Gov. Ned Lamont announced Monday that he is vetoing two controversial bills, including one that would pay unemployment benefits to striking workers and the omnibus housing bill.
The veto of the housing bill, House Bill 5002, became a possibility after opposition dramatically increased in the final days of the 2025 legislative session and after the bill was approved in both chambers following negotiations between the governor’s office and legislative leaders.
The 41-section bill attempts to address a critical housing shortage by requiring municipalities to set goals for affordable housing, prioritizing state aid to communities that build housing and streamlining approval for so-called “middle housing,” defined as a building with two to nine units.
Under the bill, zoning regulations would have to allow middle housing in commercial zones as “of right,” which means approval without any discretionary zoning action other than a review to determine if a site plan conforms with applicable regulations and will not impact public health and safety.
Considered the most consequential housing bill to reach his desk in his seven years in office, Lamont had said recently that he would like to see revisions when the General Assembly returns for an unrelated special session. The session is expected to be held before much of the bill would take effect.
Instead, on Monday during a news conference, Lamont announced he has decided to veto the bill and essentially seek a do-over.
“We can do better and we will do better,” he said. “I would like to see that bill back on my desk after a special session this fall.”
While stating that the bill “makes a really good start,” Lamont said he believes that mayors and first selectmen should lead the efforts to improve the growth of affordable housing in their communities. He added that many town officials felt the bill reflected an “us against them” mentality.
“I’m not happy with local red tape, but I want towns to take the lead,” he said. “Tell me what you want your town to look like in the next 10 years.”
He said municipal leaders would be at the table to negotiate the revised bill he hopes can be produced during a special session.
Lamont’s veto of Senate Bill 8 was expected, as he had stated repeatedly during the session that he did not support paying unemployment benefits to striking workers.
The bill would have allowed striking workers to be eligible for benefits after they have been on strike for 14 consecutive days for labor disputes that start on or after Dec. 14, 2026.
While saying he supports “doing everything we can to protect our unions,” he added that “paying striking workers is a bridge too far and doesn’t help our cause.”
He added that he wants to watch out for any bill that “discourages jobs in the state.”
The two bills are the third and fourth vetoes Lamont has issued this year. He also issued line-item vetoes for two bills during the 2025 legislative session.
