Connecticut can afford to replace more of those vanishing federal dollars than most other states can. The question is where to draw the line.
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
Lamont, lawmakers to extend CT fund to counter federal cutbacks
CT still has $330 million to supplement programs affected by Washington’s cuts to human services. The money will be available until July.
Posted inPolitics
Susan Keane, champion of open budgeting in CT, calls it a career
Keane, the recently retired senior administrator of the Appropriations Committee, leaves a legacy as a fierce advocate for public access.
Posted inMoney
CT child tax credit advocates say passage is crucial in 2026
Advocates for a CT child tax credit say federal cuts to human service programs and tariff-driven inflation now make relief critical.
Posted inHealth
CT official: $115M in health care subsidies coming, despite delays
Prices quoted by CT’s health exchange don’t reflect $70 million in pledged assistance yet — and might not until late March.
Posted inMoney
Spending cap will allow most CT budget growth in a decade
It remains unclear whether a 5.93% increase in spending will cover growing needs in core programs — or offset vanishing federal aid.
Posted inMoney
Lamont reaches first wage deal with CT union since April
The four-year agreement with Local 511 of Connecticut Employees Union Independent endorses 2.5% raises through 2028 and calls for step hikes.
Posted inMoney
Advocates: Federal cutbacks could cost CT nearly $1 billion
Connecticut Voices for Children projects the impending financial hit at nearly $1 billion, more than double the $500 million emergency fund.
Posted inMoney
CT partnership insurance plan lost $23 million last fiscal year
The health plan for municipal and other public-sector workers outside CT government paid more in claims than it received in premiums in FY25.
Posted inMoney
Scanlon: CT must solve its Medicaid problem now
Surging Medicaid costs and dramatically shrinking federal aid are a recipe for fiscal crisis, CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon warned Monday.
Posted inMoney
Lamont pitches millions for food pantries, Planned Parenthood
Lamont announces $168 million to offset federal cuts to nutrition assistance, reproductive health services and health insurance.
Posted inMoney
Should CT fund its own SNAP program? Lamont, budget chair disagree
The proposed state-funded SNAP program would be for those expected to lose federal benefits by March 31. Gov. Ned Lamont isn’t on board.
Posted inMoney
Analysis shows CT ready for next recession as never before
A new forecast from Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration projects a moderate downturn wouldn’t drain state reserves for two and a half years.
Posted inMoney
Lamont: CT savings habits are paying big dividends
Officials said next year’s pension payment would have been $857 million more if CT hadn’t put $10 billion into its pensions in recent years.
Posted inMoney
Borrowing for transportation on Lamont chopping block
Stagnant fuel and sales tax revenues mean CT will have to roll back plans to boost transportation borrowing, according to a new report.
