Connecticut
Opinion: Charting an economic course for CT's uncertain future
Connecticut has been a beacon of fiscal responsibility in the last few years, proudly maintaining one of the largest Rainy Day Funds in its history. This achievement is a testament to the fiscal guardrails that have strengthened our state’s economy, rebuilt financial reserves, and safeguarded us against uncertainty.
But as we face mounting challenges, it’s time to ask: Are we prepared for the storm brewing on the horizon?
Sen. Saud Anwar MDWe find ourselves in turbulent times. Inflation, “greedflation,” post-pandemic hardships, and shifting federal priorities are straining communities across Connecticut. These challenges are not abstract; they manifest daily in rising costs of living, struggling families, and overwhelmed safety nets. Corporate greed, coupled with inflation, has pushed many residents to the edge of financial collapse. The problem deepens over time, too, leaving more at risk as days go by.
Meanwhile, critical sectors like healthcare, education, transportation, and agriculture, as well as support programs those in need have relied on for decades, are under threat from federal policies shaped by President-elect Donald Trump’s appointments. Early indications are that his preferred financial policies are expected to have negative impacts on our economy, cutting jobs and raising prices. The double blow of reduced social services and these rockier financial conditions could place our communities, especially our most vulnerable residents, in a precarious place.
History is our teacher: the first Trump administration’s reductions in funding had tangible, negative impacts on states like Connecticut, and early signals suggest we may face similar obstacles again.
Standing still is no longer an option. Connecticut’s residents are struggling, and the social safety nets we’ve built must be fortified. Yet maintaining the status quo on fiscal guardrails while addressing these growing challenges is untenable. The guardrails have served us well, but they were crafted during pre-pandemic times when the economy was stronger for individual families and our financial outlook was rosier than it is today. Today’s realities demand an evolution of our approach to ensure Connecticut’s continued resilience in the face of known and unknown challenges in years to come.
Over nearly a decade, the guardrails have allowed for our state to improve its financial position, and that work’s not yet done. We’ve paid down billions in debt, but tens of billions in debt remain. We need to keep them in place – we just need to make sure they’re reflecting our current needs and the landscape of 2025, not 2018.
Successfully navigating this landscape involves adjusting the state’s volatility cap moving forward. Getting rid of it would be foolish, but reviewing it, and seeing what adjustments can be made to current revenues, would not be. Reviewing the volatility cap after seven years allows us to see exactly what our state’s finances require in savings, especially as the volatility cap’s threshold has increased in recent years. That represents hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue that could be redirected where austerity has stretched margins into thin rubber bands without causing a financial disaster.
This would go a long way to benefit residents of the state; it keeps us on a good financial track moving forward, but also ensures those needing help aren’t left behind.
This is not a call to abandon fiscal responsibility; it’s recognition that true responsibility lies in adaptability. Now is the time to utilize state resources strategically. Failing to act risks failing our most vulnerable residents, those who rely on us to create opportunity and security in the face of hardship. We can take this action without the dangers of a spending cliff with proper foresight and adjustments, creating long-term solutions.
Reforming fiscal policies does not equate to reckless spending. It means investing wisely in the people who are the backbone of our state, addressing immediate needs, and securing a brighter future for all. Connecticut’s strength lies in its people, and we must prioritize their well-being over rigid adherence to outdated policies.
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.
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