After months of negotiation and a robust debate in both chambers, the 2027 budget was signed into law. It 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
The Hamden delegation was able to secure nearly $4 million in funding for the town, and $10 million in grant aid. I was also able to secure funding for the warming center in our community.
Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.
On Monday, I attended Hamden's Memorial Day event. Special thanks to the Hamden Veterans Commission for putting together a moving ceremony.
There is a lot of misinformation about the rights of tenants and the responsibilities of landlords. To help clear up any confusion, the Fair Rent Commission Office will host a workshop on Tuesday, June 9, at 5:30 PM. Several housing experts and I will be available to answer any questions and discuss helpful resources. Please see the flyer for more information. Hope to see you there!
The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.
CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.
Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.
Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.
Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.
Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.
On Monday, June 1, the Town of Hamden will hold a public information meeting on the proposed road diet on Whitney Ave. If you have any questions about the project or want to learn more, I'd encourage you to attend. Click here to access the Zoom link.
The 2026 Legislative Session Major Public Acts document is now available. The document, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2026 regular session.
Click here or the graphic below to access the full report.
If you're interested in more information on bills that passed and didn't pass this legislative session, please click here.
Great news for teens ages 14–19, you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer! With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.
This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.
Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.
Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.
Upcoming Events
The Hamden Public Library is looking for volunteers for the 3rd annual Juneteenth Read-In event on Saturday, June 13. They are looking for individuals who can help greet the public, register readers, or decorate before the event.
Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.
Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
