CURRENT NEWS AND ISSUES
May 21, 2025
State Launches e-Apprenticeship System
The Connecticut Department of Labor recently launched a new e-Apprenticeship system that can be used by employers for managing, registering, and updating existing records of their apprentices. READ MORE
May 21, 2025
Banning Shark Finning
Wildlife protection is at the heart of legislation unanimously approved by the House earlier this week that bans the inhumane practice of "shark finning." READ MORE
May 14, 2025
Expanding Broadband Internet Access
Connecticut is continuing to work toward closing the "digital divide" throughout our state with another investment in expanding broadband internet access to underserved areas. READ MORE
May 7, 2025
Protecting Our Environment
A comprehensive climate bill aimed at helping to protect our environment was recently passed by the House. READ MORE
April 30, 2025
Expanded Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
Beginning May 1, enhanced free cancer screenings will be available to firefighters who experience repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens as they put their lives on the line to save others' lives and property. READ MORE
April 23, 2025
May 7 Deadline Approaching to Secure REAL ID
There are just two weeks left to secure your REAL ID which will be needed beginning May 7 for a variety of purposes, most notably to board domestic flights. READ MORE
April 16, 2025
Encouraging Homeownership
Three new state housing programs are designed to help increase homeownership opportunities throughout Connecticut. READ MORE
April 9, 2025
State Helping with Medical Debt
A new state program is already helping thousands of Connecticut residents eliminate crushing debt from outstanding medical bills. READ MORE
April 2, 2025
Where is Your Fav Connecticut Pizzeria?
Now that Connecticut has firmly established itself as the Pizza Capital, it’s time to select the state's favorite pizzerias and create a fun map so everyone knows where they are. READ MORE
March 26, 2025
Connecticut's Agricultural Roots Remain Strong
Did you know that Connecticut farms employ 30,000 people and generate $4 billion each year to our state's economy? READ MORE
March 19, 2025
Athletics Highlight Academics
Connecticut is home to some of the finest colleges and universities in the country, and this year's March Madness helps shine a light on some of our best. READ MORE
March 12, 2025
Help for Fired Federal Workers
If you have been fired or put on unpaid leave from your job with the federal government, the state of Connecticut is ready to help. READ MORE
March 6, 2025
Improving Access to Affordable Childcare
A House Democratic priority bill aimed at improving access to affordable early childhood care is moving along in the legislature. READ MORE
February 26, 2025
Childcare, Housing, Special Education, Environment take Center Stage
As this year’s legislative session progresses, issues such as childcare, housing, the environment, and special education have emerged as some of the top priorities for House Democrats. READ MORE
February 19, 2025
Special Education Funding to get Boost
The General Assembly plans to vote next week on a $40 million boost in state funding for cities and towns to support their special education needs. READ MORE
February 5, 2025
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history. READ MORE
January 29, 2025
Increasing Medicaid Rates for Healthcare Providers
House and Senate Democratic leaders announced a major legislative proposal this week to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for healthcare providers. READ MORE
January 22, 2025
2025 Legislative Session is Underway
The 2025 Legislative Session convened on Wednesday January 8, and there are a variety of ways for you to follow the proceedings at the Capitol and to get involved. READ MORE
January 15, 2025
Student Loan Reimbursements
Beginning this month, Connecticut college students may be able to benefit from a bill we passed to help alleviate student loan debt. READ MORE
January 8, 2025
New Year Brings New Laws
A variety of new state laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session went into effect with the new year on January 1. READ MORE
December 18, 2024
Heating Assistance Available
Winter and colder temperatures mean rising energy costs, but there are several programs available to residents struggling to afford their heating bills. READ MORE
December 11, 2024
State Minimum Wage Increases with New Year
Effective January 1, 2025, the hourly minimum wage in the state will increase from $15.69 to $16.35. READ MORE
November 20, 2024
Open Enrollment for Access Health CT Insurance
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment period for health insurance began this month and runs through January 15, 2025. READ MORE
November 13, 2024
State Park Improvements
The state recently allocated $30 million toward much-needed infrastructure repairs and improvements to our state parks and forests. READ MORE
November 6, 2024
Help for First Time Homebuyers
There is good news for low and moderate-income families in Connecticut looking to buy their first home as a popular homeowner assistance program is now accepting a new round of applicants. READ MORE
October 30, 2024
Ballot Includes Question Allowing “No Excuse” Absentee Voting
In addition to selecting candidates for public office, voters are being asked to decide if absentee ballots should be expanded to all voters. READ MORE
October 16, 2024
Early Voting Begins October 21
Election Day this year is Tuesday November 5 and for the first time in Connecticut history residents can take advantage of the state's new early voting law beginning Monday October 21. READ MORE
October 9, 2024
October is both Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month
All year round, but particularly this month, together let’s bring attention to and raise awareness about the tragedy caused by breast cancer and domestic violence. READ MORE
October 2, 2024
New State Laws Effective October 1
A variety of new laws that were passed by the Connecticut General Assembly during the 2024 legislative session went into effect on October 1. READ MORE
September 25, 2024
Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month
Of course Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates Hispanic culture, but it also honors the positive impact and lasting contributions made by generations of our growing Hispanic population to our country. READ MORE
September 11, 2024
We Will Never Forget
Today we honor the memory of those we lost on 9/11 and salute the courage of the heroes who risked their lives to save others. READ MORE
September 4, 2024
Stay Alert! School Buses are Back on the Roads
With school recently started, now is a good time for a reminder that we all need to be extra careful as school buses and students will be sharing the roads. READ MORE
August 21, 2024
Helping to Preserve Our Environment
A new round of state grants totaling almost $15 million will go toward preserving land throughout Connecticut as open green space. READ MORE
August 14, 2024
Help for Lead Removal from Homes
A new state program to help residents remove dangerous lead hazards, such as lead paint, from homes is now accepting applications. READ MORE
August 7, 2024
Sales Tax-Free Week on Clothing is Back
Connecticut's annual summer Sales Tax-Free Week on clothing is back, and this year it runs from Sunday August 18 through Saturday August 24. READ MORE
July 24, 2024
Nominate a Vet for Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame
Nominations are now open for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame class of 2024. READ MORE
July 10, 2024
Good News on State Finances
Connecticut's credit rating has been upgraded again while the state budget is on track to post another surplus for the current fiscal year. READ MORE
July 2, 2024
New State Laws Effective This Month
Almost 100 new state laws passed by the legislature aimed at improving the quality of life in our great state took effect July 1. READ MORE
June 26, 2024
Summer Recreation and Tourism in Connecticut
With 110 state parks and 32 state forests, the summer recreation and tourism season offers state residents and visitors numerous outdoor options to enjoy. READ MORE
June 5, 2024
Helping Families Stay Healthy
Nutrition is an important factor in keeping us healthy, and legislation passed this session is designed to improve access to healthy food choices for families in need. READ MORE
May 29, 2024
Addressing Healthcare Worker Shortage with Student Loan Help
Connecticut is launching a new program that will help expand access to healthcare in underserved communities by forgiving student loan debt for certain healthcare workers. READ MORE
May 22, 2024
Early Childhood Care and Education
A House Democrats' priority bill aimed at improving access to affordable early childhood care and education was passed by the full legislature this session. READ MORE
May 15, 2024
Improving Care for Our Seniors
Legislation designed to improve the quality and access to elder care was overwhelmingly approved by both the House and Senate with strong bipartisan support. READ MORE
May 8, 2024
Needed Investments in Higher Education, Childcare, Mental Health and Non-Profits
With the two-year $26 billion budget passed by the legislature last year remaining strong and in balance, we were able to make much needed new investments in important areas such as higher education, early childcare, mental health services and our non-profit community. READ MORE
May 1, 2024
House Passes Paid Sick Days Legislation
Though most workers in Connecticut currently earn paid time off from their jobs, unfortunately there are still many employers who do not offer this critical benefit that is important to sustaining a productive healthy workplace. READ MORE
