News reports from yesterday’s State of the State highlighted the strong fiscal management that has enabled Gov. Ned Lamont to propose millions of dollars in tax cuts to put money back in people’s pockets, while making record investments to support our schools, communities, and working families.

Here’s what people are saying about Gov. Lamont’s historic budget:

NBC Connecticut: Lamont Offers Tax Cuts, Sees End to Pandemic“Gov. Ned Lamont painted an upbeat picture of Connecticut’s economy, which will allow him to cut taxes and reduce COVID-19 restrictions. The governor is an optimist; he’s been in charge of the state for the past 23 months but says Connecticut is emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic stronger than ever.”

CT Mirror: “$24B proposal cuts some income taxes, taps reserves to boost spending for CT’s recovery from pandemic”Gov. Lamont’s budget “includes nearly $160 million for behavioral health initiatives and $175 million for home and community-based health care services, $90 million to improve air quality in Connecticut schools, $65 million in tuition assistance and other steps to bolster enrollment in state universities, and $26 million to support and enhance racial diversity in urban K-12 schools.”

CT Post: “Lamont pushes tax cuts in speech to legislature”“Gov. Ned Lamont on Wednesday presented the General Assembly with an election-year “Connecticut-difference” budget that would take advantage of a $1.5 billion surplus, and allow he and fellow Democrats to offer tax breaks while still retaining a $3 billion emergency budget reserve.”

Connecticut Public Radio: “Gov. Ned Lamont is promising tax relief as part of his budget proposal for next fiscal year. Lamont delivered his State of the State address Wednesday at the capitol in Hartford. In it, he called for property tax reform, a cap on car taxes, and an elimination of taxes on 401K and pension income for most households.”

New Haven Register Editorial: “Lamont a welcome cheerleader for CT” Gov. Lamont’s proposals “can make a difference in everyday lives.”

AP: “Lamont Unveils ‘Comeback’ Budget as State Emerges From COVID” Gov. Lamont “delivering a rosy election-year speech, unveiled a $24 billion budget proposal that includes tax cuts, financial help for entrepreneurs, more funding for mental health services and new staff to oversee the state’s plans for spending billions of dollars in anticipated federal infrastructure funding.”

Courant: Gov. Lamont unveils $24 billion budget on optimistic Opening Day of legislative session; touts ‘the Connecticut difference’“Gov. Ned Lamont opened the 2022 legislative session Wednesday on a high note of optimism — declaring in his State of the State Address that Connecticut is rebounding from years of large budget deficits, businesses moving out of state, and bond ratings downgrades.”

“Under Governor Lamont’s strong fiscal management, Connecticut is in the position to cut hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and to provide taxpayer relief when it is needed most,” Nancy DiNardo, CT Democratic Party Chair, said. “As the governor outlined in yesterday’s State of the State address, we are in the strongest fiscal position in recent history and making record investments that will make a real difference in the lives of Connecticut families.”