On April 20, the Appropriations Committee and legislative Republicans put forward their proposals to modify the Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 budget adopted last October. These plans respond to the Governor’s proposals released in February and propose alternate paths forward for the year ahead.
This report examines these proposals grounded in our belief that Connecticut’s long-term well-being depends on social and fiscal policies that support opportunity for all children and families. All three budget proposals struggle to promote these policies without increasing revenues significantly. The Appropriations Committee and Republican proposals restore some key funding for programs, particularly in the area of municipal aid, education, and healthcare. However, both budget proposals put forth short-term solutions, failing to address the underlying issues that have resulted in the state’s long-term fiscal problems.
In addition, neither proposal modernizes our revenue system, and both put Connecticut’s behavioral health infrastructure in jeopardy with further budget cuts. They also allow the Bond Lock to limit the state’s ability to address existing and unanticipated challenges beginning this May. We urge legislators to promote a better future for Connecticut by delaying the Bond Lock’s implementation and embracing strategic investments in shared prosperity and equitable opportunity.
