2026 Legislative Session is Underway, Emergency Relief Funds, and WBDC Grant Program

February 6, 2026


I hope this email finds you and your family well. We officially kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session on Wednesday. In the months ahead, my colleagues and I will address key issues affecting Connecticut’s communities, economy, and quality of life. From affordability and education to public safety, health care, and infrastructure, the work we do this session will have a lasting impact on residents across the state.

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

  • Session Begins
  • Emergency Relief Funds
  • Stay Informed on the 2026 Legislative Session
  • WBDC Grant Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs Open
  • 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 on Wednesday 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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Please be reminded that a Bristol Warming Center at the First Congregational Church (31 Maple Street) is open seven days a week from 7:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. in addition to the below locations. Help spread the word so our community can remain safe and warm during harsh winter weather.

The City of Bristol is seeking to fill a vacancy on the Board of Park Commissioners. Interested candidates are invited to submit a letter of interest to the Mayor’s Office at MayorsOffice@bristolct.gov.

Those interested in learning more about the Board of Park Commissioners are encouraged to attend the next meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, at 6:00 p.m. at Bristol City Hall (111 North Main Street).

On Tuesday, February 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., at Chili's (1425 Farmington Avenue, Bristol). Money raised will support Donate Life to bring education and awareness of the life-saving benefits of organ and tissue donation.

The Bristol Bazaar is home to over 75 local makers, unique gifts, creative workshops, and Yellow King Bristol.

Shop small, support local and explore thousands of handmade treasures in our one-of-a-kind indoor market space. Open 6 days a week (67 Race Street), click here for more information.