We are hard at work at the Capitol, with daily committee meetings in full swing and another session day scheduled for next Thursday. These long, productive days are dedicated to carefully reviewing legislation, hearing testimony from constituents and subject-matter experts, and engaging in thoughtful debate with colleagues from across the state.
I often get asked by constituents how to visit the Legislative Office Building or State Capitol. You can visit anytime Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Plus, tours are available every day of the week provided by the League of Women Voters. If you have never had a tour, it is a wonderful experience to learn so much about our state's history and our beautiful Capitol. You can reserve a spot here.
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Too many families across Connecticut are struggling to make ends meet and simply pay the bills. On Wednesday, I stood with my colleagues, parents, and community partners to continue the call for a permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit (CTC) in our state. A CTC is a proven way to deliver meaningful financial relief, ensure every child has the opportunity to thrive, and strengthen our local economy.
This year, House Bill 5134 has been introduced and is sponsored by 77 House Democratic members from across Connecticut because the time is now to deliver for our families and our kids. The proposal would provide $600 per child, for up to three children, to families earning under $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for joint filers. The research is clear: when families receive this support, they spend it immediately on essentials, paying the mortgage or rent, putting food on the table, buying clothing, and repairing the car.
Last year, together, we secured a $250 boost to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for eligible families with children. That expansion is already making a difference as families file their taxes across Connecticut. But while the EITC supports many low-income working families, an estimated 355,000 Connecticut families earn too much to qualify and still struggle in one of the highest-cost states in the nation.
We stepped up to strengthen the EITC. Now, we must step up again, meet this moment, and pass a permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit for Connecticut families.
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On Tuesday, the joint Committee on Higher Education and Employment Advancement heard testimony on Senate Bill 8: An Act Concerning Graduate Students in the State, which proposes creating a state-level student loan program to help offset the elimination of federal Grad PLUS loans, which previously covered full tuition and living expenses. The federal changes now also impose strict borrowing caps for graduate students. All of the federal loan changes are not just detrimental for the educational and economic future of thousands of Connecticut residents but it affects all of us. Many of these graduate students are trying to pursue degrees in nursing, education and social work which are some of our greatest shortage areas for workers in the state. Therefore, creating this state-solution is essential for students, our workforce, and our economic future.
Also, during the hearing, we heard testimony on House Bill 5159: An Act Funding Journalism Fellowships for Graduates of Public Institutions of Higher Education. This is the second year I've worked on this bill as one way to support our much needed and disappearing local press. This proposal, similar to others passed in New Mexico, Washington, and California establishes a fellowship program for 12 recent journalism students for placement at local press outlets to support their growth and also support the capacity of our local press given the loss of journalists across the state.
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Also this week, I joined my colleagues in the Reproductive Rights Caucus to introduce our 2026 Legislative Agenda which includes a number of priorities to protect and expand access to care, ensure sustainable reproductive healthcare funding, and strengthen support for providers and patients. No matter what happens in Washington, we are doing everything we can to ensure every Connecticut resident can access the reproductive healthcare they need and deserve.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the Asian American Pacific Islander community! Come out to welcome prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead with delicious food, hands-on crafts, live performances, and more. This family-friendly event is free and open to all, come share in the joy and festivities. Pre-registration is required, click here to get our tickets.
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The next round of the Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs, offered through the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), is now open. These grants are designed to support the growth of women-owned businesses.
The Ignite Grant Program provides grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been operating for two or more years and have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants is open through March 18. Click here for additional information on the Ignite Grant Program.
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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. Grants are available for businesses at various stages, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28. Click here for more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund.
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Information sessions for both grant programs will be held throughout the application periods. These sessions will review grant requirements and provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions. Click here to register for a live information session.
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On Friday, March 6, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the 6th Annual Manufacturing Career Exploration & Job Fair will take place at CT State Community College Manchester (formerly known as Manchester Community College).
From machining, engineering, assembly, and technician roles to careers in legal, accounting, finance, and sales, this free event is open to everyone, though registration is requested. Whether you’re simply exploring your options, currently in training, or ready to enter the workforce, this event offers valuable opportunities to connect and learn.
Click here to register.
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Connecticut Alzheimer’s Action Day will take place on Wednesday, March 11, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Connecticut State Capitol (210 Capitol Ave., Hartford, Room 310).
Join advocates, caregivers, and community members to learn about proposed legislation aimed at supporting individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a virtual public information meeting on Accessible Pedestrian Signal (APS) upgrades across Greater Hartford (Berlin, Bloomfield, Bristol, East Windsor, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, Newington, Plainville, Somers, Southington, South Windsor, Vernon, and Windsor) on Tuesday, March 24 at 6:00 p.m.
The meeting will be held on Zoom (registration required) and will include a Q&A session. A recording will be posted afterward.
Construction is expected to begin summer 2027, pending funding, rights-of-way, and permits. The estimated cost is $7 million, funded 90% federal and 10% state.
Those without internet access may call (877) 853-5257 (Meeting ID: 824 0378 9018). For mailed project information, contact DOTProject0171-0514@ct.gov or (860) 594-2745. Language assistance is available at (860) 594-2109 (request at least five business days in advance).
Public comments will be accepted through Tuesday, April 7 via DOTProject0171-0514@ct.gov or (860) 594-2020. Reference Project No. 0171-0514.
Click here for further instructions on accessing the meeting and ways to provide comments and ask questions.
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