by Donald Eng
HARTFORD, CT — Towns and cities in Connecticut could get a break in their municipal budgets under a plan Gov. Ned Lamont announced Tuesday that would provide an additional $170 million in school funding and an additional $100 million in municipal aid from the state’s affordability fund.
“I have heard directly from mayors, first selectmen, superintendents, students, and taxpayers across Connecticut who are feeling the squeeze of rising costs,” Lamont said. “This $270 million is a direct response to the strains being placed on town, school district, and family budgets.”
Lamont said by closing funding gaps for schools and municipalities, the state can help keep property taxes stable, help in the classroom and support local services.
“Affordability is a top priority for this administration, and this investment delivers real relief where people feel it most,” he said.
FILE PHOTO — Connecticut Conference of Municipalities President and CEO Joe DeLong talks about education funding in the Legislative Office Building in Hartford, CT on April 20, 2026. Credit: Donald Eng / CTNewsJunkie
Joe DeLong, president and CEO of the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities, thanked Lamont and legislative leaders for what he called a meaningful increase in state aid.
“This additional investment of $270 million represents an important and welcome step toward addressing the growing fiscal pressures facing municipalities, school districts, and local taxpayers,” he said..” By helping to close critical funding gaps, these resources will provide much-needed stability and help communities manage costs without further burdening property taxpayers.”
DeLong said there was more work to do to address longstanding challenges in the state’s municipal funding structure, but called the move “a strong and encouraging first step.”
Lamont has a press conference scheduled Wednesday morning to unveil more details of the state budget that is expected to be voted on in the legislature late this week or early next week. The 2026 legislative session ends May 6.