2026 Legislative Session is Underway, Emergency Relief Funds, and Join me for a Legislative Coffee Hour

February 5, 2026


I hope this email finds you and your family well. The 2026 Legislative Session officially began on Wednesday, launching months of critical work at the Capitol. Alongside my colleagues, I will focus on addressing the issues that most directly impact Connecticut residents, including affordability, education, public safety, health care, and infrastructure. With so much at stake, the decisions we make this session will help shape the state’s direction for years to come.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on: 

  • Emergency Relief Funds
  • Stay Informed on the 2026 Legislative Session
  • 2026 OLR Major Issues Report
  • Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended
  • Community Events

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office at any time.

Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State address from the House Chamber, outlining Connecticut’s steady progress under a framework of fiscal discipline and long-term planning. In his remarks, the governor emphasized the state’s continued commitment to responsible budgeting, pointing to meaningful advances in reducing long-standing pension liabilities and strengthening reserves. Lamont highlighted that these efforts have helped solidify Connecticut’s financial footing, positioning the state to remain stable in the face of economic uncertainty while continuing to invest in its future.

Emergency Relief Funds

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.

This supplemental plan totals $18.7 million and will be used for:

  • Funding to expand the reach of community health workers, who will play a critical role in helping residents understand and navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21 (commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). These workers will provide personalized assistance to help ensure individuals and families remain connected to the benefits they need through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $2,000,000.
  • Funding to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services, ensuring the state can successfully implement the eligibility changes required by Public Law 119-21 in the amount of $11,400,000 for the state share of these costs.
  • Replace funding for mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $830,000.
  • Replace funding for Community School grants for Clifford Beers in New Haven, Waterbury Bridges to Success, and Hartford Public Schools which provide critical wraparound services, including healthcare and childcare, to children and families in these communities through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $4,513,000.

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. 

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.

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.

Community Events

Please join me and my colleague, Rep. McCarthy-Vahey, for a Legislative Coffee Hour on Saturday, February 21 at 10:00 a.m.. This will be a relaxed and informal opportunity for us to connect, listen, and discuss the issues that matter most to you and our community.

We invite you to bring your questions, concerns, priorities, and any ideas or suggestions you’d like to share. Your input is invaluable and will help inform our work at the Capitol in the months ahead.

We hope you’ll join us for a thoughtful, engaging conversation over coffee. We look forward to hearing from you and seeing you there.