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Last night, the Democratic majority pushed through a $55.8 billion, two-year state budget on a largely party-line vote. Unfortunately, even some of their own members voted against it—a clear sign of how flawed this budget truly is.

This budget increases spending by 10.1%—a $2.635 billion jump—while placing an unnecessary $2 billion tax-and-fee burden on consumers and businesses. It’s unsustainable and sets Connecticut up for long-term fiscal instability. The trickle-down effects will hit working families hardest.

Even more concerning: the budget is packed with questionable earmarks. Some of the most troubling line-items include:

  • Funding for AAU sports teams
  • Grants to the Bangladesh Society of Connecticut
  • Support for a New Haven-based community theater
  • Even horse-riding lessons

At a time when we should be prioritizing essential services, these types of expenditures raise serious questions.

✅ We proposed commonsense improvements that were unfortunately rejected:

  1. Medicaid Rate Increases – To responsibly fund vital healthcare without adding to the deficit.
  2. Special Education Support – Ensuring sustainable funding for students and families who need it most.
  3. Passport to Parks Reform – Returning this program to the General Fund to increase transparency and support for DEEP.
  4. LIDR Program Offset – Funding this low-income energy discount program responsibly without additional public burden.

Despite our efforts, none of our amendments were adopted. The final vote was 99–49, and the State Senate is expected to take it up today.

We weren’t given a seat at the table—this budget was dropped on us in the early morning hours with little time to review or revise. That’s not how responsible governing is done.

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