AGP Executive Report

Data Center Pushback: Connecticut towns are moving ahead of bans and moratoriums as residents raise concerns about data centers’ energy use and environmental effects; East Lyme adopted an indefinite ban, while New Haven and Morris have temporary pauses. Governor’s Race: Tax filings show a striking income gap: Ned Lamont reported $64.8 million in gross income since 2022, compared with Ryan Fazio’s $328,904 since 2023. The candidates also clashed in their first televised debate over taxes, energy costs and affordability. Gun Permits: The Justice Department opened investigations into Waterbury and Middletown, examining whether local officials unreasonably delay or deny firearms permits. Disability Services: Connecticut residents are suing the state over its use of IQ scores to deny intellectual-disability services, saying the measure can exclude people who need support. Gun Law: Connecticut and Cook County urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold their bans on certain semiautomatic rifles.

Early Voting: Connecticut officials say voters must sign an affirmation before casting early ballots; the signature is kept separate from the ballot, and the requirement is longstanding. Data Center Pushback: Growing public opposition is prompting a proposed statewide pause on new data centers, as lawmakers weigh the facilities’ impact. Governor’s Race: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican Ryan Fazio clashed over ICE, taxes and high energy costs in their first debate; tax records also show a wide income gap between the candidates. Gun Policy: The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Middletown and Waterbury over alleged abuses in firearm permitting, while Connecticut and Cook County are urging the Supreme Court to uphold bans on certain semiautomatic rifles. Election 2026: With key races approaching, cost of living is a top concern for Connecticut voters.

Governor’s Race: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican Ryan Fazio clashed over affordability, taxes, energy costs and immigration enforcement in their first televised debate, as voters prepare to choose a governor Nov. 3. Data Center Pushback: East Lyme’s new indefinite ban on data centers took effect Saturday, joining several Connecticut towns that have imposed bans or moratoriums. State officials are weighing a statewide pause as residents raise concerns about energy use and pollution. Gun Permits: The U.S. Justice Department is investigating Middletown and Waterbury police over alleged abuses in firearm-permit processing, including waiting periods. Offshore Wind: The Trump administration is seeking to undo approval for the nearly completed $6.2 billion Revolution Wind project off Rhode Island, which is expected to serve Connecticut and Rhode Island. Child Care: Eligible Connecticut child care workers can enroll for state help with health insurance premiums, receiving up to $1,200 a year for 2027 coverage.

Governor’s Race: Ned Lamont and Republican Ryan Fazio clashed over taxes, energy costs and immigration in their first televised debate as early voting began; Democrats led Republicans in the first days of voting. Voting Rights: A federal judge barred DHS election-related field operations in Connecticut and eight other states through Election Day, citing the risk of voter intimidation. The FBI also confirmed a suspicious-powder letter targeting Connecticut’s secretary of the state was intercepted. Public Safety: The Justice Department opened an investigation into alleged firearm-permit abuses by Middletown and Waterbury police. Connecticut and Cook County urged the Supreme Court to uphold their AR-15 bans. Household Costs: Enrollment opened for state health-premium assistance of up to $1,200 a year for eligible child-care workers. Access Health CT’s open enrollment also began amid rising costs and federal cuts. Energy: The Trump administration is seeking to undo approval for the nearly completed, $6.2 billion Revolution Wind project, which would supply power to Connecticut and Rhode Island. Local Finance: One Connecticut town plans to cut taxable home values 35% after a revaluation shook municipal budgets.

Governor’s Race: Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio clashed in their first televised debate over energy costs, taxes and immigration. Fazio proposed a $2,500-per-person tax cut; Lamont questioned how it would be paid for. Election Oversight: A federal judge blocked DHS election-related field operations in Connecticut and eight other states, citing unreliable data and risks to eligible voters. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas welcomed the ruling. Police Permits: The Justice Department opened investigations into Middletown and Waterbury police over alleged delays in issuing firearm permits; both departments say they will cooperate. Energy and Utilities: Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff plans to propose a statewide moratorium on AI data centers. Attorney General William Tong is also urging regulators to reject Connecticut Water’s proposed $25 million rate increase, challenging about $19 million in costs. Public Accountability: Former New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson pleaded no contest to stealing $178,000 in police funds and must repay the city.

Governor’s Race: Ned Lamont and Republican Ryan Fazio clashed in their first televised debate over taxes, energy costs and immigration enforcement. Fazio proposed a $2,500-per-person tax cut; Lamont called it unaffordable. Newly released tax records show Lamont’s average annual income topped $16 million, compared with about $110,000 for Fazio. Election Protections: Connecticut Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas welcomed a federal judge’s order blocking DHS election-related field operations in nine states, including Connecticut, citing unreliable data and the risk of intimidating eligible voters. Rep. Jim Himes says he and other intelligence leaders are preparing for possible claims of election interference. AI Data Centers: Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff plans to propose a statewide moratorium on AI data centers next year, as public criticism grows over their potential impacts. Gun Policy: The Justice Department is investigating Middletown and Waterbury over alleged delays in issuing firearm permits. Separately, Connecticut and Cook County are urging the Supreme Court to uphold their bans on AR-15-style rifles; the court will hear the cases in December.

Governor’s Race: Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican state Sen. Ryan Fazio faced off in their first televised debate, clashing over taxes, energy costs and Connecticut’s cost of living. Election Oversight: A federal judge blocked DHS election-related field operations in Connecticut and eight other states when agents know or suspect people are U.S. citizens, citing unreliable data. The order lasts through Election Day. Storm Repairs: Connecticut will receive another $15 million in federal reimbursement for road and bridge repairs after the August 2024 flooding, bringing total aid to $43 million of an estimated $51 million in costs. Voting Security: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas says UConn researchers tried to hack voting tabulators before the state selected new machines, part of a security review ahead of Connecticut’s $20 million equipment replacement.

Voting Rights: A federal judge restricted DHS field investigations into suspected noncitizen voting in Connecticut and eight other states, citing unreliable data and a risk of voter intimidation. Enforcement was delayed to allow an appeal. Governor’s Race: Ned Lamont and Ryan Fazio faced off in their first televised debate as early voting continued; Democrats outnumbered Republicans nearly four to one in the first days of voting. State Legal News: Mylan will pay Connecticut $8 million to settle state claims that it illegally inflated EpiPen prices. Attorney General William Tong also filed a Supreme Court brief defending Connecticut’s semiautomatic rifle ban. Child Care: Connecticut is launching a health insurance subsidy for early childhood educators.

Election Safeguards: A federal judge barred DHS from election-related field operations in Connecticut and eight other states, citing risks that citizens could be wrongly targeted and voters intimidated. Connecticut Campaigns: More than 40,000 residents voted on the first day of early voting, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans. A new poll puts Gov. Ned Lamont 22 points ahead of Republican Bob Stefanowski as they prepare for their first televised debate. Gun Policy: Attorney General William Tong asked the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold Connecticut’s post-Sandy Hook ban on AR-15-style rifles. Congressional Race: Rosa DeLauro is seeking a 19th term in the 3rd District, while Republican Chris Lancia is campaigning on change and affordability. Health Care: Connecticut plans to make a health care subsidy available to child care workers in 2027.

Early Voting: More than 100,000 Connecticut ballots were cast in the first days of early voting, with Democrats making up about 80% of in-person voters. State officials have also clarified rules for law enforcement at polling places. Governor’s Race: A new poll gives Gov. Ned Lamont a 22-point lead over Republican Ryan Fazio, as cost of living tops voters’ concerns. Congressional Race: Incumbent Joe Courtney and Republican challenger George Austin made their cases in Connecticut’s 2nd District, where affordability is a central issue. Health and Immigration: Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy are pushing to reverse federal Medicaid cuts; Attorney General William Tong backed a multistate challenge to warrantless immigration arrests. Local Policy: Advocates want homelessness recognized as a protected class after attacks on unhoused people, while privacy concerns grow over police use of license-plate cameras. Education: The state education department appointed a dedicated special education attorney to strengthen oversight and complaint investigations.

Governor’s Race: Gov. Ned Lamont leads Republican Bob Stefanowski by 22 points in a new poll, but affordability tops voters’ concerns across party lines; nearly 45% say their finances have worsened over the past year. Early Voting: More than 40,000 people voted on the first day, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans. State officials have also issued ballot-safety guidance. Congressional Races: Rep. Joe Courtney faces Republican George Austin in eastern Connecticut’s 2nd District, while Democrats hold a wide fundraising edge in the state’s congressional contests. Courts & Rights: Attorney General William Tong backed a legal challenge to federal warrantless immigration arrests. Separately, the Second Circuit declined to block Connecticut’s cap on generic and off-patent drug prices. Privacy: Connecticut has more than 1,000 Flock license-plate cameras, prompting questions about who can access the data and how it is used.

Election Watch: More than 42,000 Connecticut voters cast in-person ballots on the first day of early voting, with Democrats outnumbering Republicans nearly 4 to 1. A new poll gives Gov. Ned Lamont a 22-point lead over Ryan Fazio, though affordability remains voters’ top concern. Another survey found more than 60% feel public officials don’t care what they think. Voter Protection: Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas highlighted the agencies and safeguards supporting voters as early voting continues, amid nationwide reports of suspicious mail sent to election offices. Immigration Policy: Attorney General William Tong joined 21 other state attorneys general challenging federal warrantless immigration arrests, arguing officers must show a person is likely to flee before a warrant can be obtained. Health Care: Comptroller Sean Scanlon urged Connecticut to fund public services before private equity fills gaps, citing Waterbury Hospital’s experience under former owner Prospect Medical Holdings. State Accountability: A Wethersfield woman who served as a state marshal was charged with first-degree larceny; prosecutors allege she kept about $38,000 collected through wage and bank garnishments.

Election 2026: Connecticut’s 14-day early-voting period opened with heavy turnout, including long lines in Norwalk, Greenwich and Hamden. Gov. Ned Lamont holds a 23-point lead over Republican Ryan Fazio in a new poll, while Hartford-area voters prepare to choose a successor to longtime U.S. Rep. John Larson, defeated in the Democratic primary. Voters’ concerns: A Wesleyan poll found cost of living and inflation are the state’s top issue for 40% of respondents; 37% said they had seriously considered leaving Connecticut, often citing expenses and taxes. Federal oversight: Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined Democrats demanding the Pentagon disclose the cost of damage to U.S. bases in the Iran war. Immigration policy: Norwalk advocates urged Lamont to direct $25 million toward legal aid and emergency support for families affected by ICE arrests. Health care: Connecticut is among six states considering changes to hospital-approval rules to qualify for federal rural-health funding; meanwhile, reports say low Medicaid reimbursement is limiting access to pediatric eye care for HUSKY patients.

Early Voting: Connecticut’s 14-day in-person voting period began Monday and runs daily through Nov. 1; Election Day is Nov. 3. Election Security: Suspicious letters have reached election offices and lawmakers across the country, including in Connecticut. Officials say tests so far found no hazardous materials. A Naugatuck man was also arrested on allegations he threatened to kill Republicans, drawing condemnation from leaders in both parties. Voter Mood: A Wesleyan poll found more than 60% of Connecticut voters feel public officials don’t care what people like them think, with distrust especially high among Republicans and working-class voters. A separate campaign poll says Gov. Ned Lamont has widened his lead over Republican challenger Bob Fazio. Health Policy: Connecticut is among six states considering changes to hospital Certificate of Need rules as federal rural-health funding offers states an incentive to loosen them.

Governor’s Race: A final Sacred Heart/WFSB/CT Insider poll gives Gov. Ned Lamont a 53.4%-31.1% lead over Republican Ryan Fazio among registered voters, widening to 59.3%-32.7% among likely voters. Voters say they want change, but Lamont leads on trust and understanding their concerns. Voting Begins: Connecticut’s early voting starts Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Election Security: The FBI is investigating suspicious letters sent to election offices, including one addressed to Connecticut’s top election official; Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy’s offices were also targeted. Defense Contractors: A Windsor manufacturer spent 18 months and about $200,000 preparing for new Pentagon cybersecurity requirements that could determine whether suppliers qualify for military contracts.

Voting: Connecticut’s early-voting period opens Monday, Oct. 19, ahead of the Nov. 3 midterms. “No Kings” rallies, including one that drew hundreds to New Haven Green, urged residents to vote and focused on democracy. Election Security: Federal investigators are probing suspicious letters sent to election offices and lawmakers, including Connecticut’s top election official and the offices of Sens. Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal. Governor’s Race: Cost of living is a central issue as Gov. Ned Lamont and Republican challenger Ryan Fazio make their pitches to voters, including on electric bills and data centers. Public Safety: An FBI arrest and charges against a Connecticut man accused of threatening to kill Republicans underscore concerns about political threats during the campaign season.