Lamont: CT Spending Plan To Include ‘Significant Increase’ In Aid To Municipalities

Municipalities can expect a “significant” increase in state aid, according to Gov. Ned Lamont.

Lawmakers this week announced a tentative state budget agreement as they continue working to finalize the spending plan for the 2027 fiscal year.

On Tuesday, Lamont said plans are to provide municipalities with an additional $170 million in school funding and an additional $100 million in municipal aid out of the state’s Affordability Fund.

“I have heard directly from mayors, first selectmen, superintendents, students, and taxpayers across Connecticut who are feeling the squeeze of rising costs,” Lamont said.

According to Lamont, the combined $270 million total is a “direct response” to the strains on town, school district and family budgets.

“By closing funding gaps for our schools and municipalities, we can help communities avoid raising property taxes while keeping classrooms running and local services strong,” Lamont said. “Affordability is a top priority for this administration, and this investment delivers real relief where people feel it most.”

According to Lamont’s office, the aim is to provide funding to municipalities to help them avoid raising property taxes.

“By targeting these dollars directly at the gaps straining local budgets and school systems, this funding gives municipalities the breathing room they need to stabilize or even reduce mill rates, addressing the affordability concerns that so many Connecticut residents and community leaders have raised,” Lamont’s office said, in an announcement Tuesday.

House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora, R-North Branford, said via email, "Sending more money to towns, even if some of it is one-time in nature, may help ease the property tax burden in the short-term, but most Connecticut families won't feel it in their wallets on a daily basis.”

“The Democrat budget ignores the direct tax relief that would make everyday life more affordable for our constituents, such as ending the tax on Social Security benefits or eliminating the sales tax on kids' clothing,” Candelora added, “Without reforms like these, we aren't attacking this crisis with the urgency Connecticut residents desperately need."

The General Assembly still needs to review and approve the budget, which it is expected to do before the legislative session adjourns May 6.