Demand for Special Session: Use $2 Billion Surplus for Human Needs

 

The demand for a special session of the state legislature in October grew on October 1 as union, faith and community leaders, joined by elected officials, spoke out at a press conference at the state capitol urging action be taken to invest the state's $2 billion surplus in human needs and to advance immigration protections.

Organized by Connecticut for All, the advocates stated. “As even more chaos and uncertainty unravels at the federal level, Connecticut’s elected officials have a choice.” calling on legislators to “ face this chaos boldly and timely, with a cohesive strategy that protects Connecticut's most vulnerable residents through protective policies and broad investment that leverages the billions found since June to safeguard communities.”

 

“Without urgent action, the advocates said, Connecticut families will face devastating consequences now: hundreds of thousands could lose health coverage or food assistance, school districts could see millions in federal education cuts, and higher education would become even less accessible as loan and grant restrictions take hold. “

“At the same time, healthcare costs for middle income families will continue to skyrocket, while wealthy donors benefit from private school voucher schemes that siphon public dollars away from our schools. By investing state resources directly into healthcare, child care, housing, and education legislators can shield our communities from these harmful federal rollbacks and ensure Connecticut families are not left behind.”