Lamont Signals Willingness to Compromise on Spending and Taxes

Connecticut governor and Democratic lawmakers aim for unified front in election-year legislative session

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Gov. Ned Lamont and Connecticut's Democratic-controlled legislature are starting the 2026 legislative session on a cooperative note, with the governor signaling a willingness to compromise on spending and taxes. Lamont has proposed a one-time tax rebate, which has drawn interest from Democrats, who are also pursuing their own tax relief measures. The governor and lawmakers are trying to present a unified front, while minority Republicans are distancing themselves from a law empowering Lamont as he seeks a third term.

Why it matters

The fiscally cautious Lamont's openness to compromise on spending and taxes represents a shift from past experiences, and Democrats are welcoming the opportunity for collaboration as the governor seeks reelection. The bipartisan votes on extending Lamont's emergency spending powers also highlight the political dynamics at play in the election-year session.

The details

In the first two days of the three-month legislative session, the Democratic-controlled Senate and House voted largely along party lines to extend the governor's unilateral authority over a $500 million contingency fund. Lamont's proposal for a one-time $500 million tax rebate has drawn interest from Democrats, who are also pursuing their own tax relief measures, such as exempting school supplies, clothing under $100, and prepared meals sold by grocery stores from the sales tax. While there are some differences, lawmakers say they are not irreconcilable, and the conversation will focus on how best to distribute the $500 million in relief.

  • The General Assembly's election-year legislative session began on February 5, 2026.
  • On February 5, the Senate voted 28-8 to extend the governor's unilateral authority over the $500 million contingency fund.
  • On February 6, the House voted 97-48 to extend the governor's unilateral authority over the $500 million contingency fund.

The players

Ned Lamont

The Democratic governor of Connecticut, who is seeking a third term in the upcoming election.

Matt Ritter

The Democratic Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

Martin M. Looney

The Democratic President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut Senate.

Toni Walker

The Democratic co-chair of the Connecticut House Appropriations Committee.

Vincent J. Candelora

The Republican Minority Leader of the Connecticut House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“It's a big change for him to do this.”

— Matt Ritter, Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives (ctmirror.org)

“The thing, that we are all talking, is wonderful. And I mean, we came in here smiling today.”

— Toni Walker, Co-chair of the Connecticut House Appropriations Committee (ctmirror.org)

“None of those differences are irreconcilable.”

— Martin M. Looney, President Pro Tempore of the Connecticut Senate (ctmirror.org)

“We're legislators. We don't give away our power. We do it reluctantly, because there's a real need in terms of timeliness to respond to changes.”

— Maria Horn, Co-chair of the Connecticut House Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee (ctmirror.org)

What’s next

The legislature and governor will continue negotiations on the details of the proposed tax relief measures, including the distribution of the $500 million in relief.

The takeaway

Lamont's willingness to compromise on spending and taxes, and the collaborative approach between the governor and Democratic lawmakers, represent a shift in the political dynamics of the election-year legislative session. The bipartisan votes on the governor's emergency spending powers also highlight the desire for a unified front, even as Republicans express concerns about the extent of the governor's authority.