WILLIMANTIC — Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont has proposed a plan to access the state’s emergency response reserve, aiming to ensure continued funding for essential health and human services programs. This reserve currently holds $500 million in state surplus, and the governor’s initiative allows for the transfer of $167.9 million to support various initiatives amidst recent delays and reductions in federal funding.
The plan is designed to alleviate the impact of budget cuts enacted by the previous federal administration, primarily affecting low-income residents. It is projected to lower health insurance premiums for over 150,000 Connecticut residents, provide food assistance to more than 35,000 individuals, and help maintain housing for 3,500 people.
Funding Breakdown and Impact
State Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham) expressed gratitude for the governor’s actions, stating, “I’m glad the governor understands the horrible impact the budget cuts passed by Congressional Republicans and signed into law by POTUS Trump will have on our average-income residents in Connecticut.”
The funding plan addresses several critical areas, including:
– **Food and Nutrition Assistance**: Allocations for food aid are in response to changes in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
– **Healthcare Coverage**: It aims to compensate for the loss of federal tax credits affecting those enrolled in the Affordable Care Act.
– **Homelessness Prevention**: Funding will address delays in the Continuum of Care program and support services for vulnerable populations.
State Representative Gregg Haddad (D-Mansfield) praised the governor’s relief plan, noting its essential role in shielding residents from increasing costs while enhancing access to necessary services. “This $167.9 million provides vital support: it will lower health insurance premiums for 150,000 residents and ensure 35,000 people have access to nutritious food,” Haddad remarked.
The detailed expenditure plan includes:
– $24.55 million for community food banks and pantries to enhance their capacity through June 2027.
– $64.1 million to replace expiring premium tax credits for Covered CT until June 2027.
– $50.76 million aimed at replacing lost healthcare subsidies for non-Covered CT participants in 2026.
– Additional funding for services addressing homelessness and healthcare access.
Addressing Federal Cuts and Ongoing Needs
This initiative marks the first time Governor Lamont has drawn from the emergency fund, which was established in November under Special Act 25-1 to prepare for potential federal funding cuts. Lamont emphasized the importance of supporting programs that enhance access to food, healthcare, and homelessness prevention.
“It is a shame that the federal government is cutting back on these services that provide a safety net for those who are most in need and which ultimately support the health and safety of our entire country,” Lamont stated. He affirmed Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that essential assistance remains available to its residents.
In addition to direct aid, the funding will also cover operational costs for the Connecticut Department of Social Services, facilitating compliance with new eligibility requirements for Medicaid and SNAP clients.
“My focus remains on middle-class affordability,” Haddad explained. By addressing the loss of enhanced federal healthcare tax credits, this plan is poised to prevent significant increases in monthly premiums for families relying on the Affordable Care Act.
Governor Lamont’s proactive approach illustrates Connecticut’s determination to safeguard its vulnerable populations in light of shifting federal policies. Through this plan, the state aims to mitigate the effects of federal cuts while continuing to provide essential services to those in need.
