Connecticut
Opinion: A kidnappers bargain: linking CT union and nonprofit interests
There are whispers in Hartford that legislation being prepared for next session would link funding for non-profits to general wage increases for state employees. But such a law would exploit unsuspecting taxpayers.
State Sen. Cathy Osten, who is co-chair of the powerful Appropriations Committee and a former union president, is seeking a new funding mechanism for non-profit organizations. Ostensibly, this initiative aims to secure consistent funding for nonprofits that provide essential services like addiction treatment, support for individuals with developmental disabilities, and community enrichment programs. But beneath this altruistic motive lurks the dark specter of union self-interest.
Under Osten’s plan, state funding for certain nonprofits would automatically increase whenever state unions negotiate pay increases for themselves. At first, this seems like a solid strategy for ensuring that that nonprofits get funded. Actually, it is a clever tactic to turn nonprofit workers into a sympathetic de facto lobbying group for Connecticut’s dominant special interest — the government unions — despite having no other relationship to them.
This alignment could incentivize nonprofits, which traditionally focus on service delivery, to shift towards advocacy for increased state spending —effectively lobbying for higher taxes and more government spending. What’s more, nonprofits would have a vested interest in supporting higher wages, regardless of the state’s fiscal condition or the actual needs of the programs they administer.
This situation resembles a kidnapper’s bargain, where a criminal holds a hostage to force concessions from their loved ones. Here, the essential services provided by non-profits are the captives, with funding tied to wage increases as the demand. Just as a ransom forces difficult choices, this proposal forces taxpayers to either accept increased government union pay or risk underfunding vital nonprofit services.
What’s more, this overhaul to the funding process would only exacerbate the leading problem with nonprofit funding: inflation. As the Connecticut Nonprofit Alliance itself has stated, the most recent state budget notably increased state funding for nonprofits, but “due to the high inflation of the last two years, community nonprofits remain 46% behind where they were in 2007.”
The proposal is also yet another initiative from legislative leadership that would undermine the fiscal guardrails that have brought a semblance of stability in state spending and at least checked the growth of taxpayer burdens in Connecticut. These are the same fiscal guardrails that have freed up hundreds of millions of dollars to be spent today, or even boldly returned to taxpayers, by paying down the state’s massive debt obligations.
If our state’s nonprofits need more funding, that’s an important discussion worth having. But tying nonprofit funding to state employee wage increases is the wrong way to produce that outcome. The proposed process would grant significant influence to unions and their new allies within nonprofits, enabling them to dictate terms and influence public policy to their benefit, rather than based on the needs of the communities they serve.
Funding for nonprofits should be based on their performance and the genuine needs of the populations they serve. A rigorous needs analysis and evaluation of each organization’s efficiency and effectiveness should be the cornerstone of any funding decision. Instead, Sen. Osten’s plan introduces an arbitrary mechanism that links funding to state employee wages, bypassing considerations of merit and efficiency.
In essence, the proposed process represents a potential betrayal of the taxpayers’ interests. By embedding a new funding mechanism that serves the interests of a particular group, rather than the public at large, this proposal risks undermining the very purpose of government funding for nonprofits —to support the most effective organizations that provide vital and necessary services.
Taxpayers deserve assurances that their money is being used efficiently and for the public good, not as a bargaining chip in a broader political gambit. Rather than incentivizing nonprofits to promote union lobbyists, we should adopt the free-market reforms that increase prosperity for the people who need it most and support the common sense fiscal policies that will keep our state’s balance sheet stable and strong.
Frank Ricci is a Labor Fellow at the Yankee Institute, past president of the New Haven local of the International Association of Fire Fighters union, and a retired battalion chief. Bryce Chinault is the director of external affairs at the Yankee Institute.
Connecticut
This Underrated Connecticut Town Is Getting National Recognition as One of the Best Places to Live
According to Islands.com, one Connecticut town is getting some well-deserved national attention, and it’s probably not the one you’d expect.
When people think about standout Connecticut destinations, places like Mystic, Greenwich, or New Haven usually dominate the conversation. But this time, the spotlight is on Cheshire, which was recently recognized as one of the best places to live in the state.
The national travel website points to Cheshire’s combination of small-town charm, outdoor recreation, local businesses, and great restaurants as some of the biggest reasons it’s become such a desirable place to call home. It’s also no stranger to high rankings. Cheshire was named the best place to live in New Haven County by Niche in 2025 and has also landed on Money Magazine’s list of the best places to live in America. Its public schools continue to receive high marks as well.
One of Cheshire’s biggest draws is its access to nature. The town is home to scenic orchards, beautiful greenhouses, and is known as Connecticut’s bedding plant capital. During the fall, local farms and orchards become popular destinations for apple picking, fresh cider, and seasonal treats. Outdoor lovers also have easy access to Roaring Brook Falls, Sleeping Giant State Park, and the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.
Of course, no Connecticut town earns national praise without having some great food. Islands.com highlighted Cheshire’s pizza scene, including Fuoco Apizza and Pop’s Pizza, along with Viron Rondo Osteria for Italian cuisine. Beer lovers can also stop by Counter Weight Brewing, while Sweet Claude’s Ice Cream and Shef’s Bagels round out the town’s lineup of local favorites.
Cheshire may not get the same attention as some of Connecticut’s bigger destinations, but this latest recognition suggests it deserves a spot on your list. Whether you’re looking for a weekend road trip or thinking about putting down roots, this quiet New Haven County town is proving it has a lot more to offer than many people realize.
7 of the Most Beautiful Towns in the State of Connecticut
Connecticut is overflowing with both manmade and natural beauty. In some places, the two intersect to create a magical, almost fictional feel. Here are 7 Connecticut Towns that look like they came straight from a storybook.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
5 Historic Connecticut Towns That Feel Frozen in Time
Connecticut is full of towns people rush past on the highway without realizing what they’re missing. Everyone knows the big names, but some of the best places in the state are the ones that don’t always make the travel lists. These towns are quieter, full of character, and worth slowing down for at least an afternoon.
Gallery Credit: Lou Milano
Look Inside the Largest Indoor Collaborative Artwork in the World
I visited the American Mural Project in Winsted, Connecticut for the first time recently, and for those who haven’t seen it, here’s a quick peek at what to expect when you gaze upon the largest indoor collaborative piece of artwork in the world
Gallery Credit: Photos by Large Dave
Neighbors who live in the Elm City’s Fair Haven neighborhood might notice a change of scenery at Quinnipiac River Park.
With city planning and a $250,000 state grant, the walkways were paved, water fountains were installed, and the riverbank was improved to prevent erosion.
It’s come a long way since the area was an industrial site in the 1960s.
“Decades and decades ago, this was a junkyard and it’s just shocking to see what is here now, this beautiful site,” New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said.
The area eventually became a park that saw a massive cleanup a few years ago. What was once a dump is now frequented by visitors young and old, on wheels and on four legs.
“I’d be the only guy running laps around ad now morning, night, afternoon, there’s people running, there’s people having picnics,” neighbor Eric Murray said.
Elicker said a nicer park with lighting and clean, open space can make visitors feel safe.
“People are less likely to engage in crime if they think that there’s a lot of people to witness and they could get caught,” he said.
The work isn’t done yet. Future plans include picnic tables, a new patio area and welcome gardens. The walkways will become a part of a trail that goes around Fair Haven, according to the mayor.
That requires more funding and the continued work of neighbors who have been keeping the park clean.
The Friends of Quinnipiac River Park take pride in maintaining the beauty here by planting flowers and trees, taking care of them in every season.
“I love planting, especially for the neighborhood,” Sadi Vidro, a member of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park. “I saw the, the outcome of it and that’s what keeps me going.”
Some trees are decorated with a cross and a message that might stop you on your walk. One tree is planted in memory of Michael Caliz.
“Our friend Rita, this is a tree she planted in memory of her son and Rita comes back faithfully every year,” Tom Burwell, the founder of the Friends of Quinnipiac River Park, said. “She’s definitely has taken ownership in the tree and she’s become a staple. She’s been like a mom to us in the group as well.”
Phase one of the project is complete. Concept plans for phase 2 focus on the northern end of the park.
Several Connecticut swimming areas are closed due to the potential of bacteria in the water.
The heavy rain over the past few days is the reason for the concern.
Swimming is prohibited at the West Beach at Rocky Neck State Park, Sherwood Island State Park, Silver Sands State Park in Milford, and Chatfield Hollow State Park in Killingworth.
Water testing at those state parks will be redone on Wednesday with results back on Thursday.
Clinton has also suspended swimming and other water activities at its town beach until further notice. The beach remains open and all other amenities are available, according to the town.
There is no swimming allowed at all Stratford beaches until Friday, according to the Stratford Health Department.
The East Shore Health Department says beaches in East Haven, as well as Clark/Johnson Beach, Stony Creek, and Branford Point in Branford are also closed to swimming. Water samples are being taken on Wednesday and the results are expected on Thursday.
-
Atlanta, GA7 minutes agoMosquitoes in Atlanta neighborhood test positive for West Nile Virus
-
Minneapolis, MN10 minutes agoMinneapolis, Hamel women accused of stealing millions in federal funds due in court Thursday
-
Indianapolis, IN15 minutes agoMan dies after car crashes into pole on near NW side
-
Pittsburg, PA22 minutes agoJohn Valentine wants to start a Downtown Chamber of Commerce
-
Augusta, GA25 minutes agoStabbing at Augusta McDonald’s leaves 1 hospitalized
-
Washington, D.C30 minutes agoMetro Red Line Summer Shutdown: Changes to shuttle bus service after concerns
-
Cleveland, OH37 minutes agoGuardians Lose Another Horrific Game
-
Austin, TX40 minutes agoAustin cannabis shop: THC ban would “hurt everybody”
