Connecticut residents are overwhelmingly in favor of tapping the state’s record‑setting surplus to shore up human‑service programs that have been weakened by recent federal cutbacks, according to a poll released by the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.
Poll shows strong public backing
The online survey, conducted last month by the Connecticut‑based STATS Group, sampled 602 voters with a 4% margin of error. An impressive 86% said the state should spend its surplus dollars to ease the pain caused by federal reductions, and 54% support adjusting the state’s budget caps to redirect more funds to top social services.
More than half of respondents also indicated they would be more likely to back a gubernatorial candidate who promises to modify the caps for this purpose.
Why the push for state aid?
State officials note that federal nutrition benefits have already been cut for roughly 63,000 residents after eligibility was tightened last July under President Donald Trump’s administration. In addition, about 110,000 low‑income adults receiving health coverage through the Medicaid‑funded HUSKY D program face the loss of benefits this January due to new federal work rules. Hundreds of lawfully present immigrants are also slated to lose Medicare eligibility, regardless of employment status.
State projections warn that federally‑funded heating and energy assistance this winter could be down 33% from pre‑pandemic levels, leaving many families vulnerable to rising utility costs.
Governor’s response and budget context
Governor Ned Lamont, a fiscally moderate Democrat, has historically opposed changes to the state’s budget caps, but he has taken steps to work around them. Since last November, Lamont has used a special $550 million fund—outside the formal budget—to provide one‑time assistance such as health‑insurance subsidies, food‑pantry support and $300 grocery‑store gift cards for 25,000 residents who lost SNAP benefits.
While these measures have helped families in the short term, the poll’s findings suggest many voters want a more permanent solution. Lamont’s budget office acknowledges the state’s surplus, which averages more than $1.8 billion (about 8% of the General Fund) each year since 2017, has primarily been used to build reserves and reduce the $30 billion pension liability.
Critics and alternative viewpoints
Republican gubernatorial nominee Ryan Fazio opposes any modification of the caps, arguing that wasteful spending should be trimmed first. He and other GOP leaders contend that cutting union‑negotiated raises and curbing administrative costs at public colleges could free up additional dollars for social services.
Democratic Senate Appropriations Committee co‑chair Cathy Osten, however, predicts a robust debate in the 2027 session over expanding state‑funded assistance for residents who have lost SNAP benefits due to mental illness or disability.
What this means for Connecticut families
With gasoline prices topping $4.40 per gallon and inflation eroding household incomes, the poll underscores a clear public desire: use the state’s financial cushion to protect vulnerable residents while maintaining fiscal stability.
“Governor Lamont shares concerns about federal cuts that affect critical services for our residents,” said Chris Collibee, the governor’s budget spokesman. “The administration continues working with nonprofit providers and legislative leaders to protect essential services while preserving the fiscal health of the Commonwealth.”
Original reporting: The Connecticut Mirror — read the source article.
