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.
Having said that, after 21 years of service in the Connecticut Legislature, this will be my last legislative session as I will not be seeking re-election this year.
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I have been deeply honored and am deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in me, giving me the gift of serving the wonderful community of East Hartford for so many decades. Working together, we have made a real difference in the lives of East Hartford families—increasing funding for children and education, building a beautiful library and senior center, and delivering tax cuts for every resident—especially for our seniors and veterans. In 2006, when I was first elected, East Hartford received $40.9 million in state aid. As I leave, our town aid has increased to $90.4 million. This is a credit to our whole delegation, and I am proud of this accomplishment, which helps significantly lower residents’ property tax burden.
Throughout my time in office, I have remained guided by two fundamental, unwavering beliefs: that service to humanity is the greatest pursuit in life and that we must always do small things with love. These principles, rooted in my faith, have shaped every decision I have made on your behalf; they have accompanied me through every meeting under the Capitol dome; and they have guided my every interaction when helping people.
East Hartford is our home, and serving you and our families has always been my highest priority. In my time in office, I have come to understand that our state budgets hold our true priorities because they impact everyone. I am proud to say that, right now, the state is in the best financial condition I have witnessed in all my years of service. Together, we accomplished the greatest tax reduction in state history. We secured the largest investment in childcare ever made, and we have invested heavily in housing and job growth to support our East Hartford manufacturing base. These are the things that working families need: good jobs, good housing, and good schools. That is why I have long championed the largest investment in education possible—because education is the foundation of our society and our future.
I am certainly grateful to all the dedicated and smart legislators and staff in the legislature with whom I had the pleasure to work. Collaboratively they helped to make the journey fruitful and successful. As just one example of many, these men and women were critical in my efforts to secure two million dollars to pay for disabled veterans’ healthcare at the UConn Neuromodulation Center of Excellence, which is implementing breakthrough intervention for stroke, chronic pain, PTSD, and mobility impairment conditions. This new technology is life altering and will return their function, independence, and dignity, and will help lower the more than 17 veteran suicides per day we tragically see today.
Through decades of experience, I have learned that the best investment government can make is in what we can do to help our children. I am grateful to have been able to make a difference, and I am proud of the work we have done together, but above all, I am grateful for the opportunity you gave me to serve. Others will follow the example I have tried to provide each day as your representative. May they always remember why we step forward to serve.
With deepest gratitude for the trust you have placed in me, and for the privilege of serving you and our community for the past 21 years.
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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.
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| Stay Informed and Follow Along |
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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.
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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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| Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended |
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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 warming centers are available for those in need. These centers 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.
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