Voters across Connecticut say housing affordability will be a decisive issue in the November 2026 gubernatorial election, according to a recent Sacred Heart University poll. The survey found broad concern about rising costs, but split opinions on solutions: Republicans favor cutting property taxes and other expenses, while Democrats push for more affordable‑housing programs and rental assistance.
Governor Lamont gains Realtors endorsement
Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Association of Realtors, the state’s largest professional trade group, has endorsed his re‑election campaign. Lamont, seeking a third term against Republican challenger Ryan Fazio, has highlighted funding for first‑time homebuyers and has supported legislation to increase housing production, though he vetoed a Democratic‑backed housing omnibus bill last year. The Realtors previously backed Republican Bob Stefanowski in 2018.
Public utilities regulator holds rates steady
The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) completed its mid‑year review of the public‑benefits charge without making major changes to electricity rates. In unanimous votes, PURA left Eversource rates unchanged and raised United Illuminating rates by a modest .01 cents per kilowatt‑hour, effective Sept. 1 through April 30. The agency conducts semi‑annual reviews of minor bill components, separate from the larger generation and distribution charges that make up most of a customer’s bill.
CSCU reinstates internal auditor office
Two years after a scandal over improper P‑card use led to the ouster of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) chancellor, the system is rebuilding its internal auditor division. The General Assembly required CSCU to reopen the office, which had been closed for years due to budget cuts. Board member Donald Williams said the new auditor plans to add 19 positions over several years, at an estimated cost of more than $1.8 million, pending approval by the board and the state legislature.
Federal guidance on school technology
The U.S. Department of Education issued a letter urging schools to be “intentional” about technology use, distinguishing recreational from instructional purposes and evaluating tools based on demonstrated learning outcomes rather than screen‑time alone. The guidance is lighter than Connecticut’s own recent recommendations, which call for bell‑to‑bell bans on personal devices and suggest schools shift away from digital instruction tools where appropriate.
Legislators examine safety of modular housing
Three Democratic state representatives announced a working group to review fire and building‑code safety for modular housing projects. The group will assess whether current codes protect residents in off‑site‑built affordable‑housing developments, a concern raised by Bethel residents who opposed a Vessel Technologies proposal. Representatives Raghib Allie‑Brennan (Bethel), Kerry Wood (Rocky Hill) and Felipe Antonio (Bridgeport) will lead the effort.
These briefs illustrate the range of policy discussions shaping Connecticut’s 2026 political landscape, from housing and utilities to education and public‑sector accountability.
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
