WEEKLY UPDATE: 02/05/26
At noon on Wednesday, February 4, the Connecticut General Assembly convened to mark the beginning of the 2026 Legislative Session. Governor Ned Lamont delivered traditional opening day remarks on the State of the State and outlined his proposed adjustments to the second year of the biennial state budget, enacted last session.
The governor’s proposed fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget adjustments include provisions to increase the state’s hospital provider tax by $100 million, with the state keeping the majority of taxes for the general fund. The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) strongly opposes these provisions and released a public statement detailing the harmful impact of the proposal.
During his budget address, the governor detailed his priorities for a proposed spending and revenue plan, including plans to provide universal free school breakfast, free and discounted bus service proposals for veterans and students, and a tax rebate of $200 to individuals earning less than $200,000 per year and $400 to couples making less than $400,000. He also proposed reform to the legislative “earmarks” process to provide accountability and transparency. In total, the governor proposes increasing spending by about 4.4% beyond current levels.
As an even-numbered year, the 2026 Legislative Session is “short,” concluding on Wednesday, May 6. During short session years, the state constitution and legislative rules limit individual lawmakers to the introduction of bills related to budgetary, revenue, and financial matters. Policy-oriented bills must be introduced by one of the General Assembly’s joint committees.
The 2026 Legislative Session takes place ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections for Connecticut’s congressional delegation and state elections for the General Assembly, governor and lieutenant governor, and other constitutional officers — including state comptroller, state treasurer, secretary of the state, and attorney general.
The full transcript of the governor’s budget address can be read here, and the video can be watched here.
