Senator Fazio Thanks Governor Lamont for Supporting His Bill to Cut Workers’ Fees in the 2026-2027 State Budget

February 5, 2025

Senator Fazio Thanks Governor Lamont for Supporting His Bill to Cut Workers’ Fees in the 2026-2027 State Budget - CT Senate Republic

HARTFORD, CT – State Senator Ryan Fazio (R-Greenwich) today commended Governor Lamont’s for including a proposal to eliminate licensure fees for key professions in Connecticut as part of the administration’s budget address. The initiative, proposed by Senator Fazio in S.B. 388 in 2025, S.B. 135 in 2024, and S.B. 135 in 2023 with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, is aimed at making the state a more attractive place to live and work by cutting unnecessary financial barriers and fees for skilled professionals.

“For too long, excessive licensure fees have discouraged talented individuals from entering and remaining in Connecticut’s workforce. From electricians to teachers to social workers and beyond, we should not be forcing these workers to pay an annual fee in excess of $500 every year to the government just for the right to work,” said Senator Fazio. “By eliminating these fees, we are sending a clear message that we want workers to stay, grow, and thrive here. Not take their talents to other states.”

The measure addresses long-standing concerns about affordability and workforce retention in industries where costly licensure requirements have acted as a deterrent. Eliminating these fees will provide immediate relief to workers while helping Connecticut compete with neighboring states that impose fewer barriers to employment.

“This is a commonsense step toward making Connecticut more competitive,” Senator Fazio added. “I appreciate the governor’s willingness to adopt my proposal, which was co-introduced by Senators Gordon and Maroney, and Representative Kavros DeGraw, as part of his budget plan.”

Senator Fazio has been a vocal advocate for workforce development policies that lower costs for professionals, improve economic mobility, and strengthen Connecticut’s economy. He remains committed to ensuring that this proposal moves forward and delivers real benefits to workers across the state.