Connecticut Commentary: Red Notes from a Blue State

Looney, Lamont, Duff and Ritter It’s been 16 months since this writer first noted that Governor Ned Lamont’s most obstreperous political opposition in Connecticut would come from progressive Democrats, not Republicans: “During his first term in office, Governor Ned Lamont need have no fear of the Republican Party, which was thoroughly thrashed by Democrats in the recently concluded elections.” Under an ominous title, “ Potential budget showdown over tax hikes ,” a Hartford paper notes – better late than never – “Democrats in the General Assembly are pressing ahead with plans for raising taxes on the state’s wealthiest residents, despite Lamont’s opposition to the idea, setting up a potential budget clash with the governor.” We are advised that closed-door budget talks have begun as lawmakers race toward the legislative session’s June 9 adjournment.” A “closed door budget talk” has been, since the administration of former Governor Dannel Malloy, one to which minority Republicans h...

Martin Looney There is no indication that any of the various toll plans offered during the past year were ever palatable to a majority of Connecticut voters. During the second week of November, Senate President Pro Tem Martin M. Looney at long last took the hint. “I think we need to find something that is broadly palatable in the General Assembly and also to the public,” he said. The shelving of tolls – for now – does not mean that some other toll plan may not be advanced after the upcoming elections by a Democrat dominated General Assembly always hungry for new revenue streams. A new revenue source would relieve the General Assembly, responsible for all getting and spending in Connecticut, of the necessity, ever more apparent, of cutting spending, the alternative to raising taxes. Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff noted, “I think we all want to move forward on a [transportation improvement] plan, we just have got to figure out how to fund it.”