By Tiffany Williams –
HARTFORD — Governor Ned Lamont is rolling out another wave of state investments, approving millions of dollars for childcare, housing, public safety, technology upgrades and environmental initiatives in what officials describe as a broad effort to strengthen communities and improve affordability across Connecticut.
Chairing a meeting of the State Bond Commission, Lamont oversaw approval of a package of projects touching nearly every corner of state government, from helping families find childcare and first-time homebuyers purchase homes to expanding security grants and modernizing decades-old state technology systems.
“We continue making long-term commitments to Connecticut’s future, including major support for early childhood and K-12 education, housing, public safety, environmental protection, and modernizing state government,” Governor Lamont said. “These actions will strengthen our communities, support families and businesses, and help make Connecticut more affordable and competitive.”
Among the largest investments approved was $16.5 million for capital improvements at childcare facilities statewide. State officials said the funding will help providers expand capacity and improve facilities, while a new Office of Early Childhood One Entry Portal will allow families to search, apply and register for childcare programs through a single online platform.
The commission also approved a new graduate student lending program known as MyCHESLA Grad Loan. State officials said the program is intended to fill a financing gap created by the federal government’s phase-out of the Grad PLUS loan program. The initiative is expected to support approximately 1,200 Connecticut graduate students during its first year and will offer fixed interest rates ranging from 5.50% to 7.99%, below current federal Grad PLUS rates.
Technology modernization also received a major funding boost.
Nearly $60 million was approved through the state’s IT Capital Investment Program to upgrade information technology systems across government agencies. Projects include development of a State of Connecticut digital wallet that would allow residents to securely store federally accepted mobile identification credentials meeting REAL ID requirements. State officials said they hope to launch the technology by the end of the summer.
Additional technology investments include expanding compatibility with major digital wallet providers such as Apple, Google and Samsung by August 2027 and replacing the Department of Social Services Child Support Enforcement System, which has been operating since 1987.
Public safety initiatives also received significant support.
The commission approved $5 million for nonprofit security grants administered through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. The grants will help places of worship and other nonprofit organizations strengthen security measures.
Another $6 million was approved for wrong-way driver detection and prevention technology. State officials said the system has already alerted and diverted 900 drivers since 2023 following a series of deadly wrong-way crashes that resulted in 23 fatalities during 2022.
Agriculture and outdoor recreation projects were also included in the package.
The commission approved $5 million for farmland preservation efforts aimed at protecting Connecticut’s agricultural industry and natural resources. An additional $15 million was approved for recreational trail projects across the state. Officials said the investment could generate nearly $30 million in trail improvements when combined with matching funds.
Housing remained another major focus.
The Bond Commission approved the first bonding allocation for the Connecticut Municipal Redevelopment Authority, including $10 million to support the development of more than 150 housing units near transit stations and downtown areas across Connecticut.
An additional $10 million was approved for the Time To Own program, which provides down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers seeking to enter the housing market.
The approvals represent one of the latest efforts by the Lamont administration to direct state funding toward affordability initiatives, housing development, public safety enhancements and modernization projects as Connecticut continues investing in long-term infrastructure and community development priorities.