Here's Everything Gov. Lamont Said In His State Of The State Address Wednesday

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont pitched tax cuts, gun law changes and infrastructure investments during his State of the State address as he heads into election season.

“Just as I wouldn’t let the state be defined by a chronic fiscal crisis, I will not allow it to be defined by a COVID crisis,” he said. “Despite the intense headwinds of a global pandemic, we have made significant progress with more jobs created, more families moving into our state, and more opportunity for all.”

He re-iterated a proposal to end the statewide school mask mandate and turn decision-making to local officials.

“From a public health perspective, you have earned this freedom, and you can do that safely,” he said. “Our Department of Public Health will provide clear guidance. We know how to live safely in a post pandemic, but never completely COVID-free, world.”

Republican candidate for Governor Bob Stefanowski said Lamont’s tax relief programs are too little and too late.

“I agree with the Governor that people need property tax relief, but they needed it three years ago when he took office, not just now when he’s looking for their votes again,” Stefanowski said.

He also said Lamont was out of touch with Connecticut residents who are hurting due to inflation, high gas prices and “out of control” crime.

“The Governor touts budget surpluses while he fails to even scratch the surface of offering relief to families, residents and small businesses,” he said.

Tax changes

Lamont has proposed lowering the car tax mill rate cap from 45 mills to 29, with a reimbursement for local governments. The move would result in tax relief in 103 towns and cities.

“We’re also going to cut taxes on automobiles, so no one is struggling to pay more for a Honda in Hartford than a Hummer in Harwinton,” Lamont said.

Reimbursements would cost the state an additional $160.4 million.

Lamont also wants to restore the state’s property tax credit eligibility. Currently, only filers over 65 and those with dependents potentially qualify. Filers still need to make less than $109,500 (single) or $130,500 (joint) to qualify. He also wants to increase the maximum credit from $200 to $300.

The governor also wants to accelerate the planned phase-in of pension and annuities tax exemption. Connecticut is scheduled to have a 56 percent exemption rate in 2022 and 100 percent by 2025, but he wants to move the schedule up by three years.

Single filers with an adjusted gross income of less than $75,000 and joint filers with less than $100,000 would qualify for the exemption. The move would cost the state an additional $42.9 million for fiscal year 2023.

Infrastructure

The bipartisan U.S. infrastructure bill will pump more than $1 billion a year to Connecticut for projects. Lamont promised upgrades to rail service and highway infrastructure.

“You won’t recognize this state five years from now,” he said.

The promise of two-way rail service between Bridgeport and Waterbury has already resulted in hundreds of apartments in the Valley.

Federal infrastructure funding will also expand broadband access in rural Connecticut.

“Telehealth, e-learning, and telecommuting are not just nice to have – they are a 2022 necessity,” he said. “This is as much about fairness and equality as it is convenience and efficiency.”

Infrastructure funding will also allow the state to work on flood control and move electric substations out of flood areas.

Lamont’s budget proposal also includes funding for hundreds of electric vehicle charging stations. The state is also moving to convert school and city buses to electric in an effort to cut down on air pollution in distressed communities, which ave disproportionately higher asthma rates.

Public safety

Lamont again called for towns and cities to hire more police officers.

“I want more cops on the beat. Our ten largest cities and towns alone are training and hiring nearly 400 new cops in the next two years,” he said. “We’ve made sure they have the budget to do it.”

Earlier in the week Lamont pitched several gun law changes.

“Public safety is just as important as public health,” he said. While Connecticut remains one of the safest states in the country, certain crimes are up.”

Absentee ballot voting

Lamont wants to make absentee ballot voting easier in the future, and not just during the pandemic.

“Four years ago, hundreds of voters in New Haven waited for hours in the pouring rain, clutching a soaked ballot in order to cast their vote,” he said. “The last two elections, voters turned out in force because they could vote absentee.”