Governor Ned Lamont has delivered his proposed CT state budget. It's a two-year, $44 billion budget with spending to go toward hiring more state troopers, education, job creation, transportation, upgrading the states broadband signal and fighting Covid-19. The governor said he also wants to make CT more affordable. Democrats are IN, Republicans are a bit skeptical.
Lamont clearly states "there will be no broad-based tax increases" instead, Gov. Lamont wants to focus on monies from recreational marijuana & gaming and sports betting. But first they have to pass the legislature. He says that 50% of the revenues from recreations marijuana will go into the PILOT funding (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes), in addition to a 3% local excise tax option, and further support our cities and towns as well as helping communities hardest hit by the war on drugs. His proposal will also automatically throw out the criminal records for those with marijuana-related drug possession, convictions, and charges.
As for online gaming and sports betting, the Governor feels that CT is missing out on monies from these platforms, seeing as neighboring states have them and are seeing success with them. The legislation would also seek to expand the lottery and Keno to online platforms.
You can see the Governor's entire budget address HERE
What are your thoughts? Do you think this is a good idea for our state?