Gov. Lamont Seeks To Use CT's Emergency State Response Reserve On Push For Affordability

Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration has submitted a $18.7 million supplemental spending plan to bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly aimed at offsetting federal funding reductions and delays affecting health and human services programs.

The proposal would use money from the state’s Emergency State Response Reserve, a fund created last year to respond to anticipated federal funding shortfalls. According to the administration, the money would support food and nutrition assistance, Medicaid-related services, youth mental health programs in schools and other wraparound services for children and families, including health care and child care.

Lamont said the funding is intended to help maintain access to basic services amid gaps in federal support.

The reserve was established in November through Special Act 25-1, which set aside $500 million from the state’s budget surplus. The law authorizes the governor to transfer money from the fund but requires that any proposed use be submitted to bipartisan legislative leaders, who have 24 hours to review and potentially reject the expenditures before the funds can be released.

This is the second time Lamont has sought to draw from the reserve. In December, he submitted an initial plan totaling $167.9 million. Legislative leaders did not object, and the funds were subsequently transferred to state agencies and organizations.

The plan submitted Wednesday includes $2 million to expand the use of community health workers to help residents navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21, commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” The funding would support those services through June 30, 2027.

Another $11.4 million would be used for system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to implement eligibility changes required under the same federal law. The plan also includes $830,000 to replace funding for school-based mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance in northwestern Connecticut.

In addition, $4.5 million would replace funding for community school grants supporting wraparound services in New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford, including programs run by Clifford Beers, Waterbury Bridges to Success and Hartford Public Schools, through June 30, 2027.

Legislative leaders have until 24 hours after submission to review the proposal before the funds can be transferred.