Larry Pemberton

Governor Ned Lamont and the state legislature created the Early Childhood Education Endowment to expand access to day care and preschool through state-funded programs such as Early Start CT and Smart Start. An additional $411.7 million in state surplus funding will be deposited into the Endowment, bringing its total value to more than $700 million.

Beginning July 1, 2027, families enrolled in Early Start CT earning up to $100,000 per year will receive FREE childcare, and costs for families earning more than $100,000 per year will be capped at 7% of household income.

The Endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system and supporting the largest expansion of early childhood education services in state history. Combined with the $300 million deposited at the end of fiscal year 2025, this latest investment positions Connecticut to pursue a sustainable, long-term strategy for expanding access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.

Do you have a plan to vote in the November 3rd general election?

Connecticut offers three ways to cast your ballot for federal, state executive, legislative, and local offices, and you can read about them all here.

I was so happy to see the Community Investment Fund 2030 recently approve funding for two crucial projects in our community: $8.1 million for Dodd Stadium revitalization, and $2.66 million for Camp Oakdale renovations.

The funding received for Dodd Stadium will provide critical improvements for this beloved stadium, and will elevate the experience for diehard fans and newcomers alike.

And the investment in Camp Oakdale will build upon previous funding, and will provide much-needed repairs and more fun and exciting experiences for those visiting the complex. Due to a poor drainage system, there is a risk of flooding at the facility that could destroy the fields and make them unable to be used. I’m confident this funding will fix that problem, and that Camp Oakdale will be better than ever before!

Now is a good time to ensure you maintain your HUSKY D health care coverage as new federal Medicaid rules take effect in 2027, requiring some individuals to provide more information. HUSKY D is Connecticut's Medicaid program for low-income adults aged 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children and are not eligible for Medicare.

Effective January 1, 2027, to keep your HUSKY D coverage, you may need to show proof that you work, and/or go to school, and/or volunteer, do community service, or cannot work.

It is important to note that not everyone is impacted. If the changes apply to you, you will receive information from the Department of Social Services. DSS may also ask you to provide information showing that these rules do not apply to you.

This Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks on September 11. We will never forget the tragic events of that day - please take a moment and give special remembrance to every life lost--including the 161 that had ties to Connecticut.

Monday is Labor Day - a time to reflect and honor the workers that keep our economy working and make our country so amazing.

As your state representative, I will continue to advocate for labor-friendly policies that respect our workers and give them the support they deserve.

Connecticut is powered by the incredible efforts of its workers, and I can't thank them enough for all they do to keep our state moving forward!

Now that the new school year is underway, drivers need to remember to stop for school buses displaying flashing red lights and slow down in school zones. We have strengthened Connecticut’s laws to hold drivers accountable and help keep our children safe.

Under state law, drivers who fail to stop for a school bus displaying its flashing red lights face a $450 fine for the first offense. A second offense carries a $500 to $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.

Beginning October 1, 2026, drivers who violate the school bus stopping law for a third or subsequent time will also face a six-month suspension of their driver’s license.

A new school year is just around the corner! As summer comes to a close, families are getting ready to settle into new routines, gather school supplies, and embrace an exciting year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities.

Don’t forget that this year’s Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week runs through Saturday, August 22, so there’s still time to save on back-to-school shopping for your children.

During the tax-free week, certain items of clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax. The exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as qualifying purchases from online retailers.