Lawmakers in Connecticut are set to commence the 2025 legislative session with a focus on negotiating a two-year state budget that impacts critical local aid, school districts, Medicaid, and higher education institutions. The previous budget exceeded $50 billion and included budget controls known as “fiscal guardrails,” which have led to budget surpluses and reduced pension debt.
However, there is tension between saving and spending, as some advocate for more spending on social services and education while others support the fiscal guardrails. Progressive legislators, labor unions, and social service organizations have criticized the guardrails as obstacles to progress, calling for loosening the requirements to benefit the working class.
The long legislative session will allow for debates on various bills, including regulations on artificial intelligence and affordable housing. Gov. Ned Lamont will deliver his state of the state address to kick off the session, which will be covered live by news outlets. Lawmakers will work until June to address key issues facing the state.
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