Connecticut closed the 2026 fiscal year with a balanced budget and a surplus of $529.8 million — $220.7 million higher than budgeted — marking an eighth consecutive year of surpluses, Governor Ned Lamont announced Thursday alongside Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Treasurer Erick Russell.
Of that surplus, $411.7 million has been transferred into the state's newly created Early Childhood Education Endowment, which is supporting what the governor's office described as a historic expansion of early childhood education services. The remaining approximately $118 million will be used to reduce the unfunded pension liability of the State Employees Retirement Fund (SERF) and the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
Earlier in the week, Lamont held a news conference in East Hartford to announce a $9 million state grant supporting the town's redevelopment of 111 Founders Plaza, converting the 19-story corporate office tower into roughly 250 units of housing. The project is part of a broader plan to transform more than 30 acres along the Connecticut River with hundreds of new housing units and retail space for small businesses.
"These projects are helping reimagine East Hartford's riverfront, bringing new housing, investment, and activity to an area with tremendous potential," Lamont said. "This is the kind of work we're doing across Connecticut, turning underutilized properties into new opportunities for long-term growth."
On Wednesday, Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and other state officials joined veterans, military members and community advocates at the State Capitol to mark Connecticut's first Military Suicide Awareness and Remembrance Day, established by Public Act 26-19 and to be observed annually on September 30. The effort was inspired by Plainville resident U.S. Army Command Sergeant Major Gary F. Sirois.
"Our commitment to those who serve must continue long after they return home," Lamont said. "No veteran should face their struggles alone."
Also Wednesday, the governor visited Rockville High School in Vernon to view Farm-to-School investments through the CT Grown for CT Kids program, which has awarded more than $5.3 million to 173 projects statewide, reaching over 133,000 students. "We're investing in healthier meals, stronger farms, and our kids' future," Lamont said.
Looking ahead, the 6th annual Connecticut Statewide Gun Buyback and Gun Safe Giveaway Day is set for Saturday, October 3, 2026, and four new weekday trains will be added to CTrail's Shore Line East service starting Monday, October 5, funded by $3 million approved in the state budget.