The 2025 legislative session has officially come to a close—and I can say without hesitation it was one of the most intense and consequential sessions I have experienced as your state representative.
Across the country, we have watched a wave of crises—both legislative and moral—challenge the very core of our values. And here in Connecticut, those national battles showed up in our budget negotiations, in our debates on public safety and immigration, and in our daily fight to protect working families. Every decision we made at the Capitol was shaped not only by the urgent need to provide for our local infrastructure but also by the urgent need to stand up for dignity, equity, and basic decency.
In the weeks and months ahead, my office and I will be working hard to walk you through the most important legislative victories we have secured this session—what they mean, and how they’ll affect our communities. In this week’s newsletter, we will be starting that process by highlighting our major fiscal accomplishments, including our work on the state budget and critical legislation aimed at bringing down rising utility costs.
Serving as your representative is the honor of my life. I am ever grateful for the trust you have placed in me—and I remain committed to fighting for a government that serves all of us, no matter who we are or where we come from.
Honoring Our Staff
With the 2025 legislative session ended, I want to take a moment to lift up the people who make everything we do possible—my team.
Rick O’Neil, Juliana Goldfuss, and Samantha Bailey have worked day in and day out to support our community, carry forward critical legislation, and respond to the needs of our constituents with care and determination.
In the Army, we have a saying: always take care of the people who pack your parachute. These are the people who pack ours—quietly, skillfully, and without fail.
From constituent services and event planning to policy development and communications, their impact reaches far beyond the walls of the Capitol. They’ve helped bring clarity to complicated issues, compassion to people in crisis, and coordination to efforts that have shaped statewide policy.
Every legislative success we’ve had this year—and every year—is built on their dedication. I am profoundly grateful for their service, their heart, and their tireless commitment to this work.
Please join me in thanking Rick, Juliana, and Sam. Our state is better because of them.
Biennial Budget Puts People First
As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...” Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.
Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
The 2025 biennial budget stands up for Connecticut, here's how:
HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION ✅$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of the next two years ✅$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program ✅$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities ✅$10 million in bonding for capital development ✅$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant ✅Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
CHILDCARE ✅Investing in trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs ✅Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid
NONPROFIT PROVIDERS ✅Access to better health care and non-profit community providers ✅$150 million more for group homes and nursing homes ✅Additional than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers
TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES ✅Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework ✅$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce ✅Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts
This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every Connecticut resident is supported and protected.
The House and Senate took bold, bipartisan action to lower electric bills—passing a comprehensive energy reform bill with more than $780 million in savings for ratepayers.
Key provisions of the bill include:
✅ Lower Bills • Paying Down COVID-era Electric Debt • Cutting Charges for Solar, EVs & Fuel Cells • Smarter Energy Purchasing to Lock in Savings • Smoothing $1.2B Storm Costs to Avoid Rate Spikes ✅ Smarter Grid • Require Cost-Saving Tech Reviews Before Costly Grid Projects • Improve Planning to Avoid Wasteful “Gold-Plated” Upgrades ✅ Stronger Future for CT Families • Support Advanced Nuclear & Geothermal • Incentivize Grid Efficiency • Expand DEEP’s Clean Energy Planning Authority
By easing costs on consumers, modernizing the grid, and investing in clean energy, we are powering a more affordable, reliable, and accountable energy future for all.
If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585.
