Senator Tony Hwang Responds to Governor Lamont’s Budget Address: Prioritizing Affordability and Opportunity for Connecticut Families

. 

HARTFORD, CT – Senator Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield) issued the following statement in response to Governor Lamont’s February 4th Joint General Assembly budget address, emphasizing the urgent need to improve affordability and expand opportunity for Connecticut families:

“Governor Lamont’s budget proposal provides a foundation for discussion, and I am encouraged by key provisions that align with my priorities: making Connecticut more affordable and fostering economic opportunity. However, as we move through the legislative process, we must sharpen our focus on addressing the real challenges Connecticut families face and ensure long-term financial stability for our state.

Addressing Affordability for Residents and Businesses

Affordability remains a top concern for Connecticut families and small businesses. Rising healthcare costs—especially prescription drug prices and insurance premiums—continue to strain household budgets. We must prioritize solutions that enhance provider reimbursement rates and reduce out-of-pocket costs for residents, ensuring healthcare remains accessible and sustainable. Additionally, as federal spending packages evolve, Connecticut must be prepared to protect and strengthen Medicaid funding and provider reimbursements to safeguard care for our most vulnerable populations.

Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget does not go far enough in addressing high energy costs, which continue to burden families and businesses. As energy prices fluctuate, we must take proactive steps to reduce costs and enhance price stability. I remain committed to championing solutions that bring relief to ratepayers and create long-term energy affordability.

Investing in Our Future: Education, Workforce, and Economic Growth

At the same time, I am pleased to see critical investments in Universal Pre-K, education, and child care support for working families. These initiatives are essential for fostering a well-prepared future workforce. The proposed increase in the income tax credit will also provide much-needed relief for hardworking families. Additionally, investments in environmental resilience will help Connecticut adapt to climate challenges while protecting our communities and natural resources.

Economic opportunity is key to Connecticut’s long-term prosperity. I am encouraged by the inclusion of the research and development tax credit and funding for Artificial Intelligence (AI) innovation, both of which will help position our state as a leader in the digital economy. Removing financial barriers to entry in high-demand fields—through occupational licensing reform—is another positive step toward expanding access to well-paying jobs and strengthening our workforce.

To ensure a strong economic future, we must also focus on apprenticeship programs and workforce training. As a former member of the Governor’s Workforce Council, I have long advocated for investments in skilled trades and career development. Expanding bond funding and tax credit incentives for apprenticeship programs will not only create immediate job opportunities but also build a more competitive workforce for Connecticut’s long-term success.

Commitment to Collaborative Solutions

As these crucial budget discussions continue, I remain committed to working with Governor Lamont and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to ensure that our final budget reflects the priorities of Connecticut’s families and businesses. By working together, we can craft a biennial budget that fosters affordability, economic mobility, and long-term prosperity for all residents.”