Replacing LIHEAP funds with state money will cost Connecticut millions monthly, though the state can seek federal reimbursement after the shutdown.
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 officials ask: Could tax cuts and credits counter federal aid loss?
There are no legal obstacles blocking CT government from cutting taxes, but the political challenges remain plentiful.
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SNAP benefits poised to stop Nov. 1 despite CT hopes to continue
If SNAP funding dries up next month as threatened, that will put increasing pressure on Connecticut food pantries to fill the need.
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CT House GOP pitches $700-per-filer middle class income tax cut
Instead of spending $500 million to offset federal cuts, CT’s GOP leaders asked, why not use the money to cut state income tax burdens?
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CT finalizing plan to blunt funding cuts amid government shutdown
CT legislators are planning a Nov. 12-13 special session to OK using up to $500 million to blunt federal cutbacks to human service programs.
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Why are CT Medicaid costs rising? GOP wants auditors to find out
The GOP caucus asked the state auditors ‘to reveal potential efficiency measures which could produce significant savings for taxpayers.’
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Audit: Lamont staff fumbled vehicle oversight, had laptop surplus
The governor’s office did not maintain proper oversight of state vehicles and kept three computers for every staff member, auditors found.
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CT will keep programs hurt by federal shutdown afloat — for now
Gov. Ned Lamont said it’s premature to commit any of last year’s $2.5 billion surplus to plug holes in federal funding over the long term.
Posted inHealth
Rising costs strain Medicaid in CT – before federal cuts are counted
Less than three months into the fiscal year, Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration has identified major cost overruns in CT’s Medicaid program.
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More unions break talks with Lamont over past-due raises
State employee unions continue to spar with CT Gov. Ned Lamont over raises, with two more bargaining units breaking off talks late Wednesday.
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Will CT use surplus funds to fill gaps caused by big beautiful bill?
Connecticut politicians have about a month to decide whether to use surplus funds to repair programs damaged by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
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Union to Lamont: Don’t invest our pension funds in Connecticut Sun
CT’s largest state employee union urged Gov. Ned Lamont to focus on overdue wage agreements for public-sector workers, not basketball.
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Should CT use pension funds to keep Connecticut Sun in state? GOP asks
CT Republicans called for a board to oversee CT pension funds, given Gov. Ned Lamont’s interest in keeping the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun in CT.
Posted inEducation
Southeastern CT lawmakers urge UConn to invest in Avery Point
Investments in housing and academics at UConn’s Avery Point campus are needed to supply workers for the region’s industries, lawmakers said.
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CT slashes more debt – but not from pensions
Connecticut wiped out nearly a third of the unfunded obligations in its health care program for retired state workers.
