Ned Lamont could project how higher education expenses might clash with CT’s spending cap. But legally, the administration isn’t allowed.
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.
How CT’s regional colleges want to mitigate $140M budget shortfall
The proposal from CT State Colleges & Universities leadership involves cuts to security, travel costs and other efficiencies, but no layoffs.
Connecticut’s revenues are down but budget still balanced, report projects
A new report projects CT’s revenue will drop $460 million over the next two years, but budget surpluses are still expected.
CT higher education faces big cuts as pandemic funds disappear
Money that kept CT higher education afloat during the worst of the coronavirus pandemic is going away, and colleges face course and job cuts.
Is CT’s budget boom over? Report likely to show eroding revenue
A new report is expected to show CT’s budget remains in balance — but that the days of huge surpluses are over for now.
CT businesses will dodge federal unemployment tax hike next year
CT averted the increase by paying $1.2 billion borrowed from Washington during the first two years of the pandemic for jobless benefits.
More heating aid proposed; still less for CT families than last winter
The proposed boost in heating aid would still leave CT families with less than last winter, and advocates say the state should contribute.
Another looming fiscal challenge in CT: State retiree health care
Connecticut’s health care program for retired state workers shifts hundreds of millions of dollars in costs into the future, analysts say.
Construction ramps up in fall. CT still lost 900 jobs in September
The loss ranked among the worst of any state, and it came at a time when employment normally ramps up to finish projects before winter.
SEIU chief resigns after comments about Palestinian-Israeli conflict
Kooper Caraway stepped down as executive director of the SEIU Connecticut State Council after calls for his resignation earlier in the week.
CT’s richest should pay more tax on investment income, senator says
A “growing disparity” in earnings means higher taxes on high-earners’ investment income makes sense, according to Sen. Martin Looney.
CT energy assistance needs more state funding, advocates say
With federal heating assistance projected to drop and oil prices rising, advocates say CT officials should use state funds for heating aid.
CT lawmakers want more property tax relief for qualifying veterans
The relief program, which hasn’t been overhauled since shortly after the Civil War, could save qualifying veterans $2,000 on property taxes.
Lamont, DOT chief pledge CT will get more projects underway
The CT bond commission approved funding for highway, bridge, and public transit facility improvements. But the state must borrow money first.
CT comptroller to lawmakers: Don’t stray far from fiscal guardrails
Despite CT’s $1.9 billion surplus, Comptroller Sean Scanlon warned lawmakers that “the budget will not always remain as it is today.”