Sen. Lesser Applauds Governor’s $70M Allocation for ACA Tax Credits

HARTFORD – Today State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee, applauded news that Governor Ned Lamont has pledged $70 million to replace the federal Advanced Premium Tax Credits expiring this month that Republicans in Congress have failed to renew. Those who purchase healthcare on the exchange are expecting to see their premiums more than double.

In November, Senator Lesser and his Democratic colleagues voted to allow Governor Lamont to authorize $500 million to insulate Connecticut residents from the effects of President Trump’s attack on healthcare, nutrition programs and home heating assistance. This $70 million is the first allocation stemming from that action and will also provide funding to Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC) who are preparing for significant revenue cuts and an uptick in demand.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for taking action to protect Connecticut residents from the unsustainable premium hikes coming in 2026. This funding represents a major attempt to protect the working poor and the middle class from the worst ravages of the Trump cuts, something I have been advocating for since the details of the Republican agenda were made clear in the spring. Today’s announcement from the Governor represents an act of moral courage and is a major step in the right direction. Still, many Connecticut residents, particularly in the middle class, will see astronomical rate hikes unless Congress acts before the end of the year.

“Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans are passing policies that take money from the poor and middle class to hand to their own cronies. The cuts to health insurance are appalling. While this funding will not insulate all residents from the effects of a hostile White House, here in Connecticut, we will do everything in our power to protect access to affordable, quality healthcare including individual coverage purchased through Access Health CT.”