HARTFORD, CT - Governor Ned Lamont released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s joint address to Congress:

“Tonight, President Trump delivered a joint address to Congress, and while I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly about his administration’s priorities, I urge him to focus on policies that lift up everyday American families and provide states with the predictability we need to deliver our budgets efficiently.

“The rising cost of living is one of the biggest challenges for Americans. The administration’s new tariffs on our closest trading partners will further drive up costs, including the cost of energy in New England, at a time when we’re working to find ways to lower rates. These abrupt shifts in trade policy create further uncertainty for businesses, discouraging investment and hiring as companies navigate an increasingly unstable economic environment.

“Perhaps most troubling are the proposed cuts in Medicaid and food assistance programs currently being debated in Congress. These programs provide a lifeline for our most vulnerable populations, and reducing them would have devastating consequences for families, children, and seniors across our state. I strongly urge Congress and the administration to reconsider these harmful policies and instead work with states on responsible solutions that support – not undermine – our economic security.

“Despite this, I remain committed to working on areas where we can find common ground, especially on tackling the high cost of energy, rebuilding our infrastructure, and lowering the cost of healthcare. These are challenges that demand bipartisan solutions, and I will continue working to ensure policies that strengthen Connecticut’s economy and safeguard our communities.”