As part of our efforts to promote wise state investments in children and families, Connecticut Voices for Children today announced the launch of our Fiscal Policy Center. The Fiscal Policy Center at CT Voices will provide research, analysis, and recommendations on state and federal budget and tax policies, including their impact on education, health care, human services, and family economic security.

The Fiscal Policy Center is an expansion of our longstanding budget and tax policy work. We have for many years tracked and reported on tax and budget trends and solutions. Many policy ideas promoted by CT Voices have been enacted into law in recent years, including a state earned income tax credit for working families, a more progressive income tax, and a mechanism for resolving revenue forecast disputes between the legislature and Governor. By establishing the Fiscal Policy Center, CT Voices will be able to engage more naturally and forcefully in fiscal policy matters beyond those traditionally seen as children’s issues.  We also plan to add staff to expand our capacity for this work.

Just yesterday, the New York Times published a compelling article making the argument for a stronger voice for children’s priorities in state and federal budget policy.

We’re proud to have strong support for the Center from many state leaders, including these:

“In 2009, when Connecticut faced massive deficits and a budget impasse between the General Assembly and Governor, Connecticut Voices stepped forward with a commonsense concept that helped the parties reach agreement. Ever since, our consensus revenue forecasting law has helped to turn what could be a contentious part of the budget process into an important joint statement by the executive and legislative branches.”

–              Sen. Donald E. Williams, Jr., Connecticut Senate President Pro Tempore

“Connecticut Voices is a thorough source of analysis of Connecticut’s budget and tax policies. As Connecticut and the nation continue to face economic challenges, Connecticut Voices’ contribution to the debate is important for policymakers from all sides.”

–              Benjamin Barnes, Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management