The 2026 legislative session officially wrapped up Wednesday night, and there is a lot to share. In the last days of session, we passed a fiscally sound, forward-looking budget that delivers for our schools, towns, and families — including universal free school breakfast, because a hungry child cannot learn. We also took action on issues that affect residents in very real ways: protecting your personal data online, creating a simpler way to have your information removed from data brokers and the internet; upholding due process in response to concerns around ICE activity; and advancing many other bills aimed at affordability, safety and quality of life.
Below, I’ve included a closer look at some of the major legislation we approved in these final two weeks of session. In upcoming newsletters, I’ll continue to share updates as bills are signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont and highlight what they mean for residents, families, and businesses in our district.
But first, I want to invite you to a community forum that Rep. Lucy Dathan and I are hosting for residents affected by the ongoing Route 106 construction in Wilton and New Canaan.
We know this project has raised real questions about the construction timeline, paving schedule, and options for connecting to gas and water service. Representatives from Aquarion, Eversource, and Yankee Gas will join us to provide updates and respond to your concerns. |
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| Please join us on Wednesday, May 13, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Comstock Community Center in Wilton. This will be a chance to hear a project overview, ask questions, and get information directly from the companies managing the work. |
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I will also host a town hall with Senator Ceci Maher to highlight the bills that crossed the finish line and what that means for you and your family. The free event will take place on Tuesday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. in the Brubeck Room at Wilton Library. Click here to register or call (203) 762-6334.
I hope you’ll join us at these events!
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out with questions or concerns. You can reply directly to this email, and I look forward to hearing from you.
Savet Constantine
State Representative |
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| More Funding From State Budget |
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After months of budget analysis and discussion, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.
Together, we produced a 2027 budget that significantly boosts funding for the state’s education system, including free school breakfast and free lunch for students who qualify for reduced-priced meals. When kids are fed, they succeed!
The budget also supports town and city budgets with additional direct funds, and contributes another $1 billion toward paying down long-term pension debt. |
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What does this mean for Wilton, Ridgefield, and New Canaan? The budget delivers an additional $70,000 to each of the towns to help assist with increasing costs at a time when we’re all watching our budgets and spending.
Our budget also takes meaningful steps to make Connecticut more affordable for working families. We are delivering on our commitment to invest an additional $300 million into the Early Childhood Education Endowment - – a lasting legacy to our own Senator Ceci Maher’s work in the Senate.
This funding moves us closer to our goal of providing free early childhood education through Early Start CT for families earning up to $100,000 per year.
Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way. |
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| New Protections in the Digital Age |
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The House and Senate have passed Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 5, two major pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored as a member of the AI Caucus. Both bills position Connecticut as a national leader in protecting residents in the digital age.
Senate Bill 4 makes it easier for residents to demand that companies delete their personal data at no cost and ensures businesses treat consumers fairly as technology evolves. The bill also:
- Provides a one-stop Data Deletion Option for residents
- Strengthens consumer privacy protections by cracking down on data brokers
- Limits the sale of precise geolocation data
- Increases transparency around algorithmic “dynamic” pricing
- Prevents streaming platforms from blasting commercials at higher volumes
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| At the same time, Senate Bill 5 establishes clear standards for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. As AI increasingly shapes hiring decisions, online content, pricing, and the information we see every day, this legislation creates targeted safeguards, transparency requirements, and accountability measures. It addresses automated employment decision tools, synthetic media, youth online safety, and workforce preparation so Connecticut residents, workers, and small businesses are protected and prepared for an AI-driven economy. |
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| Strong Protections Against ICE |
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The governor signed a bill into law this week holding federal agencies, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accountable if they disregard our constitutional rights.
The House and Senate passed Senate Bill 397, a measured and lawful response to masked ICE agents, many inadequately trained, waging a campaign of fear and intimidation. I know in speaking with many of you that no one has been comfortable with this unprecedented breakdown of due process. This bill aims to counter this and reestablish the rule of law and what we have always come to expect from our federal law enforcement.
The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated. |
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Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following:
- Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights
- Allows federal agents to be prosecuted if they abuse their authority or otherwise violate people’s rights
- Establishes protected spaces, such as hospitals, schools, court houses, places of worship, where federal agents cannot make immigration arrests unless they have a judicial warrant
It’s a measured response to protect the people of Connecticut. No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.
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| Answering Questions on CT's Finances |
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I am grateful to everyone who joined us for a community forum on Connecticut’s finances with Treasurer Erick Russell.
Residents heard directly how state fiscal decisions affect our towns, schools, public services, and household budgets. Conversations like this help ensure transparency and keep our community informed about the choices shaping our future. |
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Thank you to Senator Ceci Maher and Representative Lucy Dathan for partnering with me to host this important discussion and to everyone who attended. I hope to arrange another event soon; send in your ideas too.
And I’ll leave you to think about a question asked to Treasurer Russell, a telling question all public officials should be prepared to answer: What keeps you awake at night? |
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| Take a Hazard Resilience Survey |
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Many communities in Fairfield County are developing resiliency plans as we face more frequent and severe weather events, including major flooding. Our area regional group of the 17 towns in Southern Fairfield County, the Western Connecticut Council of Governments (WestCOG), needs your help as it updates its regional Hazard Mitigation Plan to better prepare for future natural disasters.
Your feedback may shape strategies to protect homes, businesses, and neighborhoods before the next storm hits. Please take a few moments to complete WestCOG’s brief survey and share your input. CLICK HERE to take the survey. |
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