Happy Sine Die!

May 8, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

The 2026 legislative session ended on Wednesday. Although there were many stressful and difficult days, I am extremely proud of all of the work that my colleagues were able to accomplish.

-->

After months of negotiation, the General Assembly shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.

Together, we produced a 2027 budget that significantly boosts support for the state’s education system, increases crucial investments in housing and transportation, supports town and city budgets, and more—all while safeguarding the state's strong fiscal outlook, including $1 billion toward paying down long-term debt.

This budget includes:

Over $300 million relief package for cities, towns, and schools

$190 million in direct support for schools
$100 million to address local tax increases
$12 million to establish universal free school breakfast programs across the state
Expanded grants for successful special education programs
Numerous grants to towns to address the rising costs associated with construction and purchasing
$4 million to help communities where three hospitals abruptly came off the tax rolls

A historic agreement with our hospitals

Providing them with much-needed tax relief
Maximizing federal funding for health care
Setting up a system to address rising costs

More investments in transportation options for our residents

Increased funding for Shoreline East rail
Funded successful "micro-transit" public transportation programs
Helped prevent hikes in bus fares

Making Connecticut more affordable for working families

Expanding sales tax-free week to include clothing, shoes, and backpacks under $300 (from $100)
Making basic school supplies tax-free, including backpacks, lunchboxes, notebooks, pens, pencils, crayons, rulers, and paper
Creating a family caregiver tax credit for residents caring for a loved one

Investing in Connecticut businesses and job growth

Helping small businesses offer health care support by providing a tax credit when they contribute toward employees’ individual health insurance coverage.
Supporting small businesses and biotech companies through a new research and development tax credit to help them grow and create jobs in our state

Taking Aim at Property Taxes

$162M new Education Equalization Grant to address underfunding in our current school funding formula
- Additional 2% for the towns that have seen recent population decreases
$100M in new funding to cities and towns

Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.

Click here for a complete list bills that have passed this session.

-->

The inaugural Black Wall Street Festival in Norwalk will be held on Saturday, May 30th from 12 PM - 5 PM on the Norwalk Green.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact Eva Beau at blackwallstreetnorwalk@gmail.com.