Lamont Authorizes CT State Fund To Offset Federal Cuts To Health And Human Services

CONNECTICUT — Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday signed a declaration authorizing the Connecticut General Assembly to create an emergency reserve fund aimed at covering state programs affected by recent and potential future federal budget cuts.

The move comes in response to what Lamont described as “volatility being caused by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans,” including funding reductions tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and the ongoing partial federal government shutdown.

The proposed reserve would allow Connecticut to temporarily fill funding gaps for essential programs if federal dollars are delayed or reduced. Areas that could receive support include healthcare, childcare, home heating assistance, food and nutrition programs, school meals, and housing aid.

“Programs that support some of the most basic needs of our state’s residents are at risk,” Lamont said in a statement. “Many states are confronting this instability being caused by our federal government, and here in Connecticut we will stand with our most vulnerable residents to ensure they have the basic support and assistance they need.”

Lamont noted that while Congress appeared close to resolving the current shutdown, the pending agreement would fund the federal government only through mid-January, raising the risk of another disruption. He said the new reserve would position the state to respond quickly to any renewed lapse in federal support.