Ned Lamont

GOP governor candidate Stefanowski tests positive for COVID

May 23, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Bob Stefanowski, the Republican Party's endorsed candidate for governor, announced Monday he has tested positive for COVID-19.

The 60-year-old issued a statement saying he tested positive on Monday morning after learning he had been exposed to someone who was COVID-positive.

Families can begin applying on June 1 for new child rebate

May 19, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Eligible families can begin applying next month for Connecticut's new one-year child tax rebate program that's included in the newly revised state budget, Gov. Ned Lamont announced Thursday.

Lamont OKs greater state oversight of West Haven finances

May 17, 2022 GMT

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Ned Lamont gave the go-ahead on Tuesday to increase state oversight of West Haven's troubled finances.

Lamont said there's been an “obvious lack of fiscal controls” in the city, which has been under the microscope after a former state representative and others were accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars of the community's COVID-19 relief funds.

Fired Connecticut health commissioner alleges discrimination

May 11, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — A former Connecticut health commissioner who was fired in the first weeks of the coronavirus pandemic has filed a lawsuit against the state, accusing the governor of discriminating against her, a Black woman, by elevating several white people to lead the crisis response.

Court: Pandemic orders not an excuse to violate lease

By PAT EATON-ROBBMay 10, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that executive orders issued by Gov. Ned Lamont affecting restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic could not not be used by a Norwalk eatery as an excuse not to pay the rent.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tests positive for COVID-19

May 8, 2022 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — New York Gov. Kathy Hochul tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday, saying she will isolate and work remotely this week.

GOP backs Klarides for U.S. Senate; Dems endorse Gov. Lamont

By SUSAN HAIGHMay 7, 2022 GMT

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Republicans endorsed former state House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, a moderate on social issues, to challenge two-term Democratic U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal in November.

Victories or defeats? Session creates template for campaigns

By SUSAN HAIGHMay 5, 2022 GMT

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont made it clear Thursday, the day after the General Assembly adjourned, that he'll be campaigning on what he sees as the big successes of the 2022 legislative session, ranging from “historic” tax cuts to new funding for child care services.

Juneteenth bill moves to Lamont after emotional House debate

By SUSAN HAIGHMay 5, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Following an emotional debate over a new state holiday to commemorate the end of slavery in the United States, Connecticut lawmakers approved legislation Wednesday night making it the latest state to officially recognize “Juneteenth”

Connecticut Senate sends budget with tax cuts to governor

By SUSAN HAIGHMay 4, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Senate sent a revised, one-year $24.2 billion state budget to Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's desk on Tuesday night that Democrats lauded as historic but Republicans derided as falling short for the taxpayers.

Gov gets bill allowing athletes to use UConn name in deals

By PAT EATON-ROBBMay 2, 2022 GMT

Connecticut lawmakers have passed a bill that would allow college athletes at state universities to use their school's name and logo in endorsement deals.

Connecticut lawmakers set 2040 goal for carbon-free grid

April 29, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers voted Thursday to officially set a target of 2040 for having a carbon-free electricity supply, despite skepticism about whether the state can meet that goal and whether ratepayers can afford the cost.

Legislators send data privacy “bill of rights” to governor

The Associated PressApril 28, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Consumers in Connecticut will be able to know when their personal information is being tracked and how it's being used under a wide-ranging data privacy bill that's headed to Gov.

Connecticut Democrats reach deal on state budget, tax cuts

By SUSAN HAIGHApril 28, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Broad agreement has been reached on a revised one-year state budget proposal, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and his fellow Democrats in the General Assembly announced Wednesday.

Connecticut lawmakers OK $75M in tax incentives for Sikorsky

April 27, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut legislators on Wednesday overwhelmingly approved a bill that will provide up to $75 million in tax incentives to Sikorsky under an agreement Gov. Ned Lamont has said will keep the helicopter maker’s headquarters in the state for the next two decades.

Sen. Chris Murphy tests positive for the coronavirus

April 26, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut said he tested positive for the coronavirus Tuesday after experiencing mild symptoms overnight.

“We've done the contact tracing and let people know,” the Democrat said in a Twitter post.

Connecticut state worker labor deal receives final approval

April 22, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — The Connecticut Senate on Friday gave final legislative approval to a multiyear labor agreement that includes pay raises and bonuses for tens of thousands of state employees, despite concerns raised by some Republicans that taxpayers can't afford it.

No salary? No problem. CT governor earns $26M over 3 years

By SUSAN HAIGHApril 22, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democratic Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's gross adjusted income for three of his four years in office totaled nearly $26 million, according to tax records released Thursday in a gubernatorial rematch between two wealthy candidates.

State board wants more oversight of West Haven’s finances

April 14, 2022 GMT

WEST HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Members of a state oversight board decided Thursday they need greater control over the finances of West Haven, Connecticut. The city has been under the microscope after a former state representative and others were accused of stealing hundreds of thousands of dollars in COVID-19 relief funds awarded to the municipality.

Connecticut attorney general tests positive for COVID-19

April 14, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Attorney General William Tong has tested positive for COVID-19, becoming the latest top state official to contract the coronavirus.

Tong, 48, was experiencing mild symptoms and will remain in isolation for five days, according to a news release from his office Wednesday.

Former prosecutor nominated to Connecticut Supreme Court

April 13, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday nominated Joan Alexander, a state judge and former prosecutor, to serve on the state Supreme Court.

Alexander, 59, of Cromwell, who now faces legislative confirmation, would succeed Supreme Court Justice Christine Keller, who announced earlier this month that she would be taking senior, part-time status on the court.

Senate votes to extend 4 of Lamont’s remaining COVID orders

April 12, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers have decided to extend four of Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's remaining pandemic-related executive orders, despite concerns raised by Republicans that it's time to end the practice and get back to normal governing.

Governor: State may help conservation bid for Boy Scout camp

By PAT EATON-ROBBApril 12, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut's governor said Tuesday that the state may provide supplemental funds to help conservationists purchase a 252-acre Boy Scout camp and keep it out of the hands of developers.

Committee defeats end-of-life bill in parliamentary tactic

By SUSAN HAIGHApril 11, 2022 GMT

A bill that would allow terminally ill adults in Connecticut to request medication to help them die was suddenly derailed Monday by an unusual parliamentary procedure during a committee vote.

Connecticut Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz tests positive for COVID-19

April 11, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz has tested positive for COVID-19 within days after her running mate, Gov. Ned Lamont, announced he had been infected.

Bysiewicz is “feeling well,” said Adam Joseph, her chief of staff, and plans to isolate from her home for the next five days.

Lamont feeling some COVID-19 symptoms, treatments possible

April 8, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont did not rule out Friday the possibility of taking treatments for his case of COVID-19, acknowledging he was exhibiting some symptoms.

“I had really no symptoms yesterday,” the Democrat told reporters during a virtual news conference from the governor's residence in Hartford.

Democrats advance ‘COVID relief budget’ for consideration

By SUSAN HAIGHApril 7, 2022 GMT

With Connecticut flush with federal COVID-19 relief funds, the Democratic-controlled Appropriations Committee advanced a one-year, $24.16 billion spending plan on Thursday that attempts to address the pandemic's continuing impacts.

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont tests positive for COVID-19

April 7, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont tested positive for COVID-19 on Thursday and is not experiencing any symptoms, according to his communications director.

Lamont, 68, received his second booster shot on March 31.

Lawmakers agree on tax cuts though debate over how, when

By SUSAN HAIGHApril 6, 2022 GMT

While Democratic and Republican legislators agree taxes in Connecticut should lowered, especially given the state's large budget surplus, there was continued disagreement Wednesday over which taxes should be targeted and when taxpayers should expect to feel some relief.

Stefanowski taps Fairfield representative as running mate

April 5, 2022 GMT

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (AP) — Bob Stefanowski, the likely Republican candidate for Connecticut governor, announced Tuesday his running mate will be Fairfield Rep. Laura Devlin, known for being an outspoken opponent of highway tolls.

New contracts for 43,000 state workers sent to lawmakers

April 2, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's administration on Friday transmitted agreements reached on 35 labor contracts that cover 43,000 unionized state employees to the General Assembly for consideration.

Connecticut offers $75Min tax incentives to Sikorsky

March 28, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut will provide up to $75 million in tax incentives to Sikorsky under an agreement that will keep the helicopter maker's headquarters in the state for the next two decades, Gov.

Lamont signs bill suspending 25-cent per gallon gasoline tax

March 24, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont signed emergency legislation Thursday that will suspend a 25-cent-per-gallon state gasoline tax from April 1 to June 30 to give motorists some relief at the pump.

Connecticut lawmakers to vote on 25-cent gas tax holiday

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 22, 2022 GMT

The General Assembly is expected to vote Wednesday on a proposal to suspend the state's 25-cent-per-gallon excise tax on gasoline in hopes of easing the pain at the pump for Connecticut motorists.

An early version of the emergency bill would suspend the tax between April 1 until June 30, the last day of the current fiscal year.

Gov. Lamont’s car tax cap proposal receives mixed reviews

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 18, 2022 GMT

Some municipal leaders and state legislators are raising concerns about Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's election year proposal to lower the state's cap on local taxes for motor vehicles, worried cities and towns could ultimately wind up losing much-needed revenue while wealthier drivers might benefit the most from the plan.

Lamont, lawmakers eying suspension of 25-cent state gas tax

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 14, 2022 GMT

With prices rising at the pump, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont unveiled a proposal Monday to suspend one of Connecticut's two taxes on gasoline by 25-cents-per-gallon until June 30, urging the General Assembly to enact the measure as soon as possible.

Lamont’s gun proposals receive pushback from gun advocates

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 14, 2022 GMT

Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's proposal to expand Connecticut's gun control laws received pushback Monday from some opponents who argue it's a “kneejerk” reaction to combatting crime — a key issue in this year's election.

Governor, state worker unions reach tentative contract deals

March 8, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's administration and nearly three dozen state employee bargaining units have reached tentative agreements on new labor contracts, both sides announced Tuesday.

‘Scoop Dogg’ tops contest to name Connecticut snowplows

March 5, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — “Scoop Dogg” and “Husky McSalty” were the top vote getters among Connecticut residents participating in a contest to name four of the state's snowplows.

Gov. Ned Lamont on Friday announced the winning names that will be displayed on four Connecticut Department of Transportation snowplows.

Health commissioner confirmed despite GOP’s COVID concerns

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 2, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Dr. Manisha Juthani, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont's nominee for Department of Public Health Commissioner, was confirmed by the state House of Representatives on a mostly party-line vote, with some Republicans criticizing her handling of certain aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

GOP lawmakers doubt adequacy of school grant program audit

By SUSAN HAIGHMarch 1, 2022 GMT

Republican state legislators raised concerns Tuesday that a planned external audit of Connecticut's school construction funding program may fall short of what's needed to get to the “truth” about what, if anything, was amiss in a contracting process currently under federal investigation.

Lamont: About 85% of Connecticut schools dropping mask rule

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 28, 2022 GMT

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont and the head of state's association of school superintendents say about 85% to 90% of school districts across the state have elected to drop mandatory face mask wearing as of Monday, the day when local officials were allowed to decide whether to extend the state's mask mandate.

McCaw steps down as budget chief amid federal investigation

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 25, 2022 GMT

Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced Friday his budget chief Melissa McCaw is stepping down to take a job with the city of East Hartford. Her departure comes amid a federal investigation surrounding her former deputy and hundreds of millions of dollars in state spending.

Republicans’ election-year focus is on federal probe, Lamont

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 24, 2022 GMT

The top Republican in the Connecticut House said Thursday he wants a legislative commission — and possibly a private investigator — to look into alleged state contracting “wrongdoings” by a former member of Democratic Gov.

DPH commissioner’s nomination clears key committee vote

February 24, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Dr. Manisha Juthani's nomination for commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health, a job she has held since September, cleared a key committee vote Thursday.

House members on the General Assembly's Executive and Legislative Nominations Committee voted 7-1 in favor of her appointment, sending it to the full House of Representatives for consideration.

Advocates hopeful assisted suicide bill passes this year

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 23, 2022 GMT

Advocates of what's become a perennial bill that would allow terminally ill adults in Connecticut to request medication to help them die expressed optimism Wednesday this could be the year the proposal finally gets voted on by the full House and Senate and signed into law by Gov.

Lawmakers seek bipartisan deal on child mental health bill

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 18, 2022 GMT

A group of Democratic and Republican state lawmakers on Friday unveiled the beginnings of what they pledged will be major overhaul of mental health services for children in Connecticut, an issue some repeatedly called a “crisis” that has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Home care workers block Hartford street, demand better wages

February 18, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Unionized home care workers and their supporters blocked a major Hartford intersection near the state Capitol on Thursday, demanding Gov. Ned Lamont allocate more funding in his proposed state budget for better wages and basic benefits, including health insurance and paid sick days.

Senate Democrats latest group to push for more pandemic pay

By SUSAN HAIGHFebruary 17, 2022 GMT

Pressure is growing among lawmakers in Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's party to give more “hero pay” to a wider range of essential workers who stayed on the job during the early days of the pandemic.

Democratic state senators said Thursday that hero pay will be a top priority during the new legislative session — and they want to use Connecticut’s federal COVID-19 relief funds to do it.

Lamont to visit Israel on Connecticut’s economic mission

February 15, 2022 GMT

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont will visit Israel next month as part of a Connecticut economic development mission

announced Tuesday he will be part of an economic development mission to Israel later this month to promote Connecticut as a welcoming place for start-up companies and to strengthen relations between the two regions.