early push to frame negotiations over CT state employee retirement benefits with Gov. Ned Lamont and Ryan Fazio.
Posted inMoney
Lamont’s fiscal success rests on foundation laid by Malloy, others
Former Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and legislators who served with him ordered tax hikes that generated billions for CT during Ned Lamont’s tenure.
Posted inHuman Services
Nearly 18,900 CT children have lost SNAP benefits over past year
CT’s 15.7% rate of children losing SNAP benefits is worse than the 13% rate reported in a survey of 19 states where data was available.
Posted inImmigration
Lamont would tap emergency CT reserves to protect immigrants
Gov. Ned Lamont is proposing spending $5 million from a special state reserve to assist immigrants losing Temporary Protected Status.
Posted inHealth
Lamont pledges to extend ACA subsidies. His gubernatorial challengers are split
Ned Lamont and challenger Josh Elliott would continue ACA subsidies beyond 2027. Ryan Fazio wants to address high healthcare costs first.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Citizens’ group seeks to force gubernatorial debate on property tax
Municipal leaders hope a fresh look at CT’s enduring property tax problem will push gubernatorial candidates to confront the issue.
Posted inEconomic Development
CT lawmakers, advocates push Lamont to release training funds
State lawmakers earmarked $30 million to train and employ as many people as possible, but the bulk of those dollars remains unspent.
Posted inCT Mirror Explains
New work requirements could end Medicaid for thousands in CT. What to know
Congress and President Trump revised work requirements in an omnibus federal budget bill last July. Changes take effect Jan. 1, 2027.
Posted inMoney
On taxes, is CT keeping up with its neighbors?
CT officials say the state is unaffordable. Some say it’s time to learn from our neighbors and raise taxes on the wealthy.
Posted inMoney
CT poised to invest again in childcare, pay down pension debt
The state budget is on pace for $412M surplus, all earmarked for childcare. Separately, $1B in off-budget savings will shrink pension debt.
Posted inMoney, Politics
Fazio offers plan to ease CT’s property tax burdens
Republican gubernatorial candidate Ryan Fazio offered a blueprint Wednesday to reduce CT’s over-reliance on the municipal property tax.