An innovative, state-endorsed democratic process that gives ordinary Connecticut residents the power to shape policy on one of the state's most entrenched challenges.
Connecticut's property tax system creates deep structural inequities across its 169 towns — and decades of political gridlock have prevented reform. A Citizens' Assembly is uniquely positioned to break the deadlock.
Unlike many states, Connecticut law currently forbids any taxes for local services other than property taxes — locking municipalities into a single, unequal funding mechanism.
Urban areas have lower property wealth but higher demand for local services. The average property tax bill in Hartford is approximately 7 times higher than in Sharon, despite Hartford's median income being ~3x lower.
There is widespread consensus that the system is broken — but solutions are politically challenging. No meaningful reforms have been passed since 1972.
This assembly sets a national precedent — a state-backed, large-scale citizens' deliberative process on a consequential policy issue, operating at the full state level for the first time in the United States.
Using cutting-edge AI technology, the assembly aims to connect its deliberations with over 10% of Connecticut's population — extending the reach and legitimacy of citizen voices far beyond the assembly room.
Comptroller Scanlon has committed to leverage his reputation as the state’s fiscal watchdog and as a thought leader on the state’s most pressing problems to endorse the process and echo the voices of the Assembly. The Comptroller, who served as the chair of the General Assembly’s Finance Committee during his time in the legislature, will advocate to lawmakers that the citizens’ recommendations deserve a designated public hearing and bipartisan consideration along the path to real policy change.
Multiple strategies to drive direct legislative change:
Commitment from State Comptroller Sean Scanlon to endorse the process and hold a dedicated legislative hearing on assembly outputs.
Commitment to bring all four caucus leaders to the assembly in person.
Commitment to highlight assembly recommendations during the gubernatorial debate.
Network of media relationships including network TV outlets and major newspapers.
Help close the gap and make this historic assembly a reality.