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Dear Neighbor,
This week, on Wednesday, November 12th, the House of Representatives met for a Special Session. The legislature used the Special Session to address the funding shortfalls of the federal government during the shutdown, a new housing bill, and more. We passed $500 million to cover reductions in funding from the federal level. In this email, you can read about Wednesday's work in the House of Representatives.
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| $500 M Passed to Address Federal Funding Reduction |
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This week, the legislature convened in special session to address several important matters, including the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and the appropriation of funds to offset reductions in federal programs such as SNAP, WIC, and others that directly impact Connecticut residents. We also took up a number of additional priorities aimed at supporting essential state programs and maintaining fiscal stability. House Bill No. HB-8003 is the state's $500 million funding response to cutbacks in federal funding.
The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Connecticut will not sit by idly as the federal government attacks middle and low-income families. |
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| Addressing Connecticut's Housing Crisis |
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From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
This week, the legislature passed a new housing bill, HB 8002: An Act Concerning Housing Growth. Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. The bill empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs. Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, and colleagues on both sides of the aisle, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans.
The legislation encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation.
By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but An Act Concerning Housing Growth marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find, and afford, a home in a community they’re proud to call their own. |
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| A Commitment to Children's Behavioral Health |
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During the special session on Wednesday, we passed legislation that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.
Highlights include:
- Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
- New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
- Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
- Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
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| Safeguarding Immigrants in Courthouses |
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We revisited the state’s approach to immigrant protections in courthouses, as well as access to their data, and advanced legislation that safeguards immigrants within courthouses.
The comprehensive bill, HB 8004, includes the following provisions:
- Parameters for detaining, arresting, or taking a person into custody on courthouse grounds based on a civil offense;
- General prohibitions on people enforcing state or federal laws on state courthouse grounds from wearing a mask or facial coverings, unless medically necessary and approved by court personnel; and
- Restrictions on state and local government agencies from disclosing personal information to federal authorities, except as required by state or federal law, judicial warrant, or court order.
The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also addressed children's mental health and the creation of a funding mechanism for a firefighters' cancer relief fund.
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| Help Local Families This Thanksgiving |
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| There are many Thanksgiving Food Drives taking place around Stamford this month. Below, you can learn more about how you can help your neighbors this season. |
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| United Way of Western Connecticut is collecting food for families this Thanksgiving. Bring donations to United Way at 1150 Summer Street, 2nd Floor, by November 17th. Click here to make a financial donation. |
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The Stamford Moms Thanksgiving Food Drive will support the Salvation Army of Stamford in their annual Thanksgiving distribution. This year, we will also be collecting nonperishable food items for everyday use!
The following items are encouraged:
- Cranberry sauce
- Stuffing mix
- Canned gravy
- Cornbread mix
- Biscuit mix
- Potato flakes in a box
- Canned pumpkin
- Canned vegetables
- Peanut Butter
- Jelly
- Rice
- Cereal
Please drop non-perishable food items at one of our six drop-off locations in Stamford until November 17, 2025:
- The Alliance Center, 16 Wire Mill Road, Stamford
- The Hey Stamford Store, Stamford Town Center, Level 4
- Hudson Valley Swim School, 52 Sixth Street, Stamford
- YogaSix, 599 Newfield Ave, Stamford
- My Gym, 7 Hyde Street, Stamford
- Designs by Lee, 129 Interlaken Road, Stamford
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| The 2025 New Covenant Center Turkey Drive helps feed your neighbors in Stamford this Thanksgiving. A small donation of $30 means everything to someone suffering from food insecurity. Help New Covenant Center raise $20K this Thanksgiving season. Click here to make a donation. |
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| The Shippan Turkey Trot is set for Thanksgiving morning, Thursday, November 27th, at 9:30 a.m. at 119 Ralsey Road. The money raised will go to Pacific House to help provide resources and support to those experiencing homelessness. Click here to learn more and donate. |
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As always, whenever anything is top of mind for you and I can be of help, please contact me at (860) 240-8585 or on my cell phone at 203-249-1831 or email me directly at eilish.collinsmain@cga.ct.gov.
Warm Regards,
Eilish Collins Main
State Representative |
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