Education Bill, SNAP Changes, and more

February 27, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

In this week's eblast, you can read about our work in this week's session, an update to SNAP loading dates, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

Session Update
Upcoming Public Hearings
Reminder: SNAP Loading Date Changes
Women's Business Development Council Grants
Chime Scholars Foundation
CT Art Trail Passport
2026 Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest

Session Update

This week, the House and Senate passed an omnibus bill comprised of legislation introduced last year. Part of that bill includes a number of education provisions that passed by a wide margin in the House last year and unfortunately was not voted on in the Senate.

One part of this bill improves the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological wellbeing. While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Another section creates a state seal of civics education and engagement to be earned on high school diplomas for students who demonstrate civics mastery in the classroom and community engagement.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.

Other key aspects of this bill include:

Addressing antisemitism in schools

Adding additional public reporting on student outcomes for our multi-lingual learners

Phases out the waiver for children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early.

Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.

The legislation we passed is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health.

Upcoming Public Hearings

Click the image below to see the public hearing schedule for the week of March 2nd. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!

Reminder: SNAP Loading Date Changes

Beginning Sunday, March 1, important changes to Connecticut law will take effect regarding how the state will issue SNAP benefits.

Under the new legislation, Connecticut will begin staggering the distribution of SNAP benefits throughout the first eight days of the month, rather than loading them primarily the first few days. This change is designed to:

reduce congestion at grocery stores and retailers
improve access to food
create a smoother, more dignified experience for SNAP recipients

You’ll find additional details about how the new schedule works in the graphic below. For more information, please click here.

Women's Business Development Council Grants

A reminder that you can still apply for the next round of the Women’s Business Development Council's Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.  

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. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.

Chime Scholars Foundation

A reminder that the Chime Scholars Foundation (CSF) has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. Aspiring scholars can apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings. The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.

Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students nationwide. Just last year, CSF awarded more than $3 million in scholarships to 800 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. CSF helps unlock educational opportunities for students across communities.

Applications for the CSF scholarship program are open through March 31. For more information and to apply, visit the Chime Scholars Foundation website.

CT Art Trail Passport

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.

2026 Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest

The Connecticut Poetry Society is presenting the 2026 Lynn DeCaro Poetry Contest. The contest, made possible by the generous support of the Betty and Al DeCaro Family, was set up in memory of Lynn DeCaro, a promising young member of the Connecticut Poetry Society who died of leukemia in 1986.

The contest is statewide, free, and open to all students in grades 9-12. Enter up to three unpublished poems, no more than 40 lines for each poem.

Click here to enter. The deadline to submit is March 15 by 6pm.