Connecticut Democrats display stunning political audacity when they wail about an “affordability crisis” that they created over decades of one-party rule.
Governor Ned Lamont, Connecticut does not have an affordability crisis; Democrats have given Connecticut an unaffordability crisis.
This crisis is destroying our middle class, driving out taxpayers, eroding our educational system, and stalling our economic future. Like other big-government failures such as Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and California, Connecticut has been financially mismanaged, economically underperforming, and unaffordable for working families for decades. This is the predictable outcome of policies that punish job creators and reward bureaucratic growth over private-sector prosperity. The hard truth is: Because of Democrats’ failed policies, Connecticut has been left behind.
The facts paint a devastating picture.
Democrats’ continued attack on businesses crushes jobs
Connecticut ranks an abysmal 47th on the Tax Foundation’s 2024 State Business Tax Climate Index. Only three states are worse for business. Combine that with the country’s 4th-highest electricity costs, aggressive regulatory mandates (among the worst states), and heavy corporate taxes (among the highest rates), and it’s no surprise companies are leaving or refusing to come. While states like Florida, Texas, and North Carolina are booming, Connecticut remains stuck in reverse.
Cost of living through the roof
Connecticut’s cost of living is 13% higher than the national average. We rank 44th for Economic Outlook and 48th for Economic Performance—near the absolute bottom. Families who want to build a future look elsewhere because the math here simply doesn’t work.
Connecticut dream is dying
Nationally, the median age of a first-time homebuyer has climbed to 38, This is a troubling signal of unaffordability. In Connecticut, housing costs, taxes, and insurance rates are crushing young families and slowing down homeownership. As a result, out-migration of tax-paying residents continues, while population growth is largely driven by the in-migration of individuals who have entered the country illegally (estimates range from 110,000 to 150,000 individuals in Connecticut without legal status), increasing pressure on already-strained social services.
Taxpayer-funded salary surges for state employees
While private-sector wages remain flat (real wage growth for non-state employee middle-wage workers is averaging 0.5%), state government employees are thriving. Since Governor Lamont took office, cumulative pay for state workers has surged by 33%, which has exacerbated our unfunded pension and health benefit problems. While state employees’ pay has increased dramatically, many only have to be in their offices one day per week. Taxpayers struggling to pay their bills are funding pay raises and perks they themselves will never enjoy.
Failing schools despite massive spending
Despite some of the highest per-pupil spending in America, Connecticut ranks 37th in math recovery and 29th in reading recovery since 2019. The Democrat “just spend more” approach has failed our children, our cities, and our future workforce.
Poverty and needs are spiking
Homelessness increased by over 20% in the last two years. More than 10% of Connecticut residents rely on SNAP or WIC benefits. Instead of lowering costs, Democrats want to give recipients more money—so they can pay the even higher prices created by the Democrats’ own policies. It’s circular failure.
This crisis is compounded by the scandal, mismanagement, and incompetence that have become hallmarks of Democratic governance:
PURA debacle and sky-high energy costs
Connecticut’s utility rates are now well above the national average and continuing to rise. These rising costs are driven in part by Governor Lamont’s moratorium on affordable natural gas. The crisis deepened when his hand-picked PURA chairwoman presided over regulatory chaos, withheld information from commissioners and the courts, and resigned in disgrace. Families and businesses are paying the price for this administrative disaster.
Corruption and boondoggles
The New London State Pier project exploded from $93 million to over $310 million, all while the public was kept in the dark. Add to that the School Construction Funding Scandal—complete with bribery convictions and guilty pleas—and it becomes clear: oversight under Governor Lamont is nonexistent. Taxpayer dollars are treated like monopoly money.
Regulatory roadblocks everywhere
Connecticut remains one of the most heavily regulated states in the country, with occupational licensing requirements that stifle opportunity and deter entrepreneurship. In a state where it is easier to collect a government check than to start a business, economic stagnation is inevitable.
This crisis is not an accident—it is the inevitable result of Connecticut Democrats’ one-party rule. Republicans offer simple, proven, common-sense solutions discussed at kitchen tables: fiscal responsibility, transparency, regulatory restraint, less burdensome tax policy, and a commitment to ensuring every Connecticut resident can live, work, and thrive here.
For 40 years, Democrats have mismanaged Connecticut’s finances, made Connecticut increasingly unaffordable, and driven out the very people and businesses we need to sustain our future. The fact that they look around at one of the most unaffordable states in America and call it an “affordability crisis” tells you everything you need to know — Democrats cannot fix a problem Democrats do not understand.
Democrats will seek to make the next election about Donald Trump, in an attempt to distract from their abysmal record. The fact that nearly half of Connecticut residents think the Democrats’ economy has made them worse off, and that they can’t afford basic life items, should be alarming. Instead of offering plans to drive down prices, Democrats engage in blaming Republicans, making empty promises, and adding more mandates and costs to failed policies that make Connecticut even more unaffordable.
The choice is simple: continue with the Democrats’ failure or elect a team of Republican leaders ready to change Connecticut and restore affordability, prosperity, and accountability.
Ben Proto is Connecticut Republican chairman