Let's get ct back on the road
Guiding Principles for Reform
In anticipation of the 2025 legislative session, our coalition has drafted guiding principles for legislators interested in making bold policy changes to modify the fiscal roadblocks. On November 21st, the Greater Hartford Interfaith Action Alliance and its 52 participating congregations also adopted these principles.
CTFA Principles for Fiscal Controls_FINAL_111324.pdfCT HAS A SURPLUS. SO WHY CAN'T WE FUND OUR PUBLIC SERVICES?
Connecticut can't move forward because of Gov. Lamont's roadblocks, which he calls the "fiscal guardrails." This collection of policies and statutes make it nearly impossible for your elected officials to put your tax dollars toward the public services that make Connecticut a great place to live. These policies are intentionally confusing, but they boil down to two main problems.
PreventS Responsible Use of Revenue
The first roadblocks were put in place in 1991, and now Connecticut is locked into the social inequities of that time. How is that fair to our state and its residents?
Last fiscal year ended with billions - BILLIONS - in state surplus. Yet our state workforce is understaffed, our public colleges and universities raised tuition and cut services, and our K-12 system is facing a financial cliff as ARPA funds expire. All because of the roadblocks.
SKIRT THE DEMOCRATIC PROCESS
These policies were established without any public input or hearings. The roadblocks also can't be changed without a 3/5th vote in the state legislature - instead of majority rule.
This means that your legislators can raise taxes on YOU - folks in the working and middle class - with a simple majority rule. But they need a 3/5th vote to raise taxes on the ultrarich.
Doesn't seem very fair, does it?
