Fiscal Challenges

Between shrinking revenues from taxes, and the continued growth of fixed costs, including long-term pension and debt obligations, Connecticut faces multiple fiscal challenges that could pose problems to the State’s financial and economic health for decades.

Over the past several years, in an effort to address its fiscal challenges Connecticut has negotiated concessions deals with the unions that represent state employees, reduced state services and the size of the state government workforce, begun contributing its full annually required contribution (ARC) to its two largest pension systems, and attempted to increase state revenues by passing two of the largest tax increases in state history.

Despite taking these steps, significant unfunded long-term liabilities continue to loom for Connecticut and the state has ended five of the last 10 fiscal years with a budget deficit.

Each section of this website examines a piece of Connecticut’s fiscal puzzle, and the challenges it poses to the state’s financial and economic health. Explore each section to learn more about Connecticut’s: