Kevin Brown

With the 2026 legislative session now in full swing, our work at the Capitol is well underway. This week, the Education Committee met to begin discussions on several critical issues that will shape our priorities for the year ahead. Among the topics on the table are adjustments to state funding for public education, advancing a statewide ban on cellphones in schools to support student focus and learning, and ensuring that our student teachers are properly compensated for the vital role they play in our classrooms.

There is a great deal of important work ahead, and I am eager to dive in and make meaningful progress on these issues. I look forward to keeping you informed and up to date on our efforts and accomplishments throughout the session in the months to come.

Last week, we voted to extend the state’s Emergency Response Fund, a critical safeguard that helps shield Connecticut from federal funding cuts and protects essential health and human services relied upon by communities across our state. At a time of ongoing chaos and uncertainty at the federal level, extending this fund ensures Connecticut is prepared to act swiftly and responsibly. The Emergency Response Fund will remain available through the end of the next fiscal year, giving the state the flexibility to respond quickly to additional federal funding reductions and to continue supporting the services that families, seniors, and vulnerable residents depend on.

Governor Ned Lamont announced that the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.

Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.

Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.

Eligible applicants may qualify if they:

• Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
• Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
• Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
• Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
• Completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.

Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history.  

In Connecticut, we have a rich history of Black Americans shaping our communities. I encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Black History in Connecticut and to attend local events taking place over the next month:

The State of Connecticut published a piece about why we celebrate Black History Month, resources to learn more about this history, and events.

The Connecticut Tourism Office detailed the various landmarks and museums you can visit to explore Black History in Connecticut, along with events throughout the month.

Black History is something to be celebrated by all Connecticut residents, and I hope you'll look through these wonderful resources.

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.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

Please remember that warming centers are available for those in need. These facilities provide a safe, heated place to seek shelter during dangerously low temperatures. If you or someone you know could benefit, please take advantage of the resources below and help spread the word so our community can remain safe and warm throughout the harsh winter weather.

Click here to buy tickets to Frozen.

Free income tax preparation is available to eligible Vernon residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers are available to help income-eligible residents complete and file their income tax returns.

VITA volunteers will be at Vernon Town Hall (14 Park Place) on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through April 6.

To get information about the program, call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661. Residents must have all necessary tax documents before scheduling an appointment.

To be eligible for this free assistance, including e-file and direct deposit, you have to have earned $69,000 or less in 2025.