Comptroller Kevin Lembo Archive

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COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $911.9M SURPLUS IN FINAL FINANCIAL AND ECONOMIC UPDATE Budget— December 31, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his final monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $911.9 million for Fiscal Year 2022 while highlighting positive aspects of Connecticut’s economic recovery. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RELEASES ANNUAL REPORT, TRANSMITS FY21 SURPLUS TO SERS PENSION FUND Budget— December 15, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo on Wednesday released the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Report of the State Comptroller, officially certifying a $475.9 million surplus that will be used to pay down pension liabilities in the State Employees Retirement System (SERS). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES RESIGNATION News— December 3, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced on Friday that he will be resigning his position due to an ongoing medical condition, effective Dec. 31, 2021. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $894.7M SURPLUS STEMMING LARGELY FROM FEDERAL SUPPORT Budget— December 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $894.7 million for Fiscal Year 2022 due largely to financial support from the federal government and the continued recovery from the pandemic. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $482.3M SURPLUS, EXPRESSES CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM IN CONNECTICUT'S RECOVERY Budget— November 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $482.3 million for Fiscal Year 2022 citing signs of economic growth and budgetary stability. -- read more STATE HEALTH PLAN FIRST IN THE NATION TO BE RECOGNIZED FOR INNOVATIVE PAYMENT MODEL Health Care— October 7, 2021 An innovative payment model between the state health plan and several Connecticut medical providers was approved by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) this week as an Other Payer Advanced Alternative Payment Model (APM), Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Signify Health, Inc. (NYSE: SGFY) announced. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $266.6M SURPLUS IN FY22, URGES END TO CONGRESSIONAL BRINKSMANSHIP Budget— October 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $266.6 million for Fiscal Year 2022 while warning of the consequences the recent fight in Congress over a spending plan and a default on federal loans. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES $1.14 BILLION IN VOLATILE REVENUE TO ADDRESS PENSION DEBT Budget— September 9, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo on Thursday certified that the capture of volatile revenue exceeding the cap of the Budget Reserve Fund will result in $1.142 billion to pay down pension debt. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, IN INITIAL FY 22 REPORT, PROJECTS GENERAL FUND SURPLUS OF $265.3 MILLION, NOTES ECONOMIC EFFECTS OF DELTA VARIANT Budget— September 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $265.3 million for Fiscal Year 2022, the first projection for the current fiscal year. Lembo cited lingering uncertainty as the COVID-19 Delta variant impacts the economy, jeopardizing the progress made over the last few months. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ISSUES OFFICIAL COMMENTS OPPOSING PROPOSED INSURANCE CARRIER RATE INCREASES Health Care— August 25, 2021 Comptroller Lembo on Wednesday filed an official comment with the Connecticut Department of Insurance opposing requested health insurance rate increases in the individual and small group markets. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $306.9 MILLION SURPLUS, DRAWS ATTENTION TO ISSUES FACING RENTERS AND FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS Budget— August 2, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $306.9 million for Fiscal Year 2021 as job gains and a strong housing market continue to drive Connecticut—s recovery. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES RELEASE OF COVID-19 CONTRACTS, COMPLETION OF ROLE IN TESTING COVID-19— August 2, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo on Monday released the complete, unredacted contracts between the Office of the State Comptroller and 10 medical and laboratory vendors that helped dramatically expand testing capacity for COVID-19 in Connecticut. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NEW MUNICIPALITIES JOINING CONNECTICUT PARTNERSHIP PLAN Health Care— July 7, 2021 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced on Wednesday that nine new groups have joined the Connecticut Partnership Plan, expanding the plan—s membership to 150 groups covering more than 63,000 municipal workers and their families. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $157.0 MILLION SURPLUS, FORECASTS LONG-TERM IMPACT OF GROWING RESERVES Budget— July 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $157 million while celebrating the success of revenue volatility reforms and the growth of the state—s Budget Reserve Fund. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, OHS DIRECTOR VELTRI ANNOUNCE CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE AFFORDABILITY INDEX Health Care— June 23, 2021 A new report issued Wednesday shows approximately 18% of Connecticut households with adults under the age of 65 face unaffordable health care costs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $470.5 MILLION SURPLUS, CITES STRONG YEAR-END TAX FILINGS Budget— June 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $470.5 million, citing strong revenue collections, particularly in estimated and final income tax payments. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES HEALTH CARE SAVINGS OF OVER $350 MILLION Health Care— May 6, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced on Wednesday that projected costs for the state health plan decreased by $100 million this week and are now $350 million below initial budgetary estimates in October. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $249.8 MILLION SURPLUS, NOTES POSITIVE ECONOMIC TRENDS Budget— May 3, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $249.8 million, noting gradual economic growth aided by the most recent federal stimulus package. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, CVS CAREMARK LAUNCH PROGRAM TO LOWER INSULIN COSTS Health Care— April 7, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in partnership with CVS Caremark, announced today a new State of Connecticut Drug Discount Program designed to improve insulin access to anyone living with diabetes in Connecticut — regardless of their insurance status or health care provider. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $180.6 MILLION SURPLUS, CITES ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF FEDERAL RELIEF Budget— April 1, 2021 SComptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $180.6 million for FY 2021, citing recent economic improvements owed to federal reliefs efforts and continued mass vaccinations. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RELEASES REPORT ON CONNECTICUT PARTNERSHIP PLAN FINANCIAL STATUS Health Care— March 10, 2021 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo on Wednesday issued a report on the status of the Connecticut Partnership Plan, providing updates on enrollment, oversight and the plan—s financial stability. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $131.4 MILLION SURPLUS, CONTINUES CALL FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Budget— March 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $131.4 million for FY 2021, noting the continuation of an uneven recovery and urging more federal aid to help those struggling the most. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $127.6 MILLION SURPLUS, CITES LONG-TERM CHALLENGES AMIDST MODEST RECOVERY Budget— February 1, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a General Fund surplus of $127.6 million, noting persistent challenges for many working families as an uneven recovery continues. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $615.2 MILLION DEFICIT, CITING ECONOMIC IMPROVEMENTS Budget— January 4, 2021 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected the General Fund will end Fiscal Year 2021 with a deficit of $615.2 million, an improvement from last month—s estimate as modest signs of economic recovery continue. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $879.4 MILLION DEFICIT, RENEWS CALL FOR FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Budget— December 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a deficit of $879.4 million for Fiscal Year 2021, and urged Congress to immediately provide financial assistance to stabilize the state and national economies. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES —NETWORK OF DISTINCTION— TO DELIVER HIGHEST QUALITY CARE AND SAVE ON COSTS Health Care— November 24, 2020 The Office of the State Comptroller is partnering with Signify Health to improve health outcomes for certain common procedures and save on costs through a new —Network of Distinction— program. The doctors, hospitals and provider groups in the network will provide improved patient outcomes at a competitive fixed price for care from evaluation to recovery. -- read more BROAD STATEWIDE COALITION ANNOUNCES URGENT HEALTH CARE REFORM EFFORTS Budget— November 12, 2020 A statewide coalition of residents, lawmakers, activists and experts on Thursday announced new efforts to make health care in Connecticut universally affordable, accessible and equitable. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $1.26 BILLION DEFICIT, WARNS OF 'K-SHAPED RECOVERY' Budget— November 2, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a deficit of $1.26 billion for Fiscal Year 2021, while noting economic improvement for some and a darkening reality for others. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $1.87 BILLION DEFICIT AS ECONOMIC DISPARITIES PERSIST Budget— October 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a deficit of $1.87 billion for Fiscal Year 2021, noting disparities in the effects of the ongoing pandemic. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $2.1 BILLION DEFICIT IN FIRST FY21 FORECAST AS —RAINY DAY FUND— REACHES HISTORIC MILESTONE Budget— September 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his first monthly financial and economic update detailing Fiscal Year 2021, projected a deficit of $2.1 billion and announced the state—s reserves have reached an important milestone. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $128.1 MILLION DEFICIT, CALLS FOR EXPANDING FEDERAL ASSISTANCE Budget— August 3, 2020 —It—s decision time,— said Comptroller Lembo. —Our state economy is showing signs of recovery from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, but without a significant investment from the federal government, those gains may slip away, and Connecticut families and businesses will suffer.— -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $444.7 MILLION DEFICIT, CITES CAUSES FOR CONCERN & OPTIMISM Budget— July 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a Fiscal Year 2020 deficit of $444.7 million, citing reasons for caution and optimism in Connecticut—s economy. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NEW TRANSPARENCY TOOL FOCUSED ON QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES Transparency— June 11, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in partnership with the CT Data Collaborative (CTData), announced today the launch of —OpenQuasi,— a transparency tool that allows users to explore checkbook and payroll information for Connecticut—s quasi-public agencies. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $619.9 MILLION DEFICIT AMID UNPRECEDENTED JOB LOSSES Budget— June 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a Fiscal Year 2020 deficit of $619.9 million, while noting that extensive job losses and economic damage from the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have made forecasting more volatile. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES DIABETES MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO PROVIDE WIN-WIN ON HEALTH OUTCOMES AND SAVINGS Health Care— May 7, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced the launch of a diabetes management program through the state health plan aimed at reducing acute emergencies and long-term complications related to chronic conditions while delivering an estimated annual savings to the state of approximately $3 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $934 MILLION DEFICIT AMID COVID-19 CRISIS Budget— May 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly financial and economic update, projected a Fiscal Year 2020 deficit of $934 million, while noting that the speed and breadth of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has wounded the state's economy and made budgetary projections more volatile. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES SUMDAY SELECTED TO ADMINISTER RETIREMENT SECURITY PROGRAM Benefits— April 20, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced on Monday that the Connecticut Retirement Security Authority has selected Sumday, a subsidiary of BNY Mellon, to act as the program—s administrator following a competitive bidding process. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS FISCAL YEAR 2020 DEFICIT OF $170 MILLION; DETAILS LATEST BUDGET AND ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 CRISIS Budget— April 1, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his first monthly budget and economic outlook report since the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged in Connecticut, said the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a General Fund deficit of $170 million — although the ongoing and rapidly changing conditions will demand close monitoring and scrutiny in the coming weeks and months. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $63.3-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020; SAYS BUDGET RESERVE DISCIPLINE NECESSARY AS EVER Budget— March 2, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly updated financial and economic outlook, projected that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a $63.3-million budget deficit and urged continued adherence to the state's commitment to establish an adequate and fiscally responsible budget reserve fund. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $58.8-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 Budget— February 3, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly updated financial and economic outlook, projected that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a $58.8-million budget deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO—S STATEMENT ON U.S. PIRG REPORT THAT RANKS CT AMONG NATIONAL LEADERS IN TRANSPARENCY Transparency— January 9, 2020 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo issued a statement today on a report released by the U.S. PIRG that ranks Connecticut among the top states in the nation for online economic development subsidy transparency. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NEW CONTRACT WITH ANTHEM THAT REDEFINES STATE HEALTH CARE DYNAMIC Health Care— January 7, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that, after a highly competitive selection process, the state has selected Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) to administer the state health plan under terms that will alter the way state health care is administered to realign costs directly with quality patient care. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $28-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 Budget— January 2, 2020 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his monthly updated financial and economic outlook, projected that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a budget deficit of $28 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO—S FIRST ANNUAL SEBAC SAVINGS ANALYSIS REVEALS NET SAVINGS OF $1.7 BILLION FOR FISCAL YEARS 18 AND 19 State Finances— December 10, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today issued the state—s first annual SEBAC Savings Analysis Report, detailing how the state has achieved a net savings of $1.7 billion as a result of programs collaboratively established through the 2017 State Employees Bargaining Agent Coalition (SEBAC) agreement. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $31.6-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 FOLLOWING CONSENSUS REVENUE UPDATE Budget— December 2, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, again noting that it remains very early in the fiscal year and that significant updates will be made in the coming months, reported that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a surplus of $79.1 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $79.1-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 Budget— November 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, again noting that it remains very early in the fiscal year and that significant updates will be made in the coming months, reported that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a surplus of $79.1 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $84.3-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020 Budget— October 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, again noting that it remains very early in the fiscal year and that significant updates will be made in the coming months, reported that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2020 with a surplus of $84.3 million. -- read more LEMBO PUTS HEALTH INSURANCE MARKET ON NOTICE WITH NEW MEDICAL RFP THAT REDEFINES HEALTH CARE DYNAMIC Health Care— September 26, 2019 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that his office has issued a highly competitive request for proposals (RFP) that will redefine the relationship between the state and insurance corporations hired to administer state health benefits, and potentially alter the dynamic of the entire health care market in the region. -- read more LEMBO, FOLLOWING COMPETITIVE SEARCH, PREPARES FOR CT'S FIRST HEALTH CARE "CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE" PROGRAM Health Care— September 24, 2019 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, following an intensive competitive search, his office is working with health care providers and corporations across Connecticut to establish the state—s first-ever network of —Centers of Excellence— — a system of hospitals and other providers that verifiably provide the best possible health care outcomes for patients. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, IN EARLY REPORT ON FISCAL YEAR 2020 BUDGET, PROJECTS $126.1-MILLION SURPLUS Budget— September 3, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, while cautioning that it is premature in the fiscal year, issued his first monthly projection of the year on Fiscal Year 2020, reporting that the state is on track for a $126.1-million surplus. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $195.9-MILLION SURPLUS FOLLOWING NEWLY ENACTED BUDGET LEGISLATION Budget— August 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is on track to close Fiscal Year 2019 with a surplus of $195.9 million, a decrease of $505 million from last month—s estimate due to newly enacted budget legislation. -- read more LT. GOV. BYSIEWICZ AND COMPTROLLER LEMBO RELEASE STATE WORKFORCE ANALYSIS ON REPRESENTATION AND COMPENSATION EQUITY ACROSS GENDER AND RACE/ETHNICITY Policy— July 24, 2019 Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo issued a report today, conducted on behalf of the Governor's Council on Women and Girls, which provides an analysis on representation and compensation equity across gender and race/ethnicity for the state's executive branch. -- read more LEMBO ANNOUNCES INITIATIVE TO ESTABLISH HEALTH CARE "CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE" IN CT Health Care— July 17, 2019 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, through the negotiating power and leverage of his office, he is working with health care providers across Connecticut to establish a network of —Centers of Excellence— — a system of hospitals and other providers that verifiably provide the best possible health care outcomes at the most fair price. -- read more LEMBO SAYS NEW LAW ASSURES THAT OPEN GOVERNMENT REQUIREMENTS EXTEND TO QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES Policy— July 10, 2019 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that his office will immediately begin working with the state—s quasi-public agencies to implement a new law that expands and codifies open government and transparency requirements to these entities. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $700.9-MILLION SURPLUS FOLLOWING REVENUE IMPROVEMENTS Budget — July 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is on track to end the 2019 fiscal year with a $700.9-million surplus, though he noted that amount will be reduced by $540.9 million pursuant to Public Act 19-117 for appropriations to cover funding for a new special capital reserve fund for the Teachers— Retirement System and a settlement with hospitals. -- read more LEMBO ANNOUNCES FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND PHARMACY CONTRACT THAT ESTABLISHES NEW ERA OF DRUG PRICING AND TRANSPARENCY Health Benefits — June 19, 2019 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that his office has reached a contract agreement with CVS Caremark, the state's pharmacy benefit manager (PBM), that changes the paradigm of how pharmacy benefits are managed and establishes one of the most innovative and transparent pharmacy benefits contracts in the nation. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $571.8-MILLION SURPLUS; URGES CONTINUED DISCIPLINE AND WARNS ABOUT PERSISTENT DISPARITIES DESPITE ECONOMIC GROWTH Budget — June 3, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is on track to end the 2019 fiscal year with a $571.8-million surplus, though he warned that economic uncertainties demand that Connecticut maintain its commitment to fiscal discipline. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $580.9-MILLION SURPLUS; URGES CONTINUED FISCAL DISCIPLINE TO PROTECT CT AGAINST FUTURE ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY Budget — May 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today issued his latest financial and economic outlook, projecting the state is on track to end the 2019 fiscal year with a $580.9-million surplus, though he warned that Connecticut must adhere to its commitment to fiscal discipline so that the state—s reserves will be adequately prepared to protect against future economic uncertainty. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO UPDATES FISCAL YEAR 2019 SURPLUS PROJECTION: $485.5 MILLION Budget — April 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his updated monthly projection, said the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2019 with a surplus of $485.5 million, pending greater clarity in the coming final weeks of an uncertain tax cycle. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF PUBLIC HEALTH CARE OPTION Health Care — MARCH 7, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo testified in favor of proposed legislation that would create a public health care option in Connecticut. Lembo cited lowering costs for small businesses, expanding economic opportunities and providing stability for workers as reasons to support the effort. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS GROWING FISCAL-YEAR 2019 SURPLUS WITH A CAUTIOUS EYE ON APRIL AND WARNINGS ABOUT RECORD HOUSEHOLD DEBT RATES Budget — MARCH 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo said that his projected surplus for Fiscal Year 2019 has grown to $506.8 million, another improvement over the prior month, though he warned about the potential consequences of record-high household debt that deserves monitoring, and the implications of a volatile stock market on April—s tax season. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN FAVOR OF PUBLIC OPTION DESIGN TO EXPAND AFFORDABLE QUALITY HEALTH CARE AND STIMULATE ECONOMIC GROWTH Health Care — February 13, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo testified before the state legislature—s Insurance and Human Services Committees today in support of a public option concept that would expand affordable and quality health care to private-sector workers, particularly those working at small businesses. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $452.6-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Budget February 1, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo said the latest projection is an increase over last month—s outlook, largely due to an improved revenue forecast across several categories, including the withholding portion of the income tax, sales and use tax and gaming revenue. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON LEGISLATION TO ESTABLISH A PUBLIC HEALTH CARE OPTION THROUGH THE STATE HEALTH PLAN Healthcare January 24, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced his support today for legislation to enable private-sector employees to enroll in the state employee health insurance plan, providing financial relief to Connecticut businesses and high-quality affordable health care to working families. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $242.4-MILLION SURPLUS; SAYS MARKET VOLATILITY AND FEDERAL UNCERTAINTY DEMAND CONTINUED BUDGET RESERVE DISCIPLINE Budget January 2, 2019 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, while reporting a projected $242.4-million surplus for Fiscal Year 2019, urged sustained financial discipline in building the state—s Budget Reserve Fund to account for the possibility of slowing economic growth, uncertainty at the federal level and volatility in the financial markets. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES "OpenPension" WITH REAL-TIME ACCESS TO STATE PENSION DATA Pension December 12, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced the launch of —OpenPension— — the latest expansion to the OpenConnecticut online portal that provides the public with real-time access to state financial information. -- read more LEMBO ANNOUNCES PHARMACY RFP, PLAN TO ESTABLISH NEW ERA OF DRUG PRICING AND TRANSPARENCY Pharmacy     December 6, 2018 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced a request for proposals for a new state pharmacy benefits agreement that seeks to change the paradigm of how pharmacy benefits are managed and to establish the most innovative and transparent pharmacy benefits contract in the nation. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $245.7 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Budget December 3, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, following an increased consensus revenue forecast, he is projecting a larger surplus for Fiscal Year 2019 of approximately $245.7 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS MORE MODEST SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2019 Budget November 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, after reviewing the latest revenue and spending trends, issued his monthly updated projection today for Fiscal Year 2019, saying the state is on track to end with a smaller surplus of $157.8 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO to Governor Malloy: Urge Quasi-Public Agencies to Open their Books Budget October 15, 2018 I am writing to urge your support in my ongoing effort to incorporate the last few non-participating quasi-public agencies into OpenConnecticut, my office—s open government initiative. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS EARLY INDICATIONS THAT STATE COULD END FISCAL YEAR 2019 IN SURPLUS Budget October 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said that there are reasons for cautious optimism that the state could end Fiscal Year 2019 with a modest surplus of approximately $164.2 million if some early positive indicators continue throughout the year. -- read more STATE SUES FLORIDA-BASED COMPOUND PHARMACY, FORMER AND CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES, ALLEGING ILLEGAL KICKBACK SCHEME Prescription Drugs September 11, 2018 The state has initiated a lawsuit alleging violations of the Connecticut False Claims Act orchestrated through a kickback pyramid scheme involving a Florida-based compounding pharmacy and several individuals, including former and current Connecticut state employees, whose prescription drug costs are covered by the taxpayer-funded Connecticut Pharmacy Benefit Plan, Attorney General George Jepsen said today. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, IN EARLY LOOK AT FISCAL YEAR 2019, SAYS STATE BUDGET OUTLOOK APPROXIMATELY IN BALANCE Budget September 4, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in his first report on the outlook for Fiscal Year 2019, said that the state budget is on track to end the year approximately in balance. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $504.6-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2018 Budget August 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today projected a Fiscal Year 2018 deficit of $504.6 million, an improvement of $89.9 million over last month—s projection due to a combination of spending restraints and increased revenues. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO VOTES 'NO' TO $10-MILLION STUDY OF ELECTRONIC TOLLING Policy July 25, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, reaffirming his statement last week in opposition to a proposal to borrow $10 million to pay for a study of electronic tolling, voted against the measure as a member of the State Bond Commission today. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $594.5-MILLION DEFICIT; SAYS WAGES CONTINUE TO LAG BEHIND JOB GROWTH Financial Status July 2, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today projected a Fiscal Year 2018 deficit of $594.5 million, which is lower than earlier recent projections due to a combination of lower agency spending and a net improvement in revenues. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION IN JANUS V. AFSCME Statement June 27, 2018 "The decision begins the unraveling of rights and protections that hold up Connecticut—s middle class — hitting hardest our public safety workers, including police and firefighters, our educators and our health care workers, and so many others struggling to earn a living wage," Lembo said. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CALLS ON NON-PARTICIPATING QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES TO PROVIDE CHECKBOOK-LEVEL FINANCIAL DATA FOR TRANSPARENCY PORTAL Transparency June 21, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that he has called on Connecticut's few remaining non-participating quasi-public agencies to voluntarily provide his office with checkbook-level financial data to incorporate in OpenConnecticut, the state's comprehensive financial transparency website. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES NEW INTERACTIVE "DIY REVENUE CALCULATOR" AS PART OF OPENCONNECTICUT Transparency June 5, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced the launch of a new "DIY (Do-it-Yourself) Revenue Calculator" — an online tool that allows the public to calculate the approximate impact tax changes would have on overall state revenue, and then share visualizations of those possible changes. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS TROUBLING REPORT BY THE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL SHOULD TRIGGER IMMEDIATE FEDERAL ACTION Healthcare June 4, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo issued a statement following the release today of a report by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) that reveals troubling details about the crisis of skyrocketing prescription drugs and the long-term implications for taxpayers and patients. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS BI-PARTISAN BUDGET PUTS CT ON PATH TO $721-MILLION DEFICIT AND CONTINUES RELIANCE ON THE RAINY DAY FUND Financial Status June 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today released his latest monthly financial projection, reporting that Connecticut is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $721-million deficit that reflects the results of the recent bi-partisan budget agreement. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: GROUNDBREAKING PRESCRIPTION DRUG REFORM NOW LAW IN CT Healthcare May 31, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that An Act Concerning Prescription Drug Costs is now state law in Connecticut with Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's signature today, establishing new groundbreaking transparency requirements for pharmaceutical corporations when drug prices skyrocket. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO COMMENDS SENATE FOR UNANIMOUS VOTE THAT SENDS GROUNDBREAKING PRESCRIPTION DRUG BILL TO GOVERNOR Healthcare May 9, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today praised the state Senate for unanimously approving legislation that will establish new groundbreaking transparency requirements for pharmaceutical corporations when drug prices skyrocket. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $386.7-MILLION DEFICIT ALONGSIDE GROWING BUDGET RESERVE FUND Budget May 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, following an updated consensus revenue forecast, projected that Connecticut is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $386.7-million deficit even as the state’s Budget Reserve Fund (BRF), essentially the state’s savings account, grows. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON ConnPIRG REPORT THAT RANKS CT AMONG TOP STATES IN ONLINE FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY Transparency April 26, 2018 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo issued a statement on a report released this week by ConnPIRG Education Fund that ranks Connecticut among the top states in online access to government spending data. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS, FOLLOWING YEARS-LONG FIGHT FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TRANSPARENCY, AUDITORS' REPORT PROVES NEED FOR ACCURATE INDEPENDENT ASSESSMENT Transparency April 24, 2018 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo said a report issued today by the Auditors of Public Accounts demonstrates the overdue demand for an accurate and independent review of the hundreds of millions of dollars invested every year in economic incentive programs. -- read more Statewide Poll Shows Residents Worried About High Drug Costs - Support Strong Government Action Across Party Lines Healthcare April 12, 2018 Universal Health Care Foundation of Connecticut released the results of a poll that shows state residents' concerns about prescription drug affordability and bipartisan support for government action. The poll was conducted by Altarum's Healthcare Value Hub in early February. Over 900 Connecticut adults responded. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $197.7-MILLION DEFICIT; SAYS WALL STREET BONUSES COULD AFFECT OUTLOOK Budget April 2, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today projected that the state is on track to end the fiscal year with a $197.7-million deficit, but said there are factors that demand watch, including April receipts and significant growth in Wall Street bonuses over the last year. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, REP. SCANLON UNVEIL MAJOR PHARMACEUTICAL TRANSPARENCY LEGISLATION Prescription Drugs March 6, 2018 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and State Rep. Sean Scanlon (D-Guilford), House Chairman of the Insurance and Real Estate Committee, today unveiled a major piece of legislation that, for the first time, creates transparency for pharmaceutical drug pricing in Connecticut. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO QUESTIONS RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN STATE—S PBM AND DRUGMAKERS Prescription Drugs March 5, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today released a letter to CVS Health — the state—s pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) — that questions whether the company—s financial interests motivate decisions to include certain pharmaceuticals on its approved drug list over the interests of those patients covered by the state health plan.-- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES ON S.B. 11: AN ACT CONCERNING CONNECTICUT'S RESPONSE TO FEDERAL TAX REFORM Testimony March 2, 2018 This legislation seeks to overcome the damaging consequences of recent federal tax changes that grossly deepen the divide between what Connecticut is forced to pay in federal taxes over what states like Mississippi, West Virginia and the Carolinas pay.-- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $198.5-MILLION DEFICIT State Finances March 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal year 2018 with a deficit of $198.5 million.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES ELIMINATION OF DECADES-LONG RETIREMENT BACKLOG; ESTABLISHES GOVERNMENT SAVINGS AND EFFICIENCY Good Government February 22, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that a retirement backlog that has plagued the state for decades — spanning at least three administrations, undermining retirement administration efficiency and costing millions in interest over the years — has been eliminated.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, IN MEETING WITH U.S. LABOR SECRETARY, URGES RETIREMENT SECURITY FOR MILLIONS OF PRIVATE-SECTOR WORKERS Retirement Security February 13, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo is meeting today with U.S. Labor Secretary R. Alexander Acosta as part of a multi-state coalition of states leading the way on retirement security and urging the federal government to protect state rights to address a growing retirement savings crisis. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $244.6-MILLION DEFICIT State Finances February 1, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2018 with a $244.6-million deficit as a deficit mitigation plan proposed by the governor awaits action by the state legislature. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON MULTI-STATE COALITION TO FIGHT FOR FAIRNESS IN FEDERAL TAXATION Policy January 26, 2018 "Today's announcement - that Connecticut and its northeast neighbors will not tolerate federal taxation that grossly and disproportionately burdens our states over most others - is an important step and I commend Governors Malloy, Cuomo and Murphy for their action. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON TREASURER NAPPIER'S LEGACY OF SERVICE Statement January 3, 2018 "As our state struggled to emerge from an era of corruption and abuse of public trust, Treasurer Denise L. Nappier made history as the nation—s first African-American woman elected state treasurer and the first woman elected treasurer in Connecticut's history. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $224-MILLION DEFICIT; WARNS OF FEDERAL TAX CHANGE CONSEQUENCES FOR CT State Finances January 2, 2018 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2018 with a $224-million deficit, and he warned about long-term ramifications of a new federal tax law that will disproportionately shift an even greater share of the federal tax burden on high-income states like Connecticut. -- read more LEMBO ANNOUNCES MEASURE TO BLOCK UNNECESSARY COSTLY DRUGS AND INVESTIGATE ALLEGED RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN DRUG MAKERS AND PHARMACIES Health Care December 5, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that his office, in partnership with the state's Health Care Cost Containment Committee (HCCCC), has initiated a measure to block the unnecessary use of outrageously expensive specialty drugs - and is urging the Office of the Attorney General to investigate the alleged possible relationships between a drug manufacturer and its top dispensing pharmacies and prescribers. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S PROJECTS $207.8-MILLION DEFICIT; TRIGGERS MANDATORY DEFICIT MITIGATION PLAN Budget December 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today projected that the state is headed for a $207.8-million deficit for Fiscal Year 2018 - an amount that triggers a state requirement that the governor submit a deficit mitigation plan to the legislature because it exceeds one percent of the state's total net General Fund appropriations. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON FCC'S PLAN TO ELIMINATE OPEN AND EQUAL ACCESS TO THE INTERNET Health Care November 21, 2017 "The Federal Communications Commission—s announcement today that it plans to dismantle landmark regulations that protect Americans— equal access to the Internet is a deeply troubling reversal that benefits the powerful few over millions of Americans, particularly working families and small businesses. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON ANTHEM-HARTFORD HEALTHCARE CONTRACT RESOLUTION Health Care November 20, 2017 "This agreement is bittersweet - finally delivering relief, but far too late for hundreds of thousands who unacceptably faced disrupted health care. As administrator of the state's largest employer health plan, I'm grateful to see a resolution, but we must now focus on preventing future disruptions to health care. This case of contract gridlock demands legislative action to protect patients and require mandatory arbitration when large corporations fail to responsibly reach timely agreements." -- read more LEMBO REINFORCES PATIENT PROTECTIONS AGAINST POTENTIAL FINANCIAL AND HEALTH HARM DURING PROLONGED ANTHEM-HARTFORD HEALTHCARE DISPUTE Health Care  November 9, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in another communication directed at patients disrupted by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's (Anthem) and Hartford HealthCare Corporation's (HHC) unacceptable contract standoff, directed health plan members to alternative providers and recommended protections against financial risks. -- read more A Letter to Anthem and Hartford HealthCare Health Care November 7, 2017 On behalf of some of the largest employers in Connecticut and the region - with approximately 300,000 covered lives - we urge an immediate end to the ongoing disruption to health care access that has resulted from Hartford HealthCare's and Anthem's failure to resolve this contract dispute in a timely and responsible fashion.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $93.9-MILLION DEFICIT UNDER EXECUTIVE ORDER; FUTURE REPORTS TO REFLECT UPDATED PROVISIONS OF NEW BIENNIAL BUDGET Financial Status November 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said that (based on revenue and spending through Sept. 30) the state remained on track to end the current fiscal year with a $93.9-million deficit under the provisions of the Governor—s Executive Order Resource Allocation Plan.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CONTINUES TO PROJECT $93.9-MILLION DEFICIT ABSENT A STATE BUDGET Financial Status October 2, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said the state, still absent a budget for Fiscal Year 2018, remains on track to end the year with a deficit of $93.9 million under the provisions of an executive order by the governor.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES ANTHEM AND HARTFORD HEALTH TO PROTECT THOUSANDS FROM NEEDLESS HEALTH CARE DISRUPTION OR FINANCIAL DISTRESS Financial Status | October 2, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that he has urged Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Hartford HealthCare Corporation (HHC) to immediately negotiate a fair contract agreement to avoid potentially devastating interruption to health care access and significant financial distress for hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS $93.9-MILLION DEFICIT WILL GROW IF BUDGET GRIDLOCK CONTINUES Financial Status | September 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said the state, absent a budget for Fiscal Year 2018, is on track to end the year with a deficit of $93.9 million under the provisions of an executive order by the governor.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS SMALL SURPLUS BUILT ON VOLATILE REVENUE AND PROGRAM CUTS THAT MAY HAVE LONG-TERM CONSEQUENCES Financial Status | August 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said the state is now on track to close the 2017 fiscal year with a small surplus – but warned that it’s based on volatile revenue, including the inheritance and estate tax, and program cuts that may have long-term economic ramifications.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON TRUMP PLAN TO BAR TRANSGENDER AMERICANS FROM U.S. MILITARY Policy | July 26, 2017 This continued disrespect and discrimination against American soldiers — and those who aspire to protect and serve — is a disgrace.  -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: CHRO REAFFIRMS THAT DISCRIMINATION HAS NO PLACE IN CONNECTICUT'S CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN Charitable Giving | July 20, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today praised a declaratory ruling by the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities (CHRO) that upholds his recommendation to bar the American Family Association (AFA) from the State Employee Charitable Campaign for violating Connecticut—s anti-discrimination law. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE ON TRACK TO END FISCAL YEAR 2017 WITH $107.2-MILLION DEFICIT Financial Status | July 3, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said that the state, despite mitigation efforts - including revenue transfers and spending reductions - is still on track to close Fiscal Year 2017 with a deficit of $107.2 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS SENATE REPUBLICANS PUT STATE CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN AT RISK; CALLS FOR ACTION DURING SPECIAL SESSION Legislation | June 13, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo said that Senate Republicans knowingly blocked legislation necessary to continue operating the Connecticut State Employees Campaign for Charitable Giving (CSEC) — a program that delivers millions of dollars to charities helping people across the state. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATES COMMEND LEGISLATURE FOR UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF MORE COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS Policy | June 8, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, joined by a broad coalition of open government advocates, praised the state Senate today for unanimously supporting Lembo's proposal to better analyze Connecticut's economic development investments so they bring the greatest return. -- read more LEMBO SAYS CONNECTICUT'S ENVIRONMENTAL AND ECONOMIC FUTURE BOTH DEPEND ON JOINING MULTI-STATE COALITION TO UPHOLD PARIS CLIMATE AGREEMENT Policy | June 2, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said Connecticut - for the sake of its environment and economic future - must join the growing bipartisan coalition of states, cities, business leaders and academic institutions that pledge to uphold the Paris Climate Agreement. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $325.4-MILLION DEFICIT, CAUTIONS AGAINST BORROWING Budget | June 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said that, following spending rescissions last month, the state is on track to end the current fiscal year in deficit by $325.4 million. -- read more LEMBO CALLS FOR BOLD, COMPREHENSIVE REFORM TO STOP PRESCRIPTION DRUG PRICE GOUGING; LEMBO SAYS PRESCRIPTION SAVINGS MEASURE ADOPTED THIS WEEK IS IMPORTANT FIRST STEP Legislation | May 25, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today called for bold and comprehensive reforms to stop prescription drug price gouging, commending state legislative action this week as a first step. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: CT NEEDS A PUBLIC OPTION AND MEDICARE FOR ALL TO MAKE HEALTH COVERAGE MORE AFFORDABLE Legislation | May 24, 2017 As the Congressional Budget Office today releases estimates on the cost of the Republican health care plan that threatens health care coverage for millions in Connecticut and across the country, Comptroller Kevin Lembo is calling for an expansion of the federal Medicare program providing health care for seniors and a state effort to create a public option. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATES PRAISE HOUSE VOTE IN FAVOR OF MORE COMPETITIVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS Legislation | May 17, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, joined by a broad coalition of open government advocates, praised the state House of Representatives for voting unanimously in favor of Lembo's proposal to better analyze Connecticut's economic development investments so they bring the greatest return. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON SENATE VOTE TO BAN CONVERSION THERAPY FOR MINORS Legislation | May 10, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, the first openly gay person elected to statewide office in Connecticut, praised the state Senate today for voting to protect Connecticut children from conversion therapy. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS U.S. HOUSE REPUBLICAN—S HEALTH PLAN WILL DENY HEALTH CARE TO MILLIONS AND DEVASTATE CT—S BUDGET Legislation | May 4, 2017 "The health care plan House Republicans just passed is a gut punch to people all across Connecticut and our country. Millions could lose insurance, people with pre-existing conditions are put at risk, and Americans will pay more for less coverage — all in exchange for big tax breaks to the very wealthy. That—s wrong. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS U.S. SENATE REPUBLICANS ATTEMPT TO BLOCK FINANCIAL SECURITY FOR MILLIONS OF WORKERS WHILE OFFERING NO SOLUTION OF THEIR OWN Legislation | May 4, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that Connecticut will continue its plan to implement a voluntary retirement savings program that will serve more than 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut, despite action by Republican U.S. Senators attempting to block state-based retirement plans. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $393.4-MILLION DEFICIT AFTER CONTINUED INCOME TAX EROSION Budget | May 2, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that continued erosion of the state income tax – likely due to a combination of investors relying more on tax-friendly investment funds, an economic trend towards lower-paying jobs and population loss – has increased the current fiscal year deficit to $393.4 million.. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATES PRAISE FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE FOR ENHANCED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ANALYSIS Economic Development | APRIL 28, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, joined by a broad coalition of open government advocates, praised the legislature—s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee for voting unanimously in favor of Lembo—s proposal to better analyze Connecticut—s economic development investments so they bring the greatest return. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, OPEN GOVERNMENT ADVOCATES SUBMIT TESTIMONY THAT URGES ENHANCED ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INVESTMENTS Economic Development | APRIL 11, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, joined by a broad coalition of open government advocates, submitted written testimony today urging support for legislation that would enhance Connecticut's analysis of the efficiency and effectiveness of the state's economic development investments. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $44.6-MILLION DEFICIT DUE TO SLOW INCOME TAX WITHHOLDING AND CAUTIOUS OUTLOOK ON FINAL PAYMENTS Budget | APRIL 3, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that, due to slow income tax withholding revenue and concerns about final April payments, he is projecting that the state could end the current fiscal year with a $44.6-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $11.8-MILLION SURPLUS WITH CAUTION Budget | MARCH 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end the fiscal year with an $11.8-million surplus, but Lembo warned that this surplus relies on an optimistic view that final income tax payments in April will outperform estimated income tax payments collected so far. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO IN TESTIMONY: STATE MUST PROTECT WOMEN'S AND CHILDREN'S HEALTH MEASURES AHEAD OF POSSIBLE ACA REPEAL Legislation | FEBRUARY 16, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in written testimony submitted to the state legislature's Insurance Committee today, urged state action to protect women's and children's health measures ahead of a possible federal repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO , PART OF MULTI-STATE COALITION, URGES CONGRESS TO PRESERVE STATE EFFORTS TO ADDRESS RETIREMENT SECURITY CRISIS Legislation | FEBRUARY 15, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that he has called on Congress to protect state rights to address a growing retirement savings crisis, including Connecticut's new retirement security program that seeks to protect hundreds of thousands of private-sector workers who have no access to workplace-based retirement savings. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES SOCIAL SECURITY TAX EXEMPTION AND OTHER STATE COMPETITIVENESS MEASURES Legislation | FEBRUARY 7, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today said that, in order for Connecticut to remain competitive, it should exempt social security benefits from the state income tax and make it easier for businesses and communities to develop and access effective telecommunications technologies. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO STATEMENT ON ADOPTION OF PENSION FUNDING REFORM Budget | FEBRUARY 1, 2017 Today, the legislature took an important step in stabilizing Connecticut's finances and setting the state on a more predictable path forward. I'm grateful for the senators and representatives that understood the urgency and need of this agreement and for the work of Governor Malloy, SEBAC, Treasurer Nappier and others who acknowledged the seriousness of this and made it a priority. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN OPPOSITION TO PENSION FUNDING REFORM Budget | FEBRUARY 1, 2017 It has been 462 days since the conversation about pension funding reform began in earnest. When I raised issues with the governor's original proposal, I crafted one of my own. That was released 384 days ago. The effort by Republicans in the legislature to abandon this deal at the 11th hour in search of an alternate solution that doesn't exist is disingenuous and a gross abdication of duty. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $8.7-MILLION SURPLUS WITH CAUTION Budget | FEBRUARY 1, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end the fiscal year with an $8.7-million surplus, but he warned that this projection is based on consensus revenue estimates that rely on the optimistic view that final income tax payments will perform better than estimated income tax payments have performed so far. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES SUPPORT FOR PAY EQUITY LEGISLATION Legislation | JANUARY 31, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today urged support for legislation that seeks to stop practices that continue to deprive women - particularly women of color - of equal pay for equal work. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES FIVE-POINT PLAN TO ADDRESS SKYROCKETING PHARMACEUTICAL COSTS Legislation | JANUARY 24, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, after exhaustive research and consultation with representatives across all sectors of the health care industry, announced a comprehensive five-point plan to address skyrocketing pharmaceutical drug costs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CALLS FOR ENHANCED ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION PROGRAMS Legislation | JANUARY 19, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced a legislative proposal that would improve the state's analysis of whether hundreds of millions of dollars in economic incentives provided to businesses are fulfilling their intended purpose for the sake of all businesses and taxpayers. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PLAN THAT COULD SAVE THE STATE TENS OF MILLIONS PER YEAR ON RETIREE HEALTH COSTS BY ADOPTING MEDICARE ADVANTAGE Budget | JANUARY 18, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is preparing a request for proposal (RFP) in partnership with the state Health Care Cost Containment Committee that could potentially save the state tens of millions on retiree health costs by implementing a Medicare Advantage plan. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES REMOVAL OF AMERICAN FAMILY ASSOCIATION FROM STATE CHARITABLE CAMPAIGN Policy | JANUARY 6, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the Connecticut State Employees' Campaign (CSEC) Committee has notified the American Family Association (AFA) of its removal from the campaign after the AFA refused to provide a copy of its required board certified non-discrimination policy. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $56.2-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2017 Budget | JANUARY 3, 2017 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $56.2-million deficit. -- read more HARTFORD COURANT OP-ED: WITHOUT DEAL, PENSION COSTS WILL CRUSH US Pension | JANUARY 3, 2017 Connecticut's unfunded pension liabilities are a crushing debt that increasingly crowd out other state budget priorities and remain a top concern for businesses when deciding whether to invest here and hire more workers. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES "OpenPayroll" WITH REAL-TIME ACCESS TO STATE PAYROLL DATA Transparency | DECEMBER 6, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced the launch of "OpenPayroll" - the latest expansion to the OpenConnecticut online portal that provides the public with real-time access to state financial information. -- read more VIDEO: WORLD AIDS DAY 2016: COMPTROLLER KEVIN LEMBO Video | DECEMBER 1, 2016 COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $82.3-MILLION DEFICIT: POINTS TO SOME PROMISING ECONOMIC INDICATORS Budget | DECEMBER 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in his monthly financial projection today, said the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2017 with a deficit of $82.3 million - although key estimated payment collections data will not be available until mid-January. -- read more Comptroller Lembo Investigates Whether American Family Association Broke Anti-Discrimination Rules Of State Charitable Campaign News | NOVEMBER 30, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced an ongoing investigation into whether the American Family Association (AFA) may have violated the regulations governing the Connecticut State Employee Campaign for Charitable Giving (CSEC) that broadly prohibits discrimination. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $42-MILLION DEFICIT Budget | NOVEMBER 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that his analysis of recent spending data indicates that the state is currently on track to end the year with a $42-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS EARLY DATA SHOWS BALANCED BUDGET; WARNS THAT SAVINGS TARGET MAY BECOME A CHALLENGE Budget | OCTOBER 3, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, while still early in Fiscal Year 2017, the state is currently on track to end the year essentially in balance. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ISSUES FIRST PROJECTION OF FY 17, SHOWS BUDGET APPROXIMATELY IN BALANCE Budget | SEPTEMBER 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today issued his first projection of the Fiscal Year 2017 budget, reporting early results are consistent with the budget plan. -- read more STATEMENT FROM COMPTROLLER LEMBO ON DEPARTMENT OF LABOR'S FINAL RULE CONCERNING STATE RETIREMENT INITIATIVES Retirement | AUGUST 25, 2016 "The finalized rule from the Department of Labor on Savings Arrangements Established by States for Non-Governmental Employees solidifies the work of the Connecticut Retirement Security Board. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $279.4-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 Budget | AUGUST 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today reported a projected General Fund deficit of $279.4 million for Fiscal Year 2016, an improvement of $36.4 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES CHECKBOOK-LEVEL FINANCIAL DATA NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE FOR QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES Transparency | July 12, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that checkbook-level data on vendor payments made by Connecticut quasi-public agencies is now available online at OpenConnecticut, the state's comprehensive financial transparency website. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $315.8-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 Budget | July 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today reported a $315.8-million deficit for Fiscal Year 2016, pending final budget accruals — but noted that while global factors have contributed to additional market volatility, there are some bright spots among Connecticut—s economic indicators. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TO INSURANCE COMMISSIONER: RECUSE SELF AND RESTORE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN ANTHEM-CIGNA REVIEW PROCESS Budget | June 30, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in a follow-up letter to state Department of Insurance (DOI) Commissioner Katherine Wade today, urged that she immediately recuse herself from the Anthem-Cigna merger review process and ensure that all interested parties can fully participate in order to restore public confidence. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROPOSES MEASURES TO USE SPENDING CAP AS TOOL FOR BUDGET STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY Budget | June 20, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, testifying before the state Spending Cap Commission today, proposed a new approach to the state spending cap formula in order to better stabilize future state budgets. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR'S VETO ON ENHANCED ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION PROGRAMS Policy | June 9, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo had proposed a legislative measure to benefit businesses and all taxpayers by establishing a more efficient and effective analysis of whether hundreds of millions of dollars in economic incentives provided to businesses are fulfilling their intended purpose. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS NO CHANGE FROM LAST MONTH WITH $259.1-MILLION DEFICIT PROJECTION Budget | June 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, while urging continued caution about the state—s outlook, reported that the projected deficit for the current fiscal year remains unchanged this month at $259.1 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR SIGNING INTO LAW A WORKPLACE-BASED RETIREMENT SECURITY OPTION FOR NEARLY 600,000 WORKERS Policy | May 31, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today acknowledged Gov. Dannel P. Malloy's signature on the new retirement security program law. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS "NEW ECONOMIC REALITY" WARRANTS VOTE AGAINST $22 MILLION IN STATE MONEY FOR HEDGE FUND, URGES SHIFT IN ECONOMIC STRATEGY TO BENEFIT ALL CT BUSINESSES Policy | May 27, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, at today's state Bond Commission meeting, voted against providing $22 million in state bond funding to Bridgewater Associates, a Connecticut hedge fund that manages more than $130 billion in global investments. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, CT STATE MEDICAL SOCIETY CO-HOST PHARMACEUTICAL FORUM ON SKYROCKETING DRUG COSTS Forum | May 17, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, with the Connecticut State Medical Society (CSMS), co-hosted a forum in Hartford today that brought together physicians, pharmaceutical companies, academicians, patient advocates and other industry experts to address the skyrocketing cost of medications. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT FOR ENHANCED ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION PROGRAMS Legislation | May 4, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo applauded the state General Assembly for adopting a measure to ensure that, on behalf of businesses and all taxpayers, the state will conduct a more efficient and effective analysis of whether hundreds of millions of dollars in economic incentives provided to businesses are fulfilling their intended purpose. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, FOLLOWING UPDATED CONSENSUS REVENUE ESTIMATES, PROJECTS $259.1-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 Budget | May 2, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, following the recently updated consensus revenue estimate, reported that the state is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $259.1-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS SENATE VOTE APPROVING WORKPLACE-BASED RETIREMENT SECURITY OPTION FOR NEARLY 600,000 WORKERS Legislation | April 30, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo commended the state Senate for voting today in favor of a financially self-sustaining retirement savings program that could serve nearly 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut who currently have no access to workplace-based retirement savings. -- read more NEW REPORT: Connecticut Receives "A+" in Annual Report on Transparency of Government Spending Transparency | April 28, 2016 Connecticut received an A+ when it comes to government spending transparency, according to "Following the Money 2016: How the 50 States Rate in Providing Online Access to Government Spending Data," the seventh annual report of its kind by Connecticut Public Interest Research Group Education Fund. Connecticut's near-perfect score makes it a leader in state spending transparency nationally. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS HOUSE VOTE THAT ADVANCES RETIREMENT SECURITY PROGRAM TO SERVE NEARLY 600,000 WORKERS WITHOUT WORKPLACE SAVINGS Legislation | April 26, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo commended the state House of Representatives for voting today in favor of a financially self-sustaining retirement savings program that would serve nearly 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut who currently have no access to workplace-based retirement savings. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CALLS FOR OPEN, INCLUSIVE AND THOROUGH REVIEW OF ANTHEM-CIGNA MERGER Merger | April 6, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in a letter to the state Department of Insurance (DOI) this week, urged an open and thorough review of a proposed merger between Anthem and Cigna in order to address significant concerns raised by health care consumers and providers. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS LEGISLATIVE ACTION ELIMINATES $220-MILLION DEFICIT FOR NOW; WARNS THAT FURTHER REVENUE EROSION IS POSSIBLE Budget | April 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that spending reductions and transfers adopted by the legislature this week provide the necessary tools to eliminate this fiscal year's $220-million deficit - however, he warned about possible further revenue erosion and other risks related to moderate national economic growth. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NATIONAL AWARD FOR CT—S SUCCESSFUL MANAGEMENT OF ITS CONVERSION TO NEW RETIREMENT SAVINGS PLANS ADMINISTRATOR Transparency | March 30, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the Office of the State Comptroller was nationally recognized with a 2016 Eddy Award for the successful conversion of its retirement savings plan administration. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES ENHANCED ANALYSIS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND JOB CREATION PROGRAMS Transparency | March 22, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in testimony submitted to the state legislature—s Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee today, said that businesses and all taxpayers deserve the most efficient and effective analysis of whether hundreds of millions of dollars in economic incentives provided to businesses are fulfilling their intended purpose. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF PROPOSAL TO ESTABLISH HEALTH AND BIOSCIENCE INNOVATION CORRIDOR Technology | March 15, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in testimony submitted today, announced his support for an economic development proposal to establish an innovation corridor in Connecticut where private health, bioscience and related industries could improve access to competitively priced ultra-high-speed broadband networks and other technological needs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SUBMITS TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF IMPROVED ACCESS TO PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES' FINANCIAL INFO Transparency | March 14, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, in written testimony submitted to the state legislature—s Appropriations Committee, he urged improved access to public universities— financial information, including budget, spending and revenue. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS LABOR COMMITTEE VOTE THAT ADVANCES RETIREMENT SECURITY PROGRAM TO SERVE NEARLY 600,000 WORKERS WITHOUT WORKPLACE SAVINGS Retirement | March 10, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo commended the General Assembly—s Labor and Public Employees Committee for voting in favor of a financially self-sustaining retirement savings program that would serve nearly 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut who currently have no access to workplace-based retirement savings. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF RETIREMENT SECURITY PROGRAM; SAYS NEARLY 600,000 CT WORKERS HAVE NO ACCESS TO WORKPLACE SAVINGS Retirement | March 8, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo testified today in support of a financially self-sustaining retirement savings program that would serve nearly 600,000 private-sector workers in Connecticut who currently have no access to workplace-based retirement savings. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES OVERWHELMING RESPONSE BY QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES TO PROVIDE CHECKBOOK-LEVEL FINANCIAL DATA FOR STATE'S ONLINE TRANPARENCY PORTAL Transparency | March 7, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that 10 out of 12 Connecticut quasi-public agencies have officially confirmed that they will voluntarily provide his office with checkbook-level financial data annually to incorporate in OpenConnecticut, the state—s comprehensive financial transparency website. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES FOR MEASURE TO CURB SKYROCKETING DRUG PRICES Healthcare | March 4, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in testimony submitted this week, announced his support for a state measure to reduce skyrocketing pharmaceutical drug costs and improve health-care outcomes for patients. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES FOR MEASURE SUPPORTING VETERAN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES Budget | March 4, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in testimony submitted this week, his support for a state measure to relieve burdens on small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $219.9-MILLION DEFICIT FOLLOWING EXPECTED REVENUE EROSION Budget | March 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, as he reported last month, revenue has further eroded -- bringing the latest projected deficit for the current fiscal year to $219.9 million. -- read more CRSB SUBMITS IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR PUBLIC RETIREMENT PROGRAM FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYEES Retirement | February 25, 2016 The Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB) today submitted an implementation plan in the form of legislation that would establish a state-run retirement savings program for private-sector employees in Connecticut. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN FAVOR OF INTERN PROGRAM FOR ADULTS WITH AUTISM Legislation | February 24, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in written testimony to the state legislature's Public Health Committee today, expressed his support for legislation to establish a state plan to implement an internship program for adults with autism. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CALLS ON ALL QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES TO PROVIDE CHECKBOOK-LEVEL FINANCIAL DATA FOR STATE'S ONLINE TRANSPARENCY PORTAL Budget | February 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that he has called on all of Connecticut's quasi-public agencies to voluntarily provide his office with checkbook-level financial data annually to incorporate in OpenConnecticut, the state's comprehensive financial transparency website. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $7.1-MILLION DEFICIT WITH POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER REVENUE EROSION Budget | February 1, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, today projected a $7.1-million deficit for the current fiscal year, agreeing that the state can achieve its targeted savings on spending, but warning that there is potential for continued erosion of revenue due to stock market declines and a slowdown in the global economy. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RECEIVES AARP LEGISLATIVE ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR LEADERSHIP ON RETIREMENT SAVINGS Retirement | January 25, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, surrounded by a room full of AARP volunteers at the organization—s Connecticut headquarters in Hartford today, received AARP—s Legislative Achievement Award in recognition of his leadership on retirement savings. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS BROADBAND DEFICIENCY REPORT DEMONSTRATES HARM TO STATE ECONOMY CT Gig Project | January 25, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, responding to a report on the state—s broadband deficiencies, said that technology infrastructure investment — including both ultra-high-speed broadband networks and data centers — is absolutely imperative to both attract businesses to Connecticut and to keep existing industries from leaving. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RELEASES DETAILED PENSION FUNDING ANALYSIS WITH EVIDENCE-BASED REFORM RECOMMENDATION Budget | January 14, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, after working closely with pension experts and actuaries to investigate pension reform solutions, has released a detailed analysis of state pension funding options and offers an evidence-based recommendation using actuarial best practices that would save the state $1 billion over the current funding methodology. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS DEFICIT MITIGATION MEASURES PUT STATE ON PATH TO $200,000 SURPLUS Budget | January 4, 2016 Comptroller Kevin Lembo reported today that, after adjusting for the deficit mitigation requirements adopted by the General Assembly in December, the state is on track to end the current fiscal year with a small General Fund surplus of $200,000. -- read more CRSB COMPLETES FEASIBILITY STUDY OF PUBLIC RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYEES; REPORTS FINDINGS TO LEGISLATURE AND GOVERNOR Benefits | January 4, 2016 The Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB) today submitted a report to the General Assembly that says a public retirement program for private-sector employees is financially feasible under a range of market scenarios and plan designs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO—S STATEMENT ON DELAY OF AFFORDABLE CARE ACT—S —CADILLAC TAX— Health Care | December 18, 2015 "The so-called —Cadillac tax— — senselessly deterring employers from offering quality health care benefits and punishing those that do — has rightfully been delayed. This two-year delay is an important first step, and hopefully a prelude to complete repeal of this excise tax. I am particularly grateful to Rep. Joe Courtney for leading this effort." -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO,  IN TESTIMONY TO CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATIC STEERING AND POLICY COMMITTEE: —INVESTIGATE AND REVERSE RUNAWAY PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG PRICES— Health Care | December 2, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in written testimony submitted to the Democratic Steering and Policy Committee for a hearing today, detailed the consequences of a runaway pharmaceutical drug marketplace that threatens to obstruct patient care and overcome health care budgets across the public and private sectors. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $122.4 MILLION DEFICIT, DEPENDENT ON STATE'S ABILITY TO MEET PLANNED SAVINGS TARGET Budget | December 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo reported today that, after accounting for about $102.8 million in rescissions announced in September and the updated consensus revenue forecast announced last month, the state is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $122.4-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO OFFERS ALTERNATIVE PENSION FUNDING APPROACH; COMMENDS GOVERNOR FOR OPENING CONVERSATION Budget | November 17, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo this week offered an alternative pension funding proposal for consideration that has the potential to reduce the volatility of future payments to the pension fund and create a more manageable schedule for paying down the unfunded liabilities, while also utilizing actuarial best practices modeled in other states. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $118.4 MILLION DEFICIT; POINTS TO SLOW JOB GAINS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR Budget | November 2, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo reported today that, after accounting for about $102.8 million in rescissions announced in September, the state is on track to end the current fiscal year with a $118.4-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR'S PLAN TO ADDRESS BUDGET CHALLENGES Budget | October 28, 2015 I applaud the Governor for announcing an action plan to address Connecticut—s immediate and long-term budget challenges. Refining that action plan — based on questions that I and others have — will be an important next step. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CALLS ON ALL INCUMBENT PROVIDERS TO JOIN ATLANTIC BROADBAND—S INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVE STATEWIDE CT Gig Project | October 23, 2015 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo, in letters today to Connecticut—s broadband providers, called on them to rise to the challenge and lead the way on investments to bring affordable high-speed Internet to their entire service areas. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO COMMENDS BIPARTISAN COLLABORATION ON STATE BUDGET SOLUTION Budget | October 19, 2015 "The Governor's announcement today - calling for bipartisan state budget meetings - is the best path forward. Collaboration across branches, politics and agencies ensures that necessary spending cuts are made only after the most thoughtful and transparent process. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: "START SMALL, SAVE BIG" DURING NATIONAL RETIREMENT SECURITY WEEK Retirement | October 19, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today joined employers across the country to recognize National Retirement Security Week - which runs Oct. 18-24 - to promote financial literacy and raise public awareness about the need to plan for retirement security. -- read more FISCAL YEAR 2015 IN REVIEW Budget | October 8, 2015 Link to PDF report COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORT TO FEDERAL DELEGATION: "INVESTIGATE AND REVERSE RUNAWAY PHARMACEUTICAL DRUG PRICES" Health Care | October 7, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in a report to Connecticut's federal delegation, detailed the consequences of a runaway pharmaceutical drug marketplace that threatens to obstruct patient care and overcome health care budgets across the public and private sectors. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS BALANCED BUDGET AFTER RESCISSIONS; URGES CAUTION ON TIMING OF PLANNED CUTS Budget | October 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that - following announced rescissions - the state could feasibly end Fiscal Year 2016 with a balanced budget, though he urged caution in the timing of those $102.8 million in planned cuts. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $800,000 SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2016 WITH AN EYE ON FINANCIAL MARKETS AND OTHER REVENUE UNCERTAINIES Budget | September 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the volatility of the financial markets complicates the budget outlook for Fiscal Year 2016 at this early stage, but said the state is currently on track to end the fiscal year with an $800,000 surplus. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RESTRICTS UNREGULATED AND UNTESTED COMPOUND DRUGS; REDUCES STATE'S MONTHLY COMPOUND DRUG COSTS BY $2 MILLION Health Care | August 24, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that new restrictions he implemented to curb a rapid rise in unregulated compound drug prescriptions through the state health plan have dramatically reduced state spending — by approximately $2 million per month — on certain questionable medications. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES FIRST IN SERIES OF HEALTH CONSUMER AWARENESS CAMPAIGNS: "EMERGENCY ROOMS ARE FOR EMERGENCIES" Health Care | August 19, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo this week launched the first in a series of health consumer awareness campaigns to encourage state employees, retirees - and all Connecticut residents - to shop smart for health care. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO DELIVERS NEARLY 100 SCHOOL BAGS DONATED BY COMPTROLLER EMPLOYEES TO BE DISTRIBUTED TO FOSTER FAMILIES Charitable Giving | August 18, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, joined by Waterbury and Department of Children and Families (DCF) officials, delivered nearly 100 book bags and school supplies to the DCF Regional Office in Waterbury. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: 2015 CT STATE EMPLOYEES' CAMPAIGN FOR CHARITABLE GIVING LAUNCHES TODAY WITH NEW ONLINE DONATION PORTAL Technology | August 12, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that the 2015 Connecticut State Employees— Campaign for Charitable Giving (CSEC) begins today — featuring a new online donation portal where state employees and retirees can easily donate online for the first time. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $70.9-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 Budget | August 3, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is on track to close Fiscal-Year 2015 (FY 15) with a $70.9-million deficit, noting that budget accruals will continue through August. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO OPENS THE STATE'S FINANCIAL BOOKS WITH "OpenBudget" Budget | July 15, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today launched "OpenBudget," a new online portal that allows the public to view how state spending and revenue is tracking against the state's actual budgeted amounts throughout the year. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $115.7-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 Budget | July 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with a $115.7-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: PLAN TO STABILIZE FUTURE BUDGETS AND END CYCLES OF CRISIS-DRIVEN CUTS AND TAX INCREASES BECOMES LAW Policy | June 30, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, as part of the larger budget document, has signed his proposal into law to reform the state's Budget Reserve Fund and stabilize Connecticut—s future budgets. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGE Policy | June 26, 2015 "What has been apparent to so many for so long has now been affirmed by the court: the premise that all people are equal and share the same rights and responsibilities. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING THAT UPHOLDS RIGHT TO ASSIST POOR AND MIDDLE-CLASS PEOPLE—S ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE Policy | June 25, 2015 "As an early proponent of health-care reform, and as the administrator of the state's health-care plan, I am pleased with the decision of the U.S. Supreme Court. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO COMMENDS GENERAL ASSEMBLY FOR ADOPTING MEASURE TO STABILIZE FUTURE BUDGETS AND END CYCLES OF CRISIS-DRIVEN CUTS AND TAX INCREASES Budget | June 4, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo commended the General Assembly today for adopting a proposal to reform the state's Budget Reserve Fund and stabilize Connecticut's future budgets. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $164.9-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 Budget | June 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with a $164.9-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $161.7-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 FOLLOWING LAST MONTH—S RESCISSIONS Budget | May 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today that, following the updated consensus revenue forecast released yesterday, the state General Fund is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with a $161.7-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES "OpenCheckbook" WITH REAL-TIME STATE PAYMENT INFORMATION Budget | April 30, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today launched "OpenCheckbook," a feature that allows the public to search real-time information about who received payments from the State of Connecticut for goods or services and how much they received. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS UNANIMOUS FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE THAT ADVANCES PROPOSAL TO STABILIZE STATE BUDGETS THROUGH BUDGET RESERVE FUND Budget | April 29, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced legislation today that will establish greater transparency surrounding the hundreds of millions in dollars invested every year in economic assistance programs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE DEFICIT CLOSE TO MITIGATION; RECOMMENDS COLLABORATIVE DEFICIT REDUCTION PLANNING Budget | April 1, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today projected a $172.8-million General Fund deficit for Fiscal Year 2015 — an amount just short of one percent of total appropriations, which would legally trigger a mandatory deficit mitigation plan, but close enough that Lembo recommended deficit reduction planning with the legislature proceed without delay. -- read more CRSB RECEIVES $250,000 TO HELP FUND STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF PUBLIC RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYEES Benefits | March 30, 2015 HARTFORD — The Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB) has received a $250,000 donation from the Laura and John Arnold Foundation to help fund a market feasibility study of implementing a public retirement program for private-sector employees. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES IN SUPPORT OF INCREASING RAINY DAY FUND CAP Budget | March 27, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo testified before the state legislature's Appropriations Committee at a public hearing today in support of legislation that would increase the cap on the state's Budget Reserve Fund - otherwise known as the "Rainy Day Fund" - to better protect the state budget during economic downturns. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES ON AID IN DYING FOR TERMINALLY ILL PATIENTS Benefits | March 18, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo submitted testimony to the state legislature's Judiciary Committee today in support of protections that ensure safety and comfort for terminally ill patients and their families. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT WITH ANTHEM AND UNITEDHEALTH TO ADMINISTER STATE HEALTH PLAN Benefits | March 13, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state has concluded its competitive bidding process and selected Anthem BlueCross and BlueShield and UnitedHealth Group to administer the state's self-insured medical benefits plan for state employees, retirees and their dependents. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO TESTIFIES ON HEALTH CARE COST TRANSPARENCY AND FACILITY FEES Benefits | March 11, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, who oversees the state's health care plan, testified today in support of four legislative proposals to eliminate inappropriate health care fees and provide patients with greater access to information about health care costs and quality so that they can make informed health care choices. -- read more CRSB SELECTS VENDORS FOR STUDY OF FEASIBILITY OF PUBLIC RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYEES Benefits | March 6, 2015 HARTFORD — The Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB) has concluded its competitive bidding process and has selected Boston College—s Center for Retirement Research to conduct a market analysis, and Mercer and Oliver Wyman to design a retirement program, conduct a financial feasibility study and provide general consulting services. Each designation is subject to successful contract negotiations. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $101.2-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 DUE TO LOWER ESTIMATED INCOME TAX COLLECTIONS Budget | March 2, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that — following a key month for estimated income tax collections — the state is on track to end the fiscal year with a $101.2-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT WITH PRUDENTIAL TO ADMINISTER STATE—S DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLANS Benefits | February 27, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state has concluded its competitive bidding process and selected a new third-party administrator — Prudential Retirement — to manage the state—s three defined contribution plans. -- read more CONNECTICUT BROADBAND LEADERS TO WITNESS HISTORIC FCC VOTE ON INTERNET, DISCUSS CT —GIG— PROJECT WITH FCC CHAIR Technology | February 26, 2015 At the invitation of top officials from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), a delegation of Connecticut state broadband leaders — Comptroller Kevin Lembo, state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz and state Broadband Policy Coordinator Bill Vallee — are attending today—s historic FCC vote at an open meeting of the FCC in Washington, D.C. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, MAYOR HARP JOINTLY TESTIFY IN SUPPORT OF STATEWIDE GIGABIT INITIATIVE Technology | February 10, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Mayor Toni N. Harp today jointly testified on a legislative proposal - An Act Concerning Gigabit Internet Access - that would support the development of ultra-high-speed gigabit Internet service statewide. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO MEETS WITH ANTHEM OFFICIALS; CALLS FOR RAPID RESPONSE TO PROTECT CONSUMERS, INCLUDING STATE EMPLOYEES AND RETIREES Technology | February 5, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that his office has met with Anthem, Inc. officials today to discuss remedies for Connecticut consumers - including more than 180,000 current and former state employees and retirees on the state health plan - whose information may have been compromised by an extensive cyber-attack. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $89.4-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 AFTER LATEST REDUCTIONS Budget | February 2, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today reported that — following the latest reductions announced in January — the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with an $89.4-million deficit. -- read more CONNECTICUT RETIREMENT SECURITY BOARD ISSUES RFP TO CONDUCT STUDY ON FEASIBILITY OF PUBLIC RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PRIVATE-SECTOR EMPLOYEES Benefits | January 28, 2015 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, as co-chairs of the Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB), announced a request for proposals (RFP) from vendors to conduct a market analysis and financial feasibility study on behalf of the board. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON PRESIDENTIAL SUPPORT FOR BROADBAND INITIATIVES LIKE CONNECTICUT'S Technology | January 14, 2015 —The President—s announcement this week — signaling strong support for broadband initiatives like Connecticut—s — is a pivotal move towards high-speed, low-cost Internet for all consumers and businesses. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ISSUES POLICY BRIEF: STABILIZE BUDGETS, MANAGE REVENUE VOLATILITY, REDUCE LIABILITIES AND PUT DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON SPENDING Budget | January 13, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today released a detailed "white paper" - a policy brief and roadmap that proposes using the state's Budget Reserve Fund to stabilize Connecticut's future budgets, manage revenue volatility, reduce unfunded liabilities and put downward pressure on spending. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PROPOSAL TO STABILIZE FUTURE BUDGETS Budget | January 5, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced a strategic legislative proposal to reform the state's Budget Reserve Fund formula - building a "recessionary seawall" to protect against the need for crisis-driven tax increases and program cuts during economic downturns, while putting downward pressure on spending during economic surges. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $31.6-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 15 Budget | January 2, 2015 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with a $31.6-million deficit. -- read more LEMBO TESTIFIES AT BI-PARTISAN ROUNDTABLE ON HEALTH-CARE PROVIDER CONSOLIDATIONS, FACILITY FEES AND EMERGENCY ROOM CHARGES Benefits | December 18, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today testified before the legislative Bi-Partisan Roundtable on Hospitals and Healthcare to discuss ongoing investigations into facility fees and emergency room (ER) charges resulting from health-care provider consolidations. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, , CONSUMER COUNSEL KATZ AND SEN. BYE REMIND MUNICIPALITIES: FRIDAY DEADLINE TO JOIN GIGABIT ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT MOVEMENT Technology | December 8, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo, Connecticut Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz and state Sen. Beth Bye (D-West Hartford) today urged all municipal leaders in Connecticut to act by Friday to join a growing coalition of cities and towns calling on providers to establish ultra-high-speed gigabit broadband in their communities. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $44.8-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 15 Budget | December 1, 2014   Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that - following the latest consensus revenue forecast by the Office of Policy and Management (OPM) and Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) - the state is currently on track to end the fiscal year with a $44.8-million deficit. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PUBLIC HEARING, ONGOING INVESTIGATION INTO HEALTH CARE "FACILITY FEES" State Health Benefits | November 25, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced a public hearing as part of an ongoing investigation into the consolidations of hospitals and other health care providers and their impact on the state health plan — particularly the increasing use of "facility fees." -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ISSUES CALL TO ACTION BY ALL TOWNS AND CITIES TO JOIN GIGABIT MOVEMENT Technology | November 24, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that - in a letter to all municipal leaders in Connecticut - he delivered a call to action... -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES RFP FOR NEW MEDICAL BENEFITS CONTRACT Benefits | November 21, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced a new request for proposals (RFP) to administer the state's self-insured medical benefits plan for state employees, retirees, and their dependents. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $300,000 SURPLUS FOR FY 15 Budget | November 3, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo said early spending and revenue performance continue to indicate that Fiscal Year 2015 will close with a surplus of approximately $300,000. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: —START SMALL, SAVE BIG— DURING NATIONAL SAVE FOR RETIREMENT WEEK State Retirement Benefits | October 20, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that he is joining a coalition of employers across the country to recognize National Save for Retirement Week and raise awareness about the critical need for individuals to save for their financial future. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS ACTUARIAL REVIEW OF CLAIMS CONFIRMS $50 MILLION SAVINGS FIRST YEAR OF NEW PHARMACY CONTRACT State Health Benefits | October 17, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today confirmed that the state - through its new pharmacy benefits contract with Caremark- spent $50 million less in Fiscal Year 2014 than it would have spent under the previous contract for the same claims, according to an actuarial review. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, TREASURER NAPPIER REQUEST PUBLIC COMMENT ON PUBLIC RETIREMENT PLAN FOR PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES Budget | October 10, 2014 State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier, as co-chairs of the Connecticut Retirement Security Board (CRSB), today issued requests for public comment and information regarding the feasibility of a state-sponsored retirement plan for private sector employees. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS FINAL $248-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014; PROJECTS $300,000 SURPLUS FOR FY 15 Budget | October 1, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo said early indications are that Fiscal Year 2015 will close with a surplus of $300,000 as the state's economy continues to post moderate monthly growth... -- read more MAYORS SEEK PARTNERS TO DEVELOP GIGABIT INTERNET NETWORK IN CONNECTICUT; INVITE OTHERS TO JOIN THE EFFORT   | September 15, 2014 -- Hartford, CT — New Haven Mayor Toni N. Harp, West Hartford Deputy Mayor Shari Cantor, Stamford Mayor David R. Martin and state Senator Beth Bye (D-West Hartford), state Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Consumer Counsel Elin Swanson Katz today issued a global call for companies and organizations to develop ultra-high-speed gigabit or —gig— Internet networks in the three cities. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $300,000 SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2015 Budget | September 2, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today, in his first projection for the new fiscal year, said the state is on track to end Fiscal Year 2015 with a $300,000 surplus... -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $121.3 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | August 1, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today reported a Fiscal Year surplus of $121.3 Million... -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $33.2 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | July 1, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a $33.2-million surplus. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $43.0 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | June 2, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a $43.4-million surplus, as reported last month. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES "OPEN CONNECTICUT 2.0" WITH REAL-TIME STATE SPENDING AND REVENUE Budget | May 13, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today launched "Open Connecticut 2.0" — a significant update to the online hub of state financial information that he first launched early last year in an ongoing effort to simplify and centralize public access to important information about state revenue and spending.... -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $43.4 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | May 1, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a $43.4 million surplus ... -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $504.9 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | April 1, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a $504.9-million surplus — a number that could grow following this month—s revenue collection, barring any last-quarter spending increases. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES 13-PERCENT SAVINGS WITH NEW PRELIMINARY CIGNA AGREEMENT Budget | March 26, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state has concluded its competitive bidding process and selected a new dental carrier — Cigna — to solely administer the state employee and retiree plan at drastically reduced annual costs over the previous dental contract. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $504.4 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | March 3, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a 504.4 Million Surplus. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS GROWING SURPLUS OF $506.1 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2014 Budget | February 3, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state's outlook for Fiscal Year 2014 continues to grow positive with a current projected surplus of $506.1 million — an increase of $232.9 million over last month. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON GOVERNOR MALLOY'S BUDGET ANNOUNCEMENT Budget | January 30, 2014 "This proposal recognizes two of Connecticut—s top financial needs — retiring a piece of our long-term debt and replenishing our Rainy Day Fund. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE BUDGET OUTLOOK CONTINUES TO SLOWLY IMPROVE Budget | January 2, 2014 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state's General Fund is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a surplus of $273.3 million — another month of improvement for the state's short-term outlook, despite a more cautious long-term view. -- read more GOV. MALLOY ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES Transparency | December 3, 2013 (HARTFORD, CT) — Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith, today signed Executive Order (EO) No. 38 to make information regarding certain economic assistance and tax credits used to recruit or retain businesses more accessible to Connecticut residents. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO EXPANDS —OPEN CONNECTICUT— TO INCLUDE QUASI-PUBLIC AGENCIES AND FEDERAL PROGRAMS Transparency | December 11, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that he has expanded —Open Connecticut— to include financial information on Connecticut—s quasi-public agencies and federal dollars. -- read more GOV. MALLOY ISSUES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO INCREASE TRANSPARENCY ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT INCENTIVES Transparency | December 3, 2013 (HARTFORD, CT) — Governor Dannel P. Malloy, joined by State Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Commissioner Catherine Smith, today signed Executive Order (EO) No. 38 to make information regarding certain economic assistance and tax credits used to recruit or retain businesses more accessible to Connecticut residents. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS FINANCIAL OUTLOOK CONTINUES TO IMPROVE, BUT URGES CAUTION State Finances | December 2, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that - due to increasing state revenue flow and a tax amnesty program -- the state's financial outlook has continued to improve, positioning the state to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a surplus of $245.9 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: ANNOUNCES IMPROVED OUTLOOK WITH PROJECTED $11.2-MILLION SURPLUS State Finances | November 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state is currently on track to end Fiscal Year 2014 with a surplus of $11.2 million based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: "START SMALL, SAVE BIG" DURING NATIONAL SAVE FOR RETIREMENT WEEK Plan Your Escape | October 21, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that he is joining a coalition of employers across the country to recognize National Save for Retirement Week and raise awareness about the critical need for individuals to save for their financial future. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS FISCAL YEAR 2014 ON PATH TO $4.4-MILLION SURPLUS; HIGHLIGHTS AREAS WORTH WATCHING State Finances | October 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that, while the fiscal year is still young, the state is currently on track for a $4.4 million surplus on the basis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES PHARMACY PLAN FOR MUNICIPALITIES State Health Benefits | September 30, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced today a new opportunity for municipalities to join the state's pharmacy plan - the CT Partnership Pharmacy Plan - and achieve significant savings, even if they have opted not to join the state's full medical plan. -- read more FISCAL YEAR IN REVIEW State Finances | September 25, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo held his annual presentation of the State's year-end finances. -- view the presentation (PDF) COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $398.79 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | September 3, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state—s financial status has continued to improve and that Fiscal Year 2013 will end with a surplus of approximately $398.79 million. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $312.1 MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | August 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state—s financial status has continued to improve and that, pending final calculations, Fiscal Year 2013 will likely end with a surplus of approximately $312.1 million, based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, DAS ANNOUNCE STATEWIDE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL PAY COMPLETE Statewide Transition | July 30, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo and Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Donald J. DeFronzo today announced that ePay — a joint project that transitions nearly all state employees to paperless digital pay statements — is complete. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES CONTINUED GROWTH IN CT PARTNERSHIP PLAN State Finances | July 12, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the CT Partnership Plan has just entered its second year, providing health benefits and savings to more towns, cities, boards of education and other public employers in the state. The CT Partnership Plan (established by state law in 2011) was launched last July to allow non-state governments to join the state health plan. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $189.1-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | July 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state—s financial outlook has improved and the Fiscal Year 2013 will likely end with a surplus of approximately $189.1 million, based on Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ELECTED TO CONNECTICUT FOUNDATION FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT—S BOARD OF DIRECTORS Transparency | June 27, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today was elected to the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Foundation for Open Government, Inc. (CFOG) following his efforts to promote greater access to state financial information, including state economic assistance programs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO STATEMENT ON FAILURE TO ADOPT TRANSPARENCY IN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE State Finances | June 6, 2013 "I am concerned by the state Senate's failure to raise HB 6566, An Act Concerning Transparency in Economic Assistance — despite unanimous support by the House of Representatives, broad public support, bipartisan consensus and the bill—s clear public policy value. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $164.8-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | June 3, 2013 Comptroller Lembo today announced that the state's financial outlook has improved and the Fiscal Year 2013 will likely end with a surplus of approximately $164.8 million. -- read more GOV. MALLOY AND COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCE $1.68 BILLION REDUCTION IN RETIREE HEALTH CARE LIABILITIES State Finances | May 21, 2013 Governor Dannel P. Malloy and State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced another significant reduction in the state's future unfunded state employee and retiree health care liabilities -- read more PHOTO: MAN UP AT RISING PINTS BREWFEST Photos | May 11, 2013 -- view on facebook PHOTO: POLISH DAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL Photos | May 9, 2013 -- view on facebook COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS $150.1-MILLION SURPLUS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | May 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that the state—s financial outlook has improved and the Fiscal Year 2013 will likely end with a surplus of approximately $150.1 million. -- read more PHOTO: WORKERS' MEMORIAL DAY Photos | April 28, 2013 -- view on facebook COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES —D-I-Y TAX CALCULATOR;— USERS ESTIMATE IMPACT OF STATE TAX CHANGES Transparency | April 17, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today launched a —DIY (Do-it-Yourself) Tax Calculator— -- an online tool where users can calculate the approximate impact tax changes would have on overall state revenue. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO APPLAUDS FINANCE COMMITTEE VOTE TO ADVANCE TRANSPARENCY IN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE Transparency | April 12, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo commended the General Assembly—s Finance Committee for voting today in favor of his proposed legislation that will establish greater transparency surrounding the hundreds of millions in dollars invested every year in economic assistance programs. -- read more PHOTO: GREATER NEW HAVEN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Photos | April11, 2013 -- view on facebook COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS IMPROVEMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 OUTLOOK State Finances | April 1, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo today announced that an improvement in revenue is shrinking the projected deficit and improving the outlook for the end of Fiscal Year 2013. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: IMPROVE TRANSPARENCY IN ECONOMIC ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS Transparency | March 8, 2013 Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced legislation today that will establish greater transparency surrounding the hundreds of millions in dollars invested every year in economic assistance programs. -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS LITTLE CHANGE WITH $131.3-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | March 1, 2013 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $140-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | February 1, 2013 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES "OPEN CONNECTICUT," ONLINE HUB FOR STATE FINANCIAL DATA AND TRANSPARENCY Transparency | January 14, 2013 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $40-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 State Finances | January 2, 2013 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS MINIMUM DEFICIT OF $415 MILLION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 News | December 3, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS GROWING DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 News | November 1, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, UCONN LAUNCH "MAN UP," A STATEWIDE MEN'S HEALTH CAMPAIGN News | October 25, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $26.9-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2013 News | October 1, 2012 -- read more Fiscal Year 2012 in Review News | September 18, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES FISCAL YEAR 2012 BUDGET CLOSED WITH $143.6-MILLION DEFICIT; URGES CAUTION IN 2013 News | September 4, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RECOMMENDS IMPROVEMENTS TO TRANSPARENCY, EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF STATE'S BUSINESS TAX SYSTEM News | August 20, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $120.3-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 News | August 1, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES 99 PERCENT COMPLIANCE IN HEALTH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM News | July 17, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $192.3 MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 News | July 2,2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING THAT UPHOLDS AFFORDABLE CARE ACT News | June 28, 2012 -- read more Comptroller Kevin Lembo Launches Virtual Roundtable News | June 19, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NATIONAL STUDY OF HEALTH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM News | June 14, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON ANTHEM-CCMC AGREEMENT News | June 12, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO COMMENDS UNITEDHEALTH PLEDGE TO CONTINUE HEALTH REFORM PROTECTIONS REGARDLESS OF SUPREME COURT RULING News | June 11, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $197.5-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 News | June 1, 2012 -- read more GOV. MALLOY AND COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCE $13.3-BILLION REDUCTION IN RETIREE HEALTH CARE LIABILITIES News | May 17, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $199.8-MILLION DEFICIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2012 News | May 1, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $45.8 MILLION DEFICIT; SAYS "ALL EYES ARE ON APRIL" News | April 2, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES ZERO INCREASE IN COST OF STATE HEALTH INSURANCE News | March 29, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO LAUNCHES CT PARTNERSHIP PLAN WILL PROVIDE SAVINGS PROJECTIONS TO TOWNS, CITIES AND BOARDS OF ED News | March 15, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES GREATER TRANSPARENCY SURROUNDING STATE TAX CREDITS News | March 12, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $20.7 MILLION DEFICIT; SAYS DEFICIT COULD BE REVERSED IF ECONOMY IMPROVES News | March 1, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS REVENUE DECLINE POSITIONS STATE FOR $73.6-MILLION DEFICIT News | February 1, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO STATEMENT ON TAX EXPENDITURE TASK FORCE News | January 12, 2012 -- read more Treasurer Denise L. Nappier and Comptroller Kevin Lembo Modernize Payment Delivery System For State Grants and Loans News | January 5, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS PROJECTED $83.7 MILLION SURPLUS COMES WITH RISK FACTORS News | January 3, 2012 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES STEPS TO MEASURE SUCCESS OF TAX CREDITS AND OTHER INCENTIVES News | December 7, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE ON UNCERTAIN PATH TO $79.1 MILLION SURPLUS News | December 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, MAYORS AND BUSINESSES COMMEND REPEAL OF LAW THAT WOULD COMPROMISE FULL PAYMENTS TO THOUSANDS OF BUSINESSES News | November 17, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE CURRENTLY ON TRACK FOR $75.6 MILLION SURPLUS News | November 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO RECEIVES SEASONAL FLU SHOT; URGES MEN STATEWIDE TO GET THE SHOT News | October 31, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PRAISES U.S. HOUSE FOR VOTE TO REPEAL LAW THAT REDUCES PAYMENTS TO NEARLY 3,000 CT VENDORS News | October 28, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES CONGRESS TO REPEAL LAW THAT REDUCES PAYMENTS TO NEARLY 3,000 CT VENDORS News | October 26, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO MODERATES FISCAL SESSION AT MICROSOFT HEADQUARTERS FOR COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS NATIONAL CONFERENCE News | October 19, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE ON UNCERTAIN PATH TO $78.9 MILLION SURPLUS WITH SLOW ECONOMIC GROWTH News | October 3, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES MORE THAN 50,000 EMPLOYEES ENROLLED IN HEALTH ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM News | September 16, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES NEW MAINTENANCE DRUG NETWORK News | September 12, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES $236.9 UNAUDITED FISCAL YEAR 2011 STATE SURPLUS News | September 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS STATE'S FINANCIAL OUTLOOK CLOUDED BY UNCERTAINTY OVER FEDERAL DEBT News | August 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO DECREASES RETIREE MAILINGS; WILL SAVE $15,000 MONTHLY News | July 5, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS SURPLUS, BUT WARNS THERE IS REALLY A STRUCTURAL DEFICIT News | July 1, 2011 -- read more OP-ED: VALUE-BASED HEALTH BENEFIT IS NOTHING TO FEAR News | June 14, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PRAISES LEGISLATURE FOR ENCOURAGING PUBLIC INPUT ON LARGE HEALTH INSURANCE RATE INCREASES News | June 8, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS ANOTHER REVENUE SURGE; PROJECTS YEAR-END BALANCE OF $679.8 MILLION News | June 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO IMPLEMENTS NEW STATEWIDE PURCHASING RULE; COULD SAVE OVER $4 MILLION YEARLY News | May 9, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REPORTS SIGNIFICANT SPIKE IN REVENUES SINCE LAST MONTH; PROJECTS YEAR-END BALANCE OF $509.6 MILLION News | May 2, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO'S STATEMENT ON GAAP REPORT News | April 18, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF ePAY TO SAVE STATE RESOURCES News | April 7, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO REACHES CONSTITUENTS THROUGH NEW USER_FRIENDLY WEBSITE AND SOCIAL MEDIA News | April 5, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO CAUTIOUSLY REPORTS SIGNS OF ECONOMIC RECOVERY; HIGHLIGHTS FUEL CELL AND AEROSPACE EXPORT INDUSTRIES News | April 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER PRAISES LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE FOR ADVANCING PLAN TO SAVE $76 MILLION IN PRESCRIPTION PURCHASING News | March 23, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SEEKS REPEAL OF FEDERAL ANTIBUSINESS LAW THAT DELAYS FULL PAYMENTS TO NEARLY 3,000 STATE VENDORS News | March 9, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS ONE-TIME FISCAL TOURNIQUETS AVERTED SUBSTANTIAL GENERAL FUND DEFICIT FOR FY11 News | March 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: UNIFY STATE DRUG PURCHASES, SAVE MILLIONS News | February 18, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO SAYS GOVERNOR'S BUDGET IS INNOVATIVE AND FEASIBLE WITH BROAD COLLABORATION News | February 17, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO, DAS LAUNCH ePAY; PREPARE FOR STATEWIDE TRANSITION TO DIGITAL PAY STATEMENTS News | February 14, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO IDENTIFIES $66.5 MILLION SAVINGS THROUGH JOINT DRUG PURCHASING WITH DSS News | February 3, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO URGES MUNICIPALITIES TO JOIN CT PRESCRIPTION PARTNERSHIP, SAVE STATE AND TOWNS MILLIONS News | February 2, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO PROJECTS $57.2 MILLION SURPLUS; SAYS STAGNANT JOB GROWTH COSTING CT MILLIONS News | February 1, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER LEMBO: NEW FEDERAL REPORT SHOWS 154,000 CT CITIZENS WITH PRE-EXISTING CONDITIONS MAY LOSE COVERAGE IF HEALTH REFORM REPEALED News | January 19, 2011 -- read more COMPTROLLER, HEALTHCARE ADVOCATE URGE VIGOROUS DEFENSE OF FEDERAL HEALTH CARE; REPEAL COULD COST CT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS News | January 11, 2011 -- read more LEMBO RELEASES PLAN TO SAVE CT MORE THAN $226-$227 MILLION ANNUALLY IN HEALTH CARE COSTS News | January 7, 2011 -- read more LEMBO APPOINTS DEPUTY; NEW DEPUTY BRINGS DECADES OF EXPERIENCE IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ADMINISTRATION News | January 5, 2011 -- read more