Gov. Ned Lamont offered a picture of a vibrant Connecticut in his State of the State speech, highlighting his administration’s accomplishments while detailing strategies to address ongoing challenges.
Lamont claimed Connecticut’s budget puts the state in the black – “unlike most of our peer states,” he noted – and he detailed how the funds are being allocated.
“That budget makes our state’s largest ever commitment to childcare, K-12 education, our universities, workforce training, and not-for-profits,” he said. “At the same time, our budget provided a 10% tax cut for the middle-class families and a bigger tax credit for working families and essential workers.”
“And people are noticing,” he added. “Unlike our neighboring states which are losing population, Connecticut has gained population over the last few years. Today we have more people working, more people starting businesses, more people joining labor unions with better pay and better benefits, more of our graduates staying in Connecticut, and more out-of-staters wanting to move here.”
Lamont raised a “warning sign” that Connecticut’s housing market remains a problem, which he insisted would be addressed by the newly proposed budget.
“We have too many people who cannot find a place to live – it is not available, or it is not affordable,” he said. “Our biennial budget doubles our investment in housing – workforce housing, affordable housing, supportive housing, elder housing, and downtown apartments.”
Another issue that Lamont highlighted was climate related.
“Our state and our country are being hit by more severe and more unpredictable weather than ever before,” he continued. “Last summer, the Connecticut River Valley required extra irrigation due to severe draught, and one week later the crops were under water following torrential down pours. The cost of dealing with climate change is expensive, the cost of doing nothing is immeasurable. Flood insurance in Florida is prohibitive. Arizona’s water crisis is shutting down more development. Wildfires from California to Canada are smoking out many a sunny day in Connecticut.”
Lamont urged a continuation of “working together to keep our energy system reliable, affordable, and less toxic. Most of our energy supply is carbon free, thanks in large part to nuclear power, but we have also doubled down on wind and solar and hydropower.”
One surprising aspect of the speech was to expand state controls on how school children access social media, which he dubbed “one more distraction in the elementary school classroom.”
“Here is my idea, little bit from China and a little bit from Beyoncé,” he said. “China limits TikTok for children to one hour a day, and Beyoncé makes you leave your smartphone in a Yondr pouch before certain major events. We will be sending out guidance to your school board – have your younger students leave their smartphones at home or drop them in a Yondr pouch at the start of every school day. Social media is often anti-social, and too much smart phone makes you stupid. Start the day listening to your teacher and playing with your friends, not your phone.”
The governor’s full speech is now online.
Photo of Gov. Lamont delivering his State of the State speech courtesy of the governor’s office
