The Connecticut Citizens’ Assembly, a 100‑person volunteer panel selected by lottery, is wrapping up an 11‑week study of the state’s property‑tax system. Members say their final recommendations, due Sept. 26, will offer concrete ideas to lower the tax load on homeowners, support schools, and give municipalities more fiscal flexibility.
Local voices driving the discussion
Assembly members met virtually with reporters on Thursday and stressed that the biggest obstacle is not the governor or legislators but a public that feels the tax pinch yet often lacks a clear picture of how property taxes fund everyday services. “You’re going to see some great ideas,” said James Farrell, an accountant from East Haven. “We want it to be meaningful and taken seriously.”
Carly Tuthill, a new homeowner from Litchfield, echoed the sentiment, noting that Connecticut law gives towns only one large‑scale revenue tool – the property tax. “What can we do differently and be more diverse?” she asked, highlighting the group’s interest in expanding revenue options without over‑burdening families.
Key issues under review
The panel examined three broad areas:
- School funding. Property taxes are the chief source of money for K‑12 schools in the state’s 169 towns. The assembly noted that the state’s special‑education grant of $221 million this fiscal year still leaves municipalities to shoulder billions in additional costs.
- Business growth. Former Bridgeport Board of Education chairwoman Christine Baptiste, also on the assembly, said the group looked at how property taxes affect business expansion and local job creation.
- Revenue diversification. Members discussed whether towns should have alternative ways to raise money, such as modest fees or state‑backed programs, while also cutting wasteful spending at the local level.
While no final consensus has been reached, the assembly stressed that any reform must be realistic enough to survive political scrutiny. “We need to cut where we can and look for other ways of funding things at the local level,” Farrell said.
Political timing
The report’s release is timed to force a property‑tax conversation among candidates for governor, state senate, and the General Assembly before the November election. CCM Executive Director Joe DeLong said the schedule is intended to make the issue a central campaign topic.
State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, who has been assisting the assembly, plans to use the findings to shape debate when the 2027 legislative session opens on Jan. 6. “I can’t say I’ll agree with everything they propose, but we have a crisis and we must solve it,” Scanlon said.
Public education component
Assembly members also intend to launch an education program to help residents understand where property‑tax dollars go and why the state sometimes falls short of its promises. “Where does the money go? Where is it coming from?” asked Bridgeport Verizon manager Dawris Gomez, emphasizing the need for transparency.
Connecticut’s Department of Revenue Services reported that property taxes generated $12.5 billion in 2022, outpacing income taxes by $400 million. The tax is regressive, hitting low‑income families hardest; the lowest‑earning 10 percent of workers lost roughly 40 percent of their income to state and municipal taxes in 2022.
Looking ahead
Assembly members said their work will continue beyond the report, with hopes of fostering ongoing citizen involvement. “We’re looking at everything and trying to do what’s best for all and equitable for all,” Farrell concluded.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
