Governor's Budget Address, 2025 Priority Bills, and Medicaid Reimbursement Rates

February 7, 2025

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There are many issues that need to be addressed this session and House Democrats recently unveiled our top priorities for 2025. Please read below to learn how we plan to tackle special education, housing, our environment, affordable childcare, and Medicaid reimbursement rates.

Legislative committees continue meeting daily and are beginning to hold public hearings. February and March will be busy getting bills through the committee process with a few House and Senate session days to approve nominations and bills that require prompt policy action.

  • Governor's Budget Address
  • 2025 Priority Bills
  • Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
  • Grant Programs for Women
  • CTDOT Safety Reminder
  • Community Events
 
Governor's Budget Address
Governor Lamont presented his proposed budget to a joint session of the CT General Assembly on Wednesday. It features some key investments in education and housing initiatives that will benefit families in our state. However, there is more work to be done as we make our way to the final version of the biennial budget in June. 
 
 
2025 Priority Bills
2025 Legislative priorities House Democrats will focus on this session:
 
Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
House and Senate Democratic leaders announced a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue. A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007.

Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here.


 
 
Grant Programs
Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.


 
The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for the Ignite Grant runs through March 10. Click here for additional information on Ignite.  
 
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. 

The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through March 3. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods, interested applicants can register for a live information session here. 
 
CTDOT Safety Reminder
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is issuing a critical safety reminder for all motorists: if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle.

Highways are designed for vehicles traveling at high speeds, and even a brief moment outside your car can have deadly consequences. CTDOT want all motorists to be informed and prepared to make the safest choices during roadside emergencies.


 
CTDOT advises drivers to follow these critical safety tips in the event of a breakdown or emergency along the highway:
  • Pull Over Safely: Move your vehicle into the right shoulder. If you can, position your car so it’s entirely off the roadway and away from moving traffic.
  • Call for Assistance: Use your phone to call 911.
  • Stay in Your Vehicle: The safest place to be is inside your car. Keep your seatbelt fastened, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for help to arrive. If you are unable to stay in your vehicle due to fire, find a location away from both the burning vehicle and from the travel lanes.
  • Be Visible: At night or during inclement weather, ensure your hazard lights are on and use any reflective gear you have.
  • Avoid Exiting the Vehicle: Never stand or walk on the highway, even if you think traffic is light. The speed of passing vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
 
Community Events
Help support the RHS Marching Band Saturday, February 8th from 10:00A.M. to 1:00P.M. at Rockville High School.  Bring your bottles and cans and help support a worthy cause!
 
 
Take part in the Vernon Parks & Rec Snowman Contest this February.  
 
Email a picture of your sculpture along with your name and contact information to parksandrec@vernon-ct.gov.
 
All entries must be submitted by February 28th.
 
Good Luck!