Monday, with a coalition of 20 statewide organizations with broad and varied missions, The Alliance wrote to Governor Ned Lamont and members of the General Assembly calling on them to do whatever is necessary to fund the needs of the residents of Connecticut.
The letter called for a bi-partisan budget agreement to fund programs that were under-funded or not funded in the budgets proposed by the Governor and the Appropriations Committee, was sent today to Governor Lamont and every member of the state House and Senate.
In their message, the signers cite the lasting impacts of the coronavirus pandemic, the workforce crisis and unprecedented inflation on their organizations. The signers argue that the state can fund vital programs, while agreeing on a prudent budget, and commit to publicly supporting efforts to do so.
The letter reads:
May 1, 2023
Connecticut is at a budget crossroads. Decisions we make today should be about what’s best for Connecticut’s people, now and in the future.
The Appropriations Committee’s proposed budget, drafted under so many constraints, does not adequately fund the needs of the state, needs that have grown in the wake of a multi-year pandemic, an unprecedented period of inflation and a statewide workforce crisis. These came after many years in which critical needs were unmet for programs for health and human services, education and more.
At long last, Connecticut can begin to address those needs. The current-year’s surplus is about $3.3 billion above what is needed for the budget and a full Budget Reserve Fund. The Fiscal Accountability reports late last year predicted surpluses for the next several years.
State government has recently been able to pay down some long-term obligations and is considering targeted tax cuts. We can continue to do those things, but our quality-of-life depends on us also seizing this unique moment for the residents of our state who need your help.
If not now, when?
We know that finding ways to fund so many needs will not be easy, it will require difficult choices, whether within the context of the current budget proposals, the state’s revenue structure or budgetary legal constraints. We know that some of those choices may be unpopular.
The organizations listed below will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with you when you make tough decisions and do whatever is necessary to fund programs our residents need. We will speak individually and collectively to the public to explain why investment today in the women, men and children of our state will benefit Connecticut in the future.
We ask for a bipartisan effort to fund Connecticut’s needs today and we look forward to working with you for a brighter future for Connecticut.
Thank you for your consideration.
| Gian-Carl Casa President and CEO CT Community Nonprofit Alliance | Lisa Hammersley Executive Director School and State Finance Project |
| Matthew Barrett President and CEO CT Association of Health Care Facilities | Sarah Eagan Child Advocate State of Connecticut |
| Lisa Tepper-Bates President and CEO United Way of Connecticut | Julieth Callejas Executive Director End Hunger CT |
| Win Evarts Executive Director ARC Connecticut | Robert Muro President and CEO Connecticut Council of Family Service Agencies |
| Kathy Flaherty Executive Director Connecticut Legal Rights Project | Deb Polun Executive Director Connecticut Association for Community Action |
| Tracey Wodatch President and CEO CT Association of Health Care At Home | Liz P. Taylor Executive Director NAMI Connecticut |
| Joe DeLong Executive Director Connecticut Conference of Municipalities | Mag Morelli President LeadingAge CT |
| Catherine John Founder Black and Brown United in Action | Emily Byrne Executive Director Connecticut Voices for Children |
| Merrill Gay Executive Director CT Early Childhood Alliance | Jordan Fairchild Executive Director Keep The Promise Coalition |
| John Merz CEO Connecticut Advancing Together | Molly Cole Coordinator, CT Cross Disability Lifespan Alliance Executive Director, CT State Independent Living Council |