Gov. Lamont Lays Out Agenda, Possibly Extend Gas Tax Suspension

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont called for fiscal restraint and an increased focus on Connecticut’s economy in the morning after his sizable victory over Republican opponent Bob Stefanowski.

“Everything I do is going to be looking through that lens of growth and opportunity,” Lamont said during an after-election news conference.

Lamont will ask the state legislature to extend the 2017 bipartisan spending and borrowing rules that have helped the state avoid boom-or-bust budget cycles.

"It gives us a clear sense of direction and how we're getting our fiscal house in order," he said.

Democratic candidates swept the state constitutional offices for secretary of the state, treasurer, comptroller and attorney general. Votes are still being counted for state house and senate seats, but Democrats will keep their majority in both chambers by a comfortable margin.

Most of the work will start in January when the legislative session kicks off, but Lamont wants to look at potentially extending the gas tax suspension before then. The tax has been suspended since April and is due to expire Dec. 1.

“I think we're in decent shape,” he said. “I'd like to sit down and talk with the legislature, how we can continue a gas tax cut beyond December 1.”

The state has about 100,000 open jobs, but employers are having trouble filling them, Lamont said. Debt-free community college and 18-week certificate programs will help with training. The state also has to work to make childcare more affordable and accessible so that people can get to work.

Lamont said he welcomed Republicans coming up with solutions.

“I'm happy to have Republicans if they want to be constructive,” he said. “Please sit down and help us to work through some of the challenges we face. That's been my motto ever since day one.”

Early voting

Voters approved Connecticut’s early voting ballot question Tuesday, which means the General Assembly will get to decide the exact nature of the system.

Secretary of the State-elect Stephanie Thomas said she would speak with legislators about early voting plans before the January session starts.

“I know the secretary’s office is studying data from around the country,” she said. “I feel confident that we can implement a system that works. Based on the information I have so far, I would expect us to be somewhere in that few days to five days window.”