Statement from Senator Tony Hwang on Governor Lamont’s Veto of HB 5002

HARTFORD, CT— State Senator Tony Hwang (R—Fairfield) released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s decision today to veto House Bill 5002:

“I commend and fully support Governor Lamont’s courageous and principled decision to veto House Bill 5002. As a former tri-Chair of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Housing Committee and Planning & Development Committee, I’ve long believed that housing policy must be inclusive, transparent, and developed through open dialogue with all impacted stakeholders—state leaders, municipal officials, housing advocates, and community voices alike.

Connecticut is unquestionably facing a housing crisis, and we must act with urgency. But urgency cannot come at the expense of democratic process or local accountability. HB 5002 was hastily crafted through a last-minute strike-all amendment that bypassed public hearings, excluded meaningful committee vetting, and shut out critical public input. That is not how we create durable, effective solutions to one of the most complex and sensitive challenges facing our state.

The bill’s broad mandates and punitive zoning measures would have overridden local planning authority, imposed arbitrary quotas, and ignored the unique needs and character of Connecticut’s diverse municipalities—without addressing infrastructure demands, environmental concerns, or long-term sustainability.

Governor Lamont’s veto is a win for good governance, for public trust, and for the principle that every community deserves a seat at the table. It reflects a thoughtful balance between the need for affordable, accessible housing and the imperative to respect local decision-making.

I remain committed to working in a bipartisan, collaborative manner to create housing solutions that are inclusive, accountable, and tailored to the unique needs of every town and city in Connecticut.”