Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont focused Wednesday on fiscal stability and economic growth in his State of the State address.
Lamont struck an optimistic tone that suggested an end to the state’s days of budget deficits and lost business.
“You may remember that headline in the Wall Street Journal…‘What’s the matter with Connecticut?’ Well today, the Wall Street Journal has a very different headline. Their tone in their last editorial was “The state has dug a deep hole. And maybe now it has stopped digging.’”
Lamont’s list of positives: growth in the economy, a more stable budget and upgraded fiscal outlooks from ratings agencies. And he says other lawmakers should think positive, too.
“No more badmouthing the great state of Connecticut. This is an amazing state, this is an amazing state. The rest of our country is looking at Connecticut in a new light, and so should you.”
His $22 billion budget keeps spending tight and introduces few new taxes. One new tax accompanies tighter rules on vaping products. The budget also includes a less ambitious plan for debt-free community college than one lawmakers proposed last year.
