Let’s Talk Budget, Fiscal Ratings, and Reducing Senior Fraud

September 17, 2025
It is always a privilege to speak at town halls, such as the one in Ridgefield this week, and hear questions directly from you. These conversations provide valuable insight, allow me to better understand your concerns, and ensure that the work I do reflects the needs and priorities of our community. Thank you to everyone who attended. 

I would also like to highlight another event I will attend this week. Waveny LifeCare together with M&T Bank are hosting a session on Reducing Senior Fraud this Thursday night. Details are below (registration required), and I hope to see you there!

We are seeing the results of our strong budgets! Sound fiscal management earned Connecticut another credit rating increase. I'll break down why this is such a big deal for taxpayers and the state's economy moving forward.

Stay tuned for more information on my Facebook and Instagram accounts. I always look forward to hearing from you with any questions and ideas for our towns and state. Please reach out anytime by email at Savet.Constantine@cga.ct.gov.

It's a privilege to represent you.

Warmly,
Savet Constantine
State Representative

 

Ridgefield Town Hall

It was a pleasure to participate in a virtual Ridgefield Town Hall on Monday. I joined the Ridgefield delegation to share what we've accomplished in the past year, to listen to your bill ideas, and to answer your questions.

I always enjoy engaging in these types of events because it gives me an opportunity to speak directly with constituents. Hearing your concerns and passions allows me to better serve as your voice at the Capitol. Thank you to everyone who came out, listened, and provided valuable feedback!
 

Education Funding Uncertainty

Over the course of September, legislative committees have been meeting to discuss the potential impact of looming federal budget cuts. With the September 30th federal budget deadline approaching, these hearings are focused on understanding how each of the three budget proposals under consideration in Washington could affect Connecticut.

Last week, the Education Committee heard from key leaders in our state’s education system, including the Department of Education, the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, and the School and State Finance Project.

Both the White House and House budget proposals currently outline $4.5 billion in cuts to education nationwide—a reduction that would have real consequences for local districts, including Wilton, New Canaan, and Ridgefield.

Whatever cuts are ultimately decided, our priority is to prepare and adapt so that we can continue to provide Connecticut students with an education that prepares them for life beyond the classroom. I will keep you updated as the federal budget process moves forward and as we assess what it means for our schools, families, and communities.
 

CT Earns Another Credit Rating Boost

Thanks to sound fiscal management, Connecticut has earned another credit rating boost – this time from Moody's and Fitch. The two agencies attribute our strong budgets, aggressive pension liability payments, steady revenue growth, and long-term planning as key reasons for their decisions. These upgrades mark the seventh and eighth credit rating increases during the Lamont administration, a clear sign Connecticut is on the right track.

Moody’s raised Connecticut by one step to Aa2, and Fitch followed by lifting the state to AA from AA-. Both are the third-highest levels.

The boosts are more than symbolic because they:

  • Lower borrowing costs for the state
  • Create immediate and long-term savings for taxpayers
  • Make Connecticut bonds even more attractive for investors

This means we can continue paying down pension debt while freeing up resources for critical investments in education, housing, health care, social services, and much more.
 

Forum to Help Seniors Avoid Fraud

You're invited to attend a seminar that will outline how to help seniors avoid becoming a victim of fraud. Scammers usually target older adults, and this informational session will provide the tools you need to protect their finances and personal information.

The event will take place on Thursday, September 18 at 6 p.m. at Waveny LifeCare Network at 3 Farm Road in New Canaan. You can reserve a seat by clicking here. I hope to see you there!