As the hospital industry seeks a new multiyear financial arrangement with CT, both are threatened by huge cuts in federal Medicaid assistance.
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
CT on pace for tiny $6 million budget deficit, Comptroller projects
CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon projected that Gov. Ned Lamont is months away from the first formal budget deficit of his administration.
Posted inMoney
CT finance panel keeps Lamont tax rebate plan in play
The finance panel endorsed a 1.75% surcharge on the capital gains earnings of single filers with annual income that exceeds $1 million.
Posted inMoney
Legislature’s $29B spending plan sets up negotiations with Lamont
The Appropriations Committee’s $29 billion budget would enhance Medicaid payments and invest in public transit, municipal grants and more.
Posted inMoney
Finance panel endorses nearly $900M in tax-cutting options
A key CT panel endorsed nearly $900 million in new relief options, including relief for renters and expanded breaks for shoppers and seniors.
Posted inMoney
CT House Republicans say a one-time tax rebate is not enough
House Republicans called for the maximum property tax credit to grow to $650, which would cost CT an estimated $275 million per year.
Posted inMoney
As most states’ reserves have dwindled, CT’s safety net has grown
Connecticut has bucked a national trend, building unprecedented safeguards against a recession and federal budget cuts, a new report says.
Posted inMoney
Ritter sees compromise on CT tax rebates and aid to schools
A one-year advance on property tax credits could help CT legislators maintain or increase rebates while finding extra money for schools.
Posted inMoney
Lamont flirts with his first CT budget deficit
Lawmakers built a $309 million cushion into the budget, but eroding revenues, rising Medicaid expenses and other issues wiped out most of it.
Posted inHuman Services
Funds for signature pre-K endowment in peril as surplus dwindles
CT’s Early Childhood Education Endowment is projected to receive less than a tenth of what lawmakers pledged last June.
Posted inMoney
CT gas tax holiday proposal is stuck in first gear
While CT officials have spoken in support of a gas tax holiday, they also haven’t met to discuss anything and remain focused on other plans.
Posted inEducation
House Dems would trim rebate program to aid local schools
A plan to send local school districts $100 million to $150 million could cut into Gov. Ned Lamont’s proposed tax rebate.
Posted inMoney
Lamont strikes deals with 10 unions, but many raises still overdue
Most of CT’s 35 bargaining units are overdue for raises, and time is running out for Gov. Ned Lamont to settle with a key part of his base.
Posted inJustice
Plan for juvenile facility in Tolland scrapped after outcry
CT’s Judicial Branch has canceled plans to open a 20-bed juvenile detention facility in Tolland, a project that sparked fierce opposition.
Posted inMoney
Lamont floats possible gas tax holiday to offset price jumps
Gov. Ned Lamont said he could discuss suspending CT’s 25-cents-per-gallon retail levy on regular gasoline and its 48.9-cent diesel tax.