HARTFORD, CT — Today, Republican and Independent Party nominee for Governor Sen. Ryan Fazio’s campaign released a new ad highlighting Governor Ned Lamont’s push for more data centers in Connecticut while families struggle under some of the nation’s highest taxes and electricity costs.
Under Lamont’s special tax exemptions, data centers can pay no property and sales taxes for up to 30 years, as Connecticut families shoulder the burden.
Transcript:
Fazio: You pay taxes, but data centers don’t, thanks to Ned Lamont. It sounds crazy, but it’s true. Lamont waived all property and sales taxes for data centers.
Fazio: He cut their taxes, but raised yours, making families pay higher electric bills, higher sales taxes, higher property taxes, while data centers pay less.
Fazio: It’s just wrong. I’m Ryan Fazio, as governor, I’ll end Lamont’s handouts for data centers and cut your taxes by $2,500 per year. I’m Ryan Fazio, and I approve this message.
Background:
“Data centers are already a reality in Connecticut, but Gov. Ned Lamont says he wants them to be prioritized. Lamont said artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming a crucial sector of the state’s economy.”
“We’re prepared to double down in terms of quantum computing, a major center down here in Fairfield County, an AI center as well in the Stamford area.”
The governor said he’s in favor of building more data centers.
Lamont mentioned advocating for the construction of a large data center in Fairfield County. His office stated he is encouraging developing data centers across Connecticut.
The governor pushed back when asked if he was concerned over any potential opposition by local residents over future data centers.
“Look, there’s no NIMBY when it comes to data centers, Millstone is ready to have a major data center there, it would be quite beneficial for the entire region,” Lamont said.
The report also noted that data centers require significant amounts of electricity, potentially adding to Connecticut’s already-high energy costs. The campaign’s ad contrasts those results with the financial burden facing Connecticut families and businesses, asking: why should families pay more while data centers pay less?