Governor Ned Lamont released a statement on May 2 regarding Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney’s announcement that he will not seek re-election.
Looney’s decision marks the end of a significant tenure in the Connecticut General Assembly, where he has served for more than four decades. The governor acknowledged Looney’s impact and partnership over the years.
“I am grateful for the service of Marty Looney, who has been a steady, principled voice in the Connecticut General Assembly for working families and the kind of patient, serious legislating that produces lasting results,” Lamont said.
Lamont highlighted their joint efforts to strengthen policies such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and raising the minimum wage. “Together, we fought to strengthen the Earned Income Tax Credit and raise the minimum wage, delivering real relief to Connecticut workers who needed it most. But I’ll remember our conversations as much as our accomplishments. Marty and I would sit down to work through policy and inevitably find ourselves deep in a discussion about American history. We shared a particular appreciation for Calvin Coolidge, or ‘Silent Cal’ – a man who understood that not every moment required a speech. We’d laugh that the Connecticut Senate could use a few more Silent Cals, but our state is lucky that Marty is anything but ‘silent.’”
The governor concluded his remarks by reflecting on Looney’s legacy: “Over more than four decades, Marty made a lasting impact on Connecticut, and I am grateful to have had him as a partner and a friend in the Capitol.”
Looney’s departure signals an upcoming change in leadership within state government after many years of public service.
