HARTFORD, Conn. (WFSB) – President Trump’s 100 days in office is drawing plenty of reaction.

Governor Lamont and other democratic leaders say it has been devastating for Connecticut.

They point to tariffs and massive cuts in federal spending.

Connecticut democrats say these cuts are an assault on Connecticut families.

Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Bysiewicz, and other elected leaders say three quarters of Americans feel worse off today and there is a great deal of uncertainty.

“The Trump administration has cut back on sending food for hungry families to our state. He has cut back on K-12 education. He has cut back on healthcare. And we are also concerned about Medicaid and programs like HeadStart, which 5,000 families in our state rely upon,” said Lt. Governor Bysiewicz.

Connecticut has also been impacted by cuts in federal funding, close to a half a billion dollars so far.

However, republicans are firing back, calling this “manufactured” outrage.

“Frankly, they should run for federal office. All they want to talk about is not what is happening in this building, not what happens here in this state, but what might happen, might happen in Washington, DC,” said Senator Stephen Harding, (R), Minority Leader.

“I don’t go out of my way trying to pick a fight, but I think they are coming to Connecticut to pick a fight,” said Governor Ned Lamont, (D), CT.

Connecticut’s governor has tried not to overreact, but says he’s concerned about federal cuts to education and public health.

Republican lawmakers have consistently questioned whether these cuts have actually happened.

The state’s comptroller and treasurer say they have, and Connecticut is in line to lose a billion dollars in Medicaid funding.

“There are a lot of things we have to see. But while we wait to see that we can focus on the affordability crisis we have here in Connecticut,” said Senator Harding.

But Trump’s promise to make things more affordable has not come true. Sweeping retaliatory tariffs have made most things more expensive.

Connecticut has joined 11 states now suing the Trump administration on tariffs, education funding, and protecting human rights.

“We are in a constitutional crisis right now. When people are getting are getting kidnapped right now off the streets by the US government, when they are tearing up state budgets, tearing up the federal government,” said Attorney General William Tong, (D), CT.

The attorney general will be at the US Supreme Court on May 15th. He says Trump has failed to comply with legal action, ignoring the courts.

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A man has been arrested in connection with a road rage incident that happened on Interstate 395 in Montville on Friday.

Police said they responded to a home in Waterford after an incident on I-395 South near exit 5.

Waterford officers responded to a home in town with one of two people believed to be involved in a road rage incident involving a gun.

Damian Brower, 28, of Ledyard, told police that he pointed a revolver at another driver because he was scared for his life. The gun, with the ammunition inside, was seized as evidence.

The other driver told police that they were driving in the left lane when a black Dodge Ram pickup truck approached. The car suddenly braked to a stop in front of them, nearly causing a crash, authorities said.

The person said they continued driving when the pickup truck starting moving again, but was brake-checked again a short time later, according to police.

That’s when the driver tried to let the pickup truck pass but instead, the driver pulled up and pointed a gun at them. Brower reportedly said, “I’ll shoot you” to the other driver, who then accelerated to try and create distance, troopers said.

Authorities said the driver got off exit 5 and Brower followed, still pointing the gun at them.

Brower was later arrested and he faces charges including first-degree threatening and breach of peace.

He was held on a $5,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on May 8.

Connecticut’s Excess Cost Grant is a crucial state program that helps school districts cover the extraordinary costs of educating students with disabilities who require intensive, individualized services.

These are students with the most significant needs, students who deserve every opportunity to thrive, and who often rely on specialized supports to access a free and appropriate public education. Yet for years, the state and federal governments have underfunded this grant, shifting the financial burden onto local school districts and municipalities and leaving many communities struggling to meet both student needs and budget demands.

This year, the Connecticut General Assembly’s Appropriations Committee took an important step forward. The Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) extends sincere thanks to Sen. Catherine A. Osten, Rep. Toni E. Walker, and members of the Appropriations Committee for voting to approve an additional $124 million in each year of the biennium for the Excess Cost Grant. If enacted by the full General Assembly, this funding would, for the first time ever, fully fund the Excess Cost Grant for the 2025 – 2026 school year.

This is not just a budget decision; it’s a moral commitment. Fully funding the Excess Cost Grant ensures that every student, regardless of ability, can access the specialized instruction and services they need. It affirms our values as a state that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and educational opportunity for all.

It also provides tangible relief to local school districts and municipalities. Special education costs are unpredictable and, in some cases, extraordinary. When the state falls short in its obligation to share these costs, districts are forced to reallocate local resources, often at the expense of other programs or services. Full funding allows district leaders to stabilize their budgets, plan more effectively, and maintain the full range of supports their students and communities require.

This has long been a top legislative priority for CAPSS, as well as for Connecticut’s Special Education Task Force. We now urge the full General Assembly to act decisively to approve this investment. Doing so would demonstrate a powerful commitment to students with disabilities, to equity in public education, and to the fiscal health of our towns and cities.

Connecticut has the opportunity to correct a longstanding funding gap and to strengthen the foundation of support for our most vulnerable learners. Let’s seize this moment and fully fund the Excess Cost Grant.

Fran Rabinowitz is the Executive Director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents.