Committee approves 2-year budget similar to Lamont plan

The General Assembly's budget-writing committee approved a $43.3 billion two-year spending plan for Connecticut on Tuesday that replenishes funding for local schools, highway rest areas and visitor centers, while laying the groundwork for a higher minimum wage and a new paid family medical leave program.

In a largely partisan vote, the Democratic-controlled Appropriations Committee voted 32-to-17 in favor of the proposal, which spends about $130 million more than Lamont's proposed two-year budget.

The General Assembly's Finance Revenue and Bonding Committee could vote Wednesday on a separate revenue package that will address some of the contentious tax changes proposed by Lamont, including one to apply the state's 6.35% sales tax to additional goods and services. Some Democrats who are members of the Progressive Caucus have called instead for a new surcharge on capital gains income — something Lamont opposes. However, the tax-writing committee voted Tuesday to scrap that idea and instead study it.

Ultimately, Lamont and the Democratic-controlled Legislature must reach a budget compromise that covers a projected two-year $3.7 billion deficit before the legislative session adjourns June 5.

Democratic Sen. Cathy Osten, of Sprague, the Appropriations Committee co-chair, lauded the proposed spending plan as "an honest line-by-line budget." She said much of the overall spending increase stems from a decision by lawmakers to reverse Lamont's proposed cuts to local education aid.

The committee's Democratic leaders said they also support Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont's proposal for cities and towns to pick up part of teacher pension costs — about $73 million. But that measure was mistakenly omitted from the bill, so now it must be dealt with in the upcoming negotiations on a final budget deal. The Connecticut Conference of...