Senate Democrats React to Gov. Lamont’s Action to Protect Farmland

HARTFORD — Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and members of the Senate Democratic caucus released the following statement today regarding the action by Governor Lamont to prevent dramatic increases in property tax assessments on Connecticut farmland, forestland, open space, and maritime heritage land by directing OPM to reinstate the 2020 recommended land use values under PA 490, effective immediately.

“We thank Governor Lamont for listening to Connecticut farmers and taking action on this important affordability issue. Agriculture is a cornerstone of our economy, and we need to protect farmers from cost hikes and keep them in business.

“This decision reflects our shared commitment to affordability and to making sure state policy supports the people who feed our families and sustain Connecticut’s rural economy.

“What is striking, however, is the hypocrisy from Connecticut Republicans. They have no shortage of outrage when it comes to state policies they oppose, yet remain conspicuously silent when Donald Trump’s reckless tariffs and tax policies directly harm farmers, drive up costs, and destabilize agricultural markets. You can’t claim to stand with farmers while ignoring the real damage coming from Republicans in Washington who only care about their billionaire friends.”

The statement was signed by:

Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, Senator Saud Anwar, Senator MD Rahman, Senator Rick Lopes, Senator Paul Honig, Senator Matt Lesser, Senator Christine Cohen, Senator Jan Hochadel, Senator Joan Hartley, Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senator Cathy Osten, Senator Martha Marx, Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Senator Herron Gaston, Senator Julie Kushner, Senator Ceci Maher, Senator Pat Miller, Senator Mae Flexer, and Senator Norm Needleman

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193