House and Senate Democrats have directed a spotlight on the historic investments in our proposed state budget for the next biennium.
The budget reflects months of hard work and long hours by the legislature's Appropriations Committee. The budget proposal is responsible, balanced, and puts Connecticut on a path to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic while positioning our state for future growth. The proposal would invest in our future workforce, fight for racial equity, and support our most vulnerable without exceeding the state spending cap or touching the Rainy Day Fund, now at an historic high of $3.5 billion.
RESPONDING TO COVID-19
Fully funds our local health districts and creates an Office of Pandemic Response to ensure our municipalities and our state have the necessary tools to combat the next public health emergency.
Provides an additional $80 million to nonprofits that have been on the frontlines
Invests in nursing homes and correctional facilities to better equip staff and enhance care
Expands access to health care through Medicaid
ECONOMIC RECOVERY
Pays down Connecticut's long-term liabilities while investing in our communities by distributing a portion of the state’s sales tax to cities and towns
Makes state government more efficient
Fully funds the Debt Free Community College program and expands workforce training in manufacturing
SUPPORTING EDUCATION
Helps close the opportunity gap by restoring funding for local education and invests $4.7 million in low-income school districts and districts with students learning English as a second language
Increases per-student funding for vocational agriculture and charter schools
Funds a farm-to-table program in school cafeterias so students can access fresh, locally-sourced food while supporting Connecticut farmers
Allocates funds for early childhood education programs
FIGHTING RACISM
Allocates funds to establish a Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, recognizing racism as a public health crisis
Ends the practice of charging incarcerated individuals to make phone calls and invests in programs to close the revolving door of incarceration
Funds programs to help reduce gun violence in our cities
Invests in training for police officers
Establishes a Connecticut Inspector General to independently investigate officer-involved shootings
Creates an office to identify individuals wrongfully convicted of a crime
INVESTING IN WORKING & MIDDLE CLASS FAMILIES
Repeals the poverty tax.
Restores tax exemptions for retirees.
Expands the Earned Income Tax Credits by providing a vital tax break for low-income residents.
Expands the farmers market food voucher program and boosts funding for the Temporary Family Assistance program
We will help build a more resilient economy and more just state for everyone. I believe this budget proposal sets us on a path to growth and security for every resident by investing in our future and addressing longstanding inequities.
The proposal presented this week could change before it reaches the House floor for a vote, but I am confident that as we work collectively and collaboratively, we will be able to shape a better Connecticut.
