2026 Legislative Session is Underway, Emergency Relief Funds, and Heart Awareness Month

February 5, 2026


The 2026 Legislative Session officially began on Wednesday, marking a critical period for advancing Connecticut’s priorities. Throughout the session, my colleagues and I will consider a broad range of policy matters impacting our communities, economy, and overall quality of life. With issues such as affordability, education, public safety, health care, and infrastructure before us, the decisions made at the Capitol will carry long-term consequences for residents statewide.

Emergency Relief Funds helping Waterbury

Governor Ned Lamont submitted a supplemental plan to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve in response to federal funding reductions and delays made by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to essential health and human services.

Waterbury Bridges to Success will receive funding to restore vital wraparound services to children and families through June 2027. This support will cover critical needs like health care, child care, and family support services, resources that make a real difference in helping families thrive.

Waterbury Bridges to Success is dedicated to empowering local children, youth, and families to succeed in school, careers, and life. The organization focuses on early childhood education, third-grade literacy, high school graduation, and college and career readiness.

The governor's $18.7 million supplemental funding plan also includes support for several other essential initiatives across the state, including:

  • $ 2 million to expand the impact of community health workers who will help residents navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. This funding ensures individuals and families stay connected to benefits through June 2027
  • Nearly $11.5 million for Department of Social Services system upgrades to implement the new federal eligibility changes
  • Approximately $4.5 million to sustain Community School grants for Waterbury Bridges to Success, Clifford Beers in New Haven, and Hartford Public Schools
  • $830,000 to continue mental health counseling services in Northwest Connecticut schools through EdAdvance

These investments are funded through the bipartisan $500 million Emergency Response Reserve that we approved during a special session in November. This tool will protect families and communities when federal support falls short.

Stay Informed and Follow Along

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
  • Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

2026 OLR Major Issues Report

The 2026 Office of Legislative Research Major Issues Report provides concise summaries of key topics anticipated to come before the General Assembly this legislative session.

Click on the image below to access the report. 

February is Heart Awareness Month

Heart disease is often preventable, but remains the top killer in the U.S. Here are some simple ways to promote heart health:

• Get CPR Certified
• Exercise Regularly & Manage your Stress
• Keep Track of your cholesterol
• Know your numbers! Learn how to self-measure your own blood pressure

Last year, the legislature passed Senate Bill 1, which included language requiring insurance companies to cover the cost of coronary calcium scans.

The coronary calcium scans looks for calcium deposits in the heart’s arteries. The results can help determine the risk of heart attacks or strokes in patients, according to the Mayo Clinic.

The scan costs about $200 if you pay out of pocket, doctors don’t usually mention the scan because, up until last year, insurers didn’t cover it.

Click the image below to listen to my personal experience of getting a coronary calcium scan.

Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended

Governor Ned Lamont has once again extended the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will now remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, as a prolonged stretch of brutally frigid temperatures continues across the state.

This is the longest use of the protocol since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34 days from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

If you or someone you know is in need of shelter or a warm place to go, please consider visiting one of the locations below for assistance.

Salvation Army
74 Central Avenue
Open 24 hours a day

St. Vincent de Paul Mission Shelter
114 Benedict Street
Open 24 hours a day

Center for Human Development Hospitality Center
690 East Main Street
Open from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Waterbury Senior Center
1985 East Main Street
Available to senior citizens from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday - Friday

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.