Newsletter Volume 3 • Number 51
CT Republicans vote against funding for working families and kids
Connecticut Democrats closed out this legislative session by delivering a state budget that provides relief for working families and invests in children. Passing largely along party lines, the two-year budget takes effect on July 1st.
This session our lawmakers approved measures that:
- Make Connecticut more affordable by lowering child care expenses, expanding the earned income tax credit for working families and decreasing the cost of electricity, potentially saving residents $350 million a year on utility bills
- Invest in our children’s future with funding for K-12 public education and expand state support for special education
- Shore up the safety net by supporting local nonprofits, including Barbara’s House, Family Centers, United Way of Greenwich, Greenwich YMCA and Greenwich Alliance for Education
- Protect our environment by developing renewable energy sources and jobs while supporting climate resiliency and flood mitigation efforts
Democratic State Representatives Hector Arzeno and Steve Meskers voted in support of all of the above.
Early childhood programs are the signature initiatives
A highlight of the legislative session were initiatives that improve the affordability and availability of early childhood care and preschool education. These programs help parents join the workforce, address the 70,000 open jobs in CT and contribute to economic growth in our state. In the next few years, the plan is to add over 15,000 affordable day care and preschool slots statewide.
“It’s transformational to who we are as a state,” said Rep. Meskers, and will “ease the burden on those who step forward and are willing to work.” A newly created Early Childhood Education Endowment, funded by unappropriated surplus dollars, pays for the programs. Rep. Arzeno said the state budget is proof that “it’s possible to be both fiscally responsible and deliver services that improve the lives of Connecticut residents.”
Fazio and Courpas vote ‘no’
In contrast, your Republican legislators, State Rep. Tina Courpas and State Senator Ryan Fazio, voted “no” on the main budget bill as well as the early childhood measure, in lockstep with a party that has been slashing long-standing programs for public education and working class families all across our country.
‘Stop crying wolf!’ Lamont tells Republicans
Governor Ned Lamont lauded the budget as “honestly balanced” and passed “without raising anybody’s taxes,”while adhering to our fiscal guardrails. Connecticut will also continue to save millions of dollars annually by paying down pension obligations. The governor called out naysayer Republicans, recalling 2019, when some proclaimed that his budget would create a deficit and raise taxes within two years. “Well, it’s six years later,” Lamont declared. “Stop crying wolf.”
Reflecting our shared values
“This is a budget that works for the people,” Rep. Arzeno said, and reflects shared values, including “historic investments” in our children and working families, while it “ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.”
Camillo and BET called to account for hiding mill rate shock
Faced with a growing realization that Republicans on the Board of Estimate and Taxation have been ignoring looming debt payments due, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) handily passed a resolution calling for a capital plan by September.
Members learned that financing the rebuilds of Central Middle and Old Greenwich schools with short-term debt—rather than the more typical long-term bonds—places the full financial burden on current taxpayers. This unusual approach could lead to default, steep tax increases, or major cuts to town services in the next two years.
First Selectman Fred Camillo told the RTM he’d stopped doing 15 year plans because they weren’t accurate, in favor of 5 year plans instead. But even those are now fantasy, because in the budget just passed without a single Democratic vote, BET Republicans erased over $100 million dollars of work we know we have to do soon, such as a new ice rink, and flood protection of streets, facilities, and our vulnerable sewage treatment plant.
Democrats believe planning is fiscally responsible
“A failure to plan is a plan for failure,” said RTM member and Democratic candidate for First Selectman Anthony Moor. “The citizens of the town aren’t getting the straight scoop from the officials we elected. Now’s the time to ask them to do their job, tell us what’s going on and what they recommend doing about it.”
What we’re reading
Combat troops in LA target democracy in action
The New York Times editorial board is sounding an alarm, calling President Trump’s recent military deployment on U.S. soil in Los Angeles the “real emergency.” They submit that “The biggest challenge posed by Mr. Trump federalizing the National Guard is this: What’s the limiting principle? Could any president order federalized combat troops to enforce his or her whims? And ultimately, who and what is the U.S. military in service to—the American public or the president’s political agenda?”
Former Marine and current State Rep. Matt Blumenthal called the deployment of U.S. Marines to an American city damaging and dangerous. He explains that Marines are trained to repel and destroy an enemy. “That enemy,” he asserts, “should never be Americans, let alone Americans engaged in peaceful protest.”
It’s unprecedented to use American soldiers to tamp down on free speech at home. The optics and impact are jarring and come just as two dozen military tanks are set to roll through the reinforced streets of Washington, D.C., with taxpayers footing the $45 million bill for the spectacle.
Action Calendar
June 14. Resist.
Join one of the hundreds “No Kings” events planned nationwide on Donald Trump’s birthday to resist his increasing authoritarian excesses and corruption. Join the Stamford rally at 12:00, 123 Hoyt Street, Stamford. RSVP.
June 18. Learn.
Join our next monthly Democratic meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Meeting Room at Greenwich Town Hall. 101 Field Point Road. We have special guest speaker, CT Comptroller Sean Scanlon and an opportunity to meet candidates running for town offices.
June 19. Clean Up.
Join the Democratic Town Committee’s day of community service, and remove invasive plants at Pomerance Park. Bring gloves, a hat and water. 10:00 a.m.– 1:00 p.m. RSVP to sustaingreenwich@gmail.com. Meet in the Orchard St. parking lot, 101 Orchard Street, Cos Cob.
June 19. Celebrate.
Attend the flag raising ceremony and Juneteenth Freedom Day Celebration marking the emancipation of enslaved people in the U.S. Noon, Greenwich Town Hall. 101 Field Point Rd.
| Volume 3, Number 51 • June 12, 2025 |
| Paid for by the Greenwich Democratic Town Committee. |
| Greenwich Democratic Town Committee P.O. Box 126 Greenwich, CT 06836 |