By Emma Barhydt
The Connecticut legislative session opened on January 8, marking the beginning of an intensive six-month period during which lawmakers will address critical issues, including the state budget, housing, energy costs, and education. Governor Ned Lamont and State Senator Ryan Fazio provided detailed insights into the challenges and priorities for this long session, which runs until June 4.
“Today is the opening day of our 2025 legislative session,” Governor Lamont said in his opening remarks to legislators. “Over the next month or two, we should have more insights into how the changing relationship with the new administration will affect our budget and our people, but for today, let’s focus on what we can do to build on the progress we’ve made over the last six years.”
The session, held during an odd-numbered year, is considered a “long session,” during which a biennial state budget will be crafted. “This year’s session is very important because it’s the one in which we create a biennial, two-year budget amounting to 55 or so billion dollars of taxes and spending,” said Senator Fazio in an interview with the New Canaan Sentinel. “This is the most important six months in the two years of the state legislative term.”
Key Issues on the Agenda
Both leaders emphasized the importance of affordability and fiscal responsibility. “Affordability and opportunity are our north stars,” Governor Lamont said. “We have significantly increased the minimum wage, implemented the biggest middle-class tax cut in our history, and kept our budget in balance for the sixth straight year.”
Senator Fazio highlighted the importance of maintaining the state’s fiscal guardrails, which limit spending and borrowing. “These controls have prevented our state from raising taxes significantly over the past seven years,” he said. “However, they are now up for debate because some senior progressive leaders in the legislature want to break these limitations, whereas the governor, moderate Democrats, and Republicans understand that today’s limits on excess spending are tomorrow’s tax cuts for the middle class.”
Energy policy emerged as a top priority for both leaders. “The governor mentioned energy policy as the first issue in his State of the State address,” Fazio noted. “Residents across our district and state recognize that their energy bills are just far too high. I and others have been campaigning across the state for reforms that will cut electric bills for everybody.”
Governor Lamont emphasized the need for innovative solutions. “These high prices impact everyone—working families, seniors on a fixed income, small businesses, and large manufacturers,” he said. “We need to increase supply, especially low-carbon supply, starting with investments in wind, solar, and nuclear power.”
Housing and Zoning Debates
Housing and zoning laws also promise to dominate discussions. “The senior leadership of the House and Senate want to take away more local zoning rights to build a lot more housing in the state,” Fazio explained. “By contrast, I and some of my colleagues are introducing legislation that will roll back 830G and give localities more discretion over housing in a way that will help us actually create more workforce housing with local buy-in.”
Senator Fazio’s Committee Assignments
Senator Fazio outlined his significant committee roles for this session. “I am the ranking member on two committees: Energy and Technology, and Finance, Revenue, and Bonding,” he said. “Energy and Technology focuses on creating more energy affordability, while Finance, Revenue, and Bonding is responsible for all policies related to taxes and revenue. These are two of the most powerful committees in the legislature.”
In addition, Fazio serves on the Planning and Development, Transportation, and Education committees. “Planning and Development handles zoning regulations, while Transportation is crucial for our district because of our dependence on I-95 and Metro North,” he said. “On Education, I’ll focus on providing great opportunities for all Connecticut residents.”
Legislative Goals
Governor Lamont underscored his administration’s achievements and future objectives. “We have significantly increased the earned income tax credit, making it easier for working families to pay little to no income tax,” he said. “We’re also focused on expanding affordable childcare, healthcare, and education opportunities.”
The governor also addressed healthcare costs. “Healthcare affordability remains a significant challenge,” he said. “We’re working to help small businesses negotiate better pricing for their workers and to tie pharmaceutical price increases to the rate of inflation.”
In education, Lamont pointed to measures aimed at reducing absenteeism and supporting teachers. “We’re encouraging primary and preventative care, adding more counselors in schools, and expanding apprenticeships to make it easier and more affordable to become a teacher,” he said.
Closing Remarks
Both leaders expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve. “I feel extraordinarily lucky and honored to represent our home community in the State Senate,” Fazio said. “I’m more eager than ever to get back to work.”
Governor Lamont concluded his remarks by emphasizing Connecticut’s commitment to innovation and opportunity. “We’re here to help you get started,” he said. “Let’s make it here.”
