Matt Blumenthal

I was proud to join my colleagues in the legislature last week for a special session to debate and pass several important bills – including one on housing affordability and another helping offset federal budget cuts. We delivered meaningful progress for residents struggling to find a home within their budget and for every person relying on key federal programs and essential services.

Let's start with House Bill 8002, An Act Concerning Housing Growth, a significant step forward in addressing Connecticut's long-standing housing shortage. It is no secret that housing in Connecticut is far too expensive and too difficult to find. This legislation takes a balanced, practical approach by empowering communities like Stamford to plan for responsible, data-driven growth informed from state, local, and regional partners.

Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Ned Lamont, this legislation establishes a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans. It encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, and it promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation – without increasing traffic.

Thank you to Majority Leader Jason Rojas, Housing Chair Antonio Felipe, Rep. Eleni Kavros DeGraw, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, and others for their leadership and commitment to bringing this legislation to fruition.

The House and Senate also passed a measure establishing a $500 million federal emergency relief fund, ensuring that our state has a financial backstop to protect our residents during in a time of crisis.

This proposal creates additional reserves, which is a fiscally responsible approach to cover gaps in federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low-Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP.

Now that the government shutdown has ended, it may not be necessary to use the $500 million fund. The money would then automatically go back to paying down the state's pension debt.