CT Lawmakers, Lamont Clash Over Tax Relief

0:00It's March 31st. You're listening to Hartford News today, AI-powered local news. I'm Corey with the story. Connecticut lawmakers just greenlit nearly $900 million in tax relief options, setting up a clash with Governor Ned Lamont. The Finance Committee back cuts like sales tax exemptions on clothes and shoes under $100 school supplies, energy efficient, appliances, and supermarket take-out food. They also push income tax breaks starting next January, including renter credits and expanded property tax offsets. Lamont sticks to a one-time $200 rebate per person this October, costing about $500 million. He wants to save surplus cash for the state's $33 billion pension debt and brace for federal Medicaid cuts next year. Law makers from both parties push for ongoing relief to tackle the high cost of living. House members favor modest cuts. House Senators won bigger packages. Republicans target income taxes for broader relief, Democrats focus on groups like seniors

1:02and families. By partisan support got these ideas out of committee, but many warned it's just a starting point. The panel also endorsed a rental registry with a $100 annual fee for owners to track affordability data, plus credits for caregivers up. To $2,000 and full social security exemptions. Other ideas include studying a soda tax for free school meals and dairy farm credits. Negotiations heat up as committees finalize plans by Tuesday, aiming for a compromised budget before the session ends. Expect some cuts to stick, but fiscal hawks will fight to keep things responsible.