Conn. delegation requests $154 million in earmarks, Dodd’s name on $120 million

by Zachary Janowski | Dec 16, 2010 | Features, General, Taxes & Spending

The $1.1 trillion spending bill making its way through Congress this week includes $154 million in earmarks requested by Connecticut’s delegation, according to a database compiled by Oklahoma Sen. Tom Coburn. Outgoing Sen. Chris Dodd requested or co-requested $120...

Healthcare costs for retired state employees projected to total $40 billion in 2017

by Zachary Janowski | Dec 15, 2010 | Features, General, Health Care, State Budget, Taxes & Spending

Connecticut’s unpaid obligation to provide healthcare benefits for retirees could reach $40 billion by 2017 if elected officials fail to act, according to a December estimate. The state already owes $26.5 billion in healthcare benefits to current and future retirees....

Connecticut owes $46,000 per taxpayer, nearly half for retiree health benefits

by Zachary Janowski | Dec 9, 2010 | Features, General, State Budget, Taxes & Spending

Connecticut has $59.8 billion in unfunded liabilities, according to the Institute for Truth in Accounting, which amounts to $46,100 per taxpayer. In its Financial State of Connecticut report, IFTA shows the state has $69.9 billion in liabilities, but only $10.1...

SustiNet plan starts taking shape

by Zachary Janowski | Dec 3, 2010 | Features, General, Health Care, Municipal, State Budget, Taxes & Spending

Connecticut state employees, HUSKY and Medicaid recipients and municipal workers could all share the same health plan within the next three years if a proposal by the SustiNet board of directors goes forward. The 11-member SustiNet board met Thursday to begin making...

Bridgeport will get $125 million school for $6 million, Trumbull approval still pending

by Zachary Janowski | Nov 30, 2010 | Education, Features, General, Municipal, State Budget, Taxes & Spending, Video

Narrator: The City of Bridgeport is planning to build Connecticut’s most expensive new school ever. A difficult location and eco-friendly design contribute to the school’s high cost. Trumbull Planning and Zoning Commission, Special Meeting, November 9, 2010 Chris...

Lawsuit could delay sale of Conn. economic recovery bonds

by Zachary Janowski | Nov 18, 2010 | Features, General, State Budget, Taxes & Spending

A taxpayer lawsuit challenging Connecticut’s scheme for funding Economic Recovery Revenue Bonds could delay the sale of that debt until the lawsuit is resolved, according to an exchange of letters between Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Treasurer Denise Nappier. The bonds will...