Andre Baker Jr

End of Session Updates

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, I hope this message finds you and your family well! This Wednesday, June 4th, the House of Representatives legislative session adjourned. It was an exciting and busy session at the Capitol, during which we were able to get many great bills passed. It has been an honor to serve as your state representative. While we are out of session, I am still here for you and your family. Please reach out to me at any time with questions and concerns, and keep advocating for the issues that matter most to you.   Biennial Budget Puts People First  As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...”  Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget. Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.  The 2025 biennial budget stands up for Connecticut, here's how: HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION ✅$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of next two years ✅$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program ✅$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities ✅$10 million in bonding for capital development ✅$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant ✅Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut CHILDCARE ✅Investing in trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs ✅Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid NONPROFIT PROVIDERS ✅Access to better health care and non-profit community providers ✅$150 million more for group homes and nursing homes ✅Additional than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers  TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES ✅Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework ✅$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce ✅Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every Connecticut resident is supported and protected.  Lowering Electric Cost The House and Senate took bold, bipartisan action to lower electric bills—passing a comprehensive energy reform bill with more than $780 million in savings for ratepayers.  Key provisions of the bill include: ✅ Lower Bills • Paying Down COVID-era Electric Debt • Cutting Charges for Solar, EVs & Fuel Cells • Smarter Energy Purchasing to Lock in Savings • Smoothing $1.2B Storm Costs to Avoid Rate Spikes   ✅ Smarter Grid • Require Cost-Saving Tech Reviews Before Costly Grid Projects • Improve Planning to Avoid Wasteful “Gold-Plated” Upgrades   ✅ Stronger Future for CT Families • Support Advanced Nuclear & Geothermal • Incentivize Grid Efficiency • Expand DEEP’s Clean Energy Planning Authority By easing costs on consumers, modernizing the grid, and investing in clean energy, we are powering a more affordable, reliable, and accountable energy future for all.  Addressing the Childcare Crisis Every Connecticut family deserves affordable, high-quality childcare. With the passage of House Priority Bill 5003 and Senate Bill 1, transformative legislation is set to become a reality by expanding access, supporting educators, and investing in a stronger future for our children and our economy. These smart, sustainable investments position Connecticut to lead the nation in delivering affordable, high-quality childcare and establishing universal Pre-K by 2032.  The bills:   Provide a Sustainable Investment  ✅ Fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment to invest in childcare now and in the future Lower Costs and Increase Access ✅ Childcare and Pre-K will be free for families in state-funded programs earning up to $100,000 and families making over $100,000 will pay no more than 7% of income ✅ Add 16,000 new childcare and Pre-K slots across the state  ✅Create an online portal to help families find and enroll in programs Attract and Retain Early Childhood Educators ✅ Pay qualified educators on par with public school teachers ✅ Provide funding for health insurance coverage for educators    This legislation delivers lasting solutions for families, educators, and the economy. Together, these measures provide relief for families, bolster the recruitment and retention of childcare educators, and invest in the construction and renovation of early learning facilities. These bills represent a transformational step forward in Connecticut’s commitment to children and their future.   As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page. Sincerely, Andre Baker Facebook Website Email Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences