(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is directing U.S. and state flags on all Connecticut state government buildings lowered to half-staff effective immediately in honor of former Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman, who passed away early this morning.
Flags should remain lowered until sunset on the date of interment, which has not yet been determined. The Office of the Governor will send out a notification indicating when flags should be returned to full staff.
“Nancy Wyman was a good friend to me, a good friend to Democrats, and a good friend to the people of Connecticut,” Governor Lamont said. “She was a tireless advocate for all things Connecticut, and in particular she made healthcare for all her personal crusade, working to develop policies that ensure everyone in Connecticut has access to affordable, quality healthcare services. Her leadership led to Connecticut having one of the most successful rollouts of the Affordable Care Act of any state in the nation, driving the uninsured rate to new lows. She always made everyone laugh, seemed to have friends everywhere she went, and for fun she would walk long parade routes for several miles wearing her trademark stiletto shoes and a big smile. She will be missed and always warmly remembered. I share my deepest condolences with her husband Mike, their children and grandchildren, and all of their loved ones.”
“Today we mourn the loss of trailblazing political leader, public servant, and first woman to serve as state comptroller who was a role model and mentor to me and so many others,” Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said. “Nancy was one of a kind. I had the pleasure of working alongside her since 1993 and was deeply honored to succeed her as lieutenant governor. Her legacy cannot be overstated. As a legislator, she carried with her the same passion for education policy she was known for on the Tolland Board of Education. As our state’s fiscal watchdog, Nancy was an ardent advocate for equitable, affordable access to health insurance. And as lieutenant governor, she got the job done, breaking numerous ties to advance significant policy decisions. As party leader, Nancy helped guide so many. Nancy was a friend to many, well liked and deeply respected by her many colleagues—regardless of party. She had a fabulous sense of humor and always brought the fun. Connecticut has lost a little sparkle today, and I know of no one that can fill her stilettos. I’m sending my love to her partner in public service, politics, and life, Mike, and their children and grandchildren. Nancy will be greatly missed.”
Lt. Governor Wyman served as the 108th lieutenant governor of Connecticut from 2011 to 2019. She was the first woman in Connecticut elected as state comptroller, serving in that office from 1995 to 2011. She also served as state representative of the 53rd Assembly District from 1987 to 1995. She began her career in public service on the Tolland Board of Education. She was chair of the Connecticut Democratic Party from 2019 to 2020.
In accordance with the governor’s directive, flags will be at half-staff on the Connecticut State Capitol building and all other state-operated buildings, grounds, and facilities statewide. Individuals, businesses, schools, municipalities, and any other private entities and government subdivisions are encouraged to lower their flags for this same duration of time. Since no flag should fly higher than the U.S. flag, all other flags, including state, municipal, corporate, or otherwise, should also be lowered.
To receive email alerts when the governor orders flags to half-staff, visit portal.ct.gov/governor/news/sign-up-for-news-updates.