Connecticut lawmakers are moving quickly in a special session — tackling housing, emergency spending, and healthcare policy from Nov. 12-13. Some proposals represent steps in the right direction. Others risk repeating old mistakes.
Here’s where Yankee Institute stands:
Housing Bill — Let Cities Be Cities
This housing bill is far from perfect — and passing it in a special session limits accountability. Here are some guiding principles:
- Let cities be cities. Housing density and transit-oriented growth belong where they make sense — near jobs, transportation, and existing utilities.
- Unlike the previous iteration of HB 5002, this version has had more accountability, with local leaders — such as COST and CCM — providing greater input.
- Regional planning matters. By focusing growth where infrastructure already exists, Connecticut can strengthen cities without overburdening smaller towns.
SNAP Spending — Responsible Compassion
Using the Rainy Day Fund for emergency relief is smart policy — when it’s temporary and accountable.
- Emergency spending is responsible; indefinite spending is reckless.
- Any spending needs a sunset clause to ensure oversight and prevent off-budget creep.
- Compassion and caution can coexist. We can help families while protecting fiscal discipline.
This approach honors the Rainy Day Fund’s purpose: to bridge crises, not create new programs.
Hospital Purchases — Competition Over Control
The state’s proposal to expand UConn Health’s authority is the wrong prescription for Connecticut’s healthcare system.
- The Certificate-of-Need system already restricts competition and drives up costs. Expanding UConn Health’s reach doubles down on a broken model.
- UConn Health is not profitable — giving it more power puts taxpayer dollars at risk.
- Real reform means competition, innovation, and patient choice, not more bureaucracy.
Bottom Line
In this special session, lawmakers have a chance to get it right — by keeping policy practical, accountable, and locally driven.
Let cities be cities. Spend responsibly. Protect competition.
