WEEKLY UPDATE: 01/09/25
On Wednesday, January 8, 2025, members of the Connecticut General Assembly — the State House of Representatives and Senate — were sworn into office for two-year terms. As an odd-numbered year, the 2025 session is a “long” one, commencing in January and concluding in June.
Governor Ned Lamont provided traditional opening day remarks on the State of the State before a joint session of the General Assembly. During his address, the governor laid out his policy priorities for the 2025 Legislative Session, including: healthcare affordability with a focus on rising pharmaceutical costs, energy efficiency, education and workforce development investments, and the fiscal year (FY) 2026-2027 biennial budget. Lamont also noted the need to strike a balance between innovation and regulation in comments directed toward the General Law Committee.
Regarding healthcare, Gov. Lamont urged support for small businesses to negotiate better healthcare pricing and access for their workers. He touted ongoing efforts to bolster primary and preventive care services and praised Comptroller Sean Scanlon for “working with the private sector to encourage our workers to seek hospitalization where they get the best quality at the best value.”
Lamont specifically called for action on pharmaceutical prices. “Here’s an approach worth reconsidering. Last year, we proposed tying pharma price increases to the rate of inflation for generic drugs. This way pharmaceutical companies will still be incentivized to develop next-generation therapies, but once off-patent, these drugs will be much more affordable, and we must direct pharmacies to prescribe the lower-cost generics when appropriate. This reform could save you 50 cents on the dollar overnight. I ask the Human Services and Insurance Committees, let’s get these cost savers over the finish line.”
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) applauds the governor for his leadership and commitment to advancing affordability and opportunity and looks forward to collaborating with state officials, policymakers, and community members to achieve these goals, including as members of the newly formed bipartisan, bicameral Prescription Drug Task Force.
“Connecticut hospitals and health systems are entirely aligned with those two goals to make our state a place where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. Hospitals work every day to enhance quality of life by caring for patients, supporting an exemplary workforce, innovating to advance world-class care, contributing to the economy, and supporting vulnerable communities,” CHA wrote in a public statement.
Two legislators re-elected in November opted to vacate their seats, anticipating gubernatorial nominations. It is expected the governor will appoint State Representative Christine Conley (D-Groton) to the Workers’ Compensation Commission and State Senator Kevin Kelly (R-Stratford) to the Superior Court.
Lamont will reveal the details of his biennial budget proposal in early February.
Click here to read and watch the governor’s full speech.
