Connecticut’s budget is the clearest statement of its policy priorities. As such, it should prioritize revenue and expense options that advance long-term inclusive economic prosperity, improve equity, and prepare our children for success.
In our new policy report, we compare the budget proposals from the Governor, Democratic legislators, House Republicans and Senate Republicans. Our conclusion: all four adopt an unbalanced approach that fails to address Connecticut’s long-term structural challenges.
The four budget documents include deep cuts to the Children's Budget, the share of the state budget dedicated to programs and services that directly impact children. All four proposals would shrink the Children's Budget to record-low levels, continuing the cuts seen in recent years. The Children’s Budget would decline from 32.8% in 2008 to under 29% in 2019 under the Governor, Democrats and House Republicans´ proposals, or still a record-low 29.3% for Senate Republicans.
