Connecticut families on emergency heating assistance could get nearly $1,000 less in government aid this winter without more state support.
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
As CT patches one hole in social safety net, are others developing?
CT legislators said they will study whether most services are shrinking even as programs for people with developmental disabilities expand.
Posted inMoney
CT to take a deeper look at whether state taxes are fair
CT’s first tax analysis in 2014 found the poorest households paid three times the share of their incomes in taxes than the wealthiest did.
Posted inMoney
Is CT an ‘emerging bright spot’? This national group thinks so
While CT limited tax relief to the poor and middle class, most states did not, according to a report from a Washington, D.C. policy group.
Posted inMoney
Diesel tax freeze renews push for long-term fuel tax relief
Advocates for CT trucking companies, gas stations and others are calling for permanent relief from fuel taxes.
Posted inMoney
CT finances projected to stay flush — even after COVID aid expires
CT finances are projected to stay at the $1B mark through mid-2027. Preparations for the next recession far exceed those for 2007-09 downturn.
Posted inEnergy & Environment
CT bond commission approves another bailout for New London pier project
This marks the latest increase for the pier development — which originally was priced at $93 million in 2019.
Posted inMoney
CT union to end weekslong strike at group homes
SEIU 1199NE will end the strike at group homes for clients with developmental disabilities, but says limited state funds blocked pay goal.
Posted inMoney
Harmonious CT budget sets stage for spending cap battle in 2024
The prospects of future CT budgets will likely hinge on how well Gov. Lamont works with his fellow Democrats on the “fiscal guardrails.”
Posted inHealth
The disabled have had long waits for services. That could change
Waiting lists have plagued CT’s disabled for years. Advocates hope latest effort to aid those with developmental disabilities isn’t a one-off.
Posted inMoney
Lawmakers send $7.5B bipartisan bond package to Lamont’s desk
The General Assembly OK’d a $7.5 billion two-year bond deal that invests in transportation, housing, higher education and school construction.
Posted inCities & Towns
How did your town fare in the 2023-2025 CT budget?
State aid to CT’s cities and towns is expected to increase to many towns in the coming fiscal years. Here’s how much.
Posted inMoney
Senate gives overwhelming bipartisan approval to new CT budget
A new CT budget cuts income tax rates and invests in local schools but leaves questions around higher education and social services.
Posted inMoney
CT House adopts $51B budget with big middle-class tax cut
The CT budget proposal features an income tax cut and boosts funding to local schools. The Senate is expected to debate the bill on Tuesday.
Posted inEnergy & Environment, Money
CT never spent $30 million it reserved to help the poor stay warm this winter
Money lawmakers set aside for the CT Energy Assistance Program remains unspent, even though requests for help were up 24% this winter.