Kevin Brown

On Thursday, the House was in session and passed two important bills: 

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

I am especially proud that this legislation establishes 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.

To earn the Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, students must:

• Successfully complete at least two years of history or social science coursework, including one course in U.S. government or civics
• Participate in at least one civic engagement experience, such as community service, student government, an internship with an elected official, or involvement in a civic organization
• Demonstrate proficiency in civics knowledge through a standardized assessment; a portfolio of work that may include essays, projects, or presentations; or another approved mastery-based assessment process

SB 298 also delivers millions of dollars in targeted grants and earmarks to support local projects and organizations. The bill strengthens education by extending the moratorium on measures addressing racial imbalance in schools and providing $750,000 to the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) for teacher training.

It supports first responders by aiding the firefighter cancer relief fund and increases reimbursement rates for intermediate care facilities. The bill also updates child support enforcement, behavioral health regulations, and freedom of information and election laws to improve efficiency and transparency.

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. It also includes a certificate-of-need change designed to support UConn Health.

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.

Governor Ned Lamont announced $1.55 million in state funding to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant program, ensuring continued access to Connecticut Grown products for food-insecure residents after recent federal funding cuts.

The program increases access to fresh, locally grown food while supporting Connecticut farmers and the state’s agricultural economy. Eligible entities, including food hubs, pantries, municipalities, community health centers, and nonprofits, may apply for grants ranging from $100,000 to $301,000.

Food insecurity remains a serious challenge in the state, affecting one in ten residents, including more than 100,000 children. Since 2022, the program has enabled eight statewide partners to purchase more than $5.6 million in products from 166 producers, distributing food through roughly 500 organizations across 121 cities and towns.

Click here to learn more and to apply for the grant program. Grant applications must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Agriculture by March 11 at 4:00 p.m.

What better way to celebrate 250 years of America than with the all-new Connecticut Art Trail Passport? For just $35, enjoy a full year of exploration at 30 world-class museums and historic sites across the state.

This year’s Passport features a Special Edition America 250 cover commemorating our nation’s semiquincentennial. Two outstanding new members have joined the Trail: Mashantucket Pequot Museum & Research Center and Onera Foundation.

From cutting-edge contemporary galleries to storied historic homes, there’s something for everyone. It’s the perfect excuse to grab a friend, shake off the winter blues, and rediscover the remarkable treasures right in your own backyard.

Click here to learn more and purchase your 2026 Passport online for an instant voucher, or pick one up at any participating member museums.

The statewide Poetry Contest is free and open to all students in grades 9–12. Participants may submit up to three unpublished poems, with a maximum of 40 lines per poem.

Click here to submit your work and to learn more about other poetry contests taking place throughout the year. The submission deadline is March 15 at 6:00 p.m.