Session Day Recap, Random Acts of Kindness, and Generation Power CT Assistance

March 2, 2026

Earlier this week, in honor of Random Acts of Kindness Day, I visited the West Hartford Food Pantry and Newington Human Services to deliver thank-you notes and treats to the dedicated staff who work every day to support residents in need. 

As rising prices, federal cuts, and changes to food assistance and health insurance programs place additional strain on families, our town staff and volunteers are seeing a growing number of neighbors seeking help. While we are working at the state level to address many of these challenges, it is the day-to-day commitment of these remarkable individuals that truly makes a difference in preserving the dignity and well-being of our community.

LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS

 

On Thursday, the House was in session and passed two important bills to protect and support Connecticut residents: 

Senate Bill 298 is a comprehensive measure that advances several key priorities for our communities.

It protects Connecticut voter data from being shared with the federal government and strengthens the early voting process.

For workers, SB 298 establishes stronger, worker-friendly standards for warehouse operations, including a clear private right of action so employees can seek damages if workplace standards are violated. It revises police training standards for interactions with individuals with disabilities, adjusts municipal pension calculations, and repeals a prior building code change to ensure responsible development standards.

A big plus for students is the establishment of a new diploma distinction for eligible high school graduates, recognizing outstanding community engagement and demonstrated proficiency in civics education. The Seal of Civics Education and Engagement will be awarded beginning with the graduating class of 2027.

Senate Bill 299 addresses bottle redemption fraud following the increase in Connecticut’s beverage container deposit. The bill increases penalties for fraudulently redeeming out-of-state containers and lowers the threshold from 2,500 to 1,000 containers before identification is required at redemption centers. These changes protect the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit.

Together, these measures invest in education, workers, healthcare, public safety, and consumer protection — delivering support and clear standards that benefit residents, businesses, and communities across Connecticut.

Today, I was proud to join my colleagues in the Tax Equity Caucus to discuss several important proposals in the Finance Committee public hearing today to fix our upside-down tax system, deliver tax relief and invest in our residents in the face of severe federal cuts to basic needs. 

The four bills we discussed were:

  • Senate Bill 103 – An Act Establishing a Refundable Child Tax Credit, which would provide meaningful financial relief to working families and help reduce child poverty by putting money back into the pockets of those who need it most.

  • Senate Bill 104 – An Act Establishing a Capital Gains Surcharge, aimed at ensuring that high-income earners contribute their fair share and that investment income is taxed more equitably.

  • House Bill 5133 – An Act Increasing the Highest Marginal Rate of the Personal Income Tax, a proposal focused on strengthening revenue by adjusting the top tax rate for the highest earners.

  • House Bill 5187 – An Act Adjusting the Fiscal Guardrails, which would refine our state’s budgetary safeguards to allow for more strategic investments while maintaining responsible financial management.

Together, these proposals reflect a shared commitment to tax fairness and economic opportunity. There is a lot of work ahead this session and I will be fighting to create a budget that meets the moment. I welcome your thoughts on what matters most to you for meaningful tax relief. 

STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES

On Saturday, February 28, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the 2026 West Hartford Black Business Expo, hosted by the West Hartford African American Social and Cultural Organization (WHAASCO) will take place at the West Hartford Conference Center at Town Hall (50 South Main Street). Complimentary parking is available in the adjacent Town Hall lot.

The Expo continues to serve as a vibrant platform celebrating Black-owned businesses while fostering economic empowerment, collaboration, and meaningful community connection. Entrepreneurs, residents, and community partners will come together for an afternoon of networking, discovery, and intentional support of local Black-owned businesses.

Click here for more information and to register.

Generation Power CT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program is set to launch its final assistance cycle of season on Monday, March 2 and will run through March 10. Eligible Connecticut households may receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and access application materials.