House Speaker Matt Ritter Lays Out Our Priorities

April 2, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Speaker Matt Ritter
  • Blue Collar Caucus Priorities
  • Windham Tech Championship Parade
  • UConn Final Four
  • Poetry in the Park
  • Observing Holy Week
 

Let's Talk About It: Speaker Matt Ritter

It was an honor to welcome House Speaker Matt Ritter on my weekly radio show, "Let’s Talk About It." We had a wide-ranging conversation about our priorities for this short legislative session, education funding, the state's response to federal budget cuts, and even Windham Tech's championship basketball team.

Among the House Democrats' top priorities:

  • Sending rebate checks to middle- and lower-class families to help offset rising costs
  • Increasing education funding without shifting the burden onto local property taxpayers
  • Baring federal law enforcement within 250 feet of a polling place without permission from state election officials or a court order

On education, the Speaker outlined a proposal to direct $100-$150 million in one-time surplus funds to support students' needs, potentially increasing Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grants by 2%–5%. This investment would help districts manage rising costs, strengthen student outcomes, and ease pressure on local property taxes. 

This builds on last year's progress. We established the Early Childhood Education Endowment, a nearly $300 million investable trust fund to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care. We also secured nearly $300 million more in annual special education funding, with Windham receiving an additional $423,000 in fiscal years 2025 and 2026.

Speaker Ritter also highlighted the $500 million federal emergency relief fund approved in November, ensuring Connecticut has a financial backstop after cuts to programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or the Affordable Care Act. While we hope the federal government restores funding, our state is ready to use our reserves to protect residents.

We also took a moment to applaud the Windham Technical High School boys' basketball team on winning its first state championship. I welcome the Tigers to the Capitol, where Speaker Ritter hopes to recognize their remarkable achievement in the House chamber.

We covered much more, so please listen to our entire conversation below.
House Speaker Matt Ritter shares our caucus' priorities.
 

Blue Collar Caucus Priorities

I joined my colleagues in the House to outline the priorities of the Blue Collar Caucus. This bipartisan coalition is dedicated to advancing policies that support working- and middle-class families across Connecticut. From strengthening job training programs to expanding worker protections, we champion initiatives that put hardworking families first.

This legislative session, our priorities are focused on:

  • Workforce development
  • Protections for first responders
  • Access to affordable health care
  • Affordability
  • Consumer protection
  • Education
  • Support for the skilled trades
 

Windham Tech Championship Parade
Come out to the parade and show your school pride as the community celebrates Windham Technical High School's boys' championship basketball team! The parade steps off at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 10 from Windham Tech and ends at the Shaboo Stage at Jillson Square. I hope to see you there!
 

UConn Final Four

Many of us will be watching as both UConn's women's and men's basketball teams continue their incredible runs toward a national championship! Incredibly, both teams have advanced to the Final Four and are just two wins away from the ultimate goal.

The UConn women tip off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Phoenix, while the men take the court at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Indianapolis.

It's another remarkable moment for Connecticut. Let's go Huskies!
 

Poetry in the Park

As the weather warms up, now is a good time to remind you that Poetry in the Park is returning this summer at Julia De Burgos Park in Willimantic. Sponsored by Willimantic’s own Curbstone Foundation, the series highlights nationally recognized poets and authors. 
All readings begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Poet’s Corner of the park every fourth Thursday from June through August, and at 6 p.m. in September. Readings are free. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. An open mic usually follows.

The first event will feature Margaret Gibson on Thursday, June 26. In case of inclement weather, the reading will take place at Windham Senior Center.” CLICK HERE for updates or get more information.
 

Observing Holy Week
This week, many members of the community will observe sacred and deeply meaningful religious holidays. 

Families of the Jewish faith have gathered for the start of Passover, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and celebrating faith, resilience, and freedom. The Seder brings loved ones together to reflect on enduring traditions and the meaning of redemption.
On Friday, Christians will observe Good Friday, a solemn day remembering the crucifixion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The week culminates on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection, a message of hope, renewal, and new life.

These observances remind us of the enduring power of reflection and community in our shared world. To all who are celebrating, I wish you and your families a meaningful and peaceful holiday.