Democrat Sean Scanlon and Republican Mary Fay have very different backgrounds — and they see CT’s finances headed in opposite directions.
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.
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT’s rainy day fund is full. One legislator wonders if it’s enough.
Some say CT is hoarding money, but one legislator is asking if CT it should boost the rainy day fund even more, to 20% of spending.
Posted inMoney
Lamont sends relief checks to thousands of working poor families
Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration sent checks averaging $170 to thousands of CT families. The GOP called the move an election-year gimmick.
Posted inMoney
CT contracting watchdog close to adding investigative team
The State Contracting Standards Board hasn’t been fully staffed since it was founded after former Gov. John Rowland resigned.
Posted inEducation
Towns say CT must remain a partner in upgrading school air quality
CT is using federal ARPA funds to help towns pay for air quality improvements in their schools. But what happens when that money runs out?
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT child care workers will get $1,000 bonuses, Lamont announces
Legislators say they approved $70 million for ongoing raises for ‘long-term change,’ not for one-time payments to child care workers.
Posted inEconomic Development, Money
Report: Poor CT cities should get $76.5 million in state investments
A state panel tasked with revitalizing CT’s poor urban centers is recommending financing for dozens of development projects in 12 communities.
Posted inMoney, Politics
CT employee unions to seek arbitration over pandemic pay
SEBAC’s decision comes after periodic discussions over 10 months with Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration failed to yield an agreement.
Posted inPolitics
Lamont, Stefanowski find common ground on some issues in forum
Gov. Ned Lamont and Bob Stefanowski said they will welcome Ukrainian war refugees but offered few details on boosting the social safety net.
Posted inMoney
At least 248,000 private-sector workers filed for pandemic bonuses
Connecticut’s Premium Pay Program bonus payouts may be months away. And with only $30 million to give out, each could be well under $1,000.
Posted inMoney
CT leaders mull special session for essential worker relief, gas tax
Connecticut lawmakers may call a special session after elections to extend the gas tax holiday and add money to the Premium Pay Program.
Posted inEspañol
Más de 154,000 trabajadores esenciales del sector privado de CT buscan bonos COVID
La creciente demanda de 154,000 solicitudes completadas podría reducir los bonos promocionados de $1,000 a $200 o menos.
Posted inMoney
Save or spend? CT legislators could upend budget rules in 2023
CT has saved $9 billion since 2017, but some say the budget constraints need to be loosened as pressures hit families and workers.
Posted inMoney
Over 154k CT private sector essential workers seek COVID bonuses
Soaring demand for the COVID bonuses for essential private-sector workers could cut them from a promoted $1,000 to $200 or less.
Posted inMoney
CT on pace for another multibillion-dollar budget surplus
Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration projects CT will be nearly $2.3 billion in the black this fiscal year but continued to urge caution.