CURRENT NEWS AND ISSUES

December 6, 2023
State Minimum Wage Rises with New Year
Effective January 1, 2024, Connecticut's minimum wage of $15 will increase to $15.69 as a result of a new annual economic index adjustment. READ MORE

November 29, 2023
State Economy, Business Climate Remains Strong
Connecticut's economy remains strong with a robust business climate and low unemployment. READ MORE

November 15, 2023
Apprentice Program Can Lead to a Great Career
This week is "National Apprenticeship Week" which is a good time to highlight Connecticut's Apprenticeship Training Program and the great careers that await as you learn while you earn! READ MORE

November 1, 2023
Access Health CT Enrollment Now Open
Access Health CT's (AHCT) Open Enrollment Period for 2024 opened November 1. READ MORE

October 25, 2023
Help for "Disconnected and At-Risk" Youth
A recent report commissioned by the Connecticut-based Dalio Education found more than 63,000 young adults were "disconnected," and 56,000 students were "at risk" between 2021 and 2022. READ MORE

October 18, 2023
Presidential Primary Moved to Early April
The legislature voted last month to move up Connecticut's presidential preference primary day to early April. READ MORE

October 11, 2023
October Brings New State Laws
More than 100 new laws became effective on October 1 as a result of bills passed by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session. READ MORE

October 4, 2023
State Continues to Pay Down Pension Debt
Another strong fiscal year for the state budget has resulted in the transfer of more than $1.3 billion toward paying down Connecticut's long-term pension debt. READ MORE

September 27, 2023
Prescription Drug Discount Card Available
A new prescription drug discount program begins next month, and all state residents are eligible to sign up for the savings. READ MORE

September 20, 2023
Financial Literacy Added to High School Curriculum
A half-credit course on personal financial management has been added to the required curriculum to graduate from Connecticut public high schools. READ MORE

September 13, 2023
Skilled Workforce Spurs Continued Economic Growth
A number of workforce development initiatives passed by the legislature this year will help Connecticut's economy continue to grow. READ MORE

September 6, 2023
Assistance with Heating Costs Available
Though winter's chill may still seem far away, it is time for vulnerable residents to consider applying for the state's energy assistance program. READ MORE

August 30, 2023
Investing in Higher Education
This year we made significant strides in supporting higher education, helping to ensure a brighter future for our students with more opportunities, expanded support, and financial relief. READ MORE

August 23, 2023
Children's Urgent Crisis Centers Open
Four new Children's Urgent Crisis Centers recently opened throughout the state to help better address the mental health needs of children and teens. READ MORE

August 16, 2023
Back to School on the Horizon
Connecticut's annual sales tax-free week and an expansion of the free school meals program will help families navigate the new school year. READ MORE

August 9, 2023
State's Paid Leave Program is a National Model
Connecticut's Paid Family and Medical Leave law, passed by the legislature in 2019, has already helped tens of thousands of workers and is also serving as a national model for other states. READ MORE

August 2, 2023
Food Assistance at Farmers' Markets
Many Farmers' Markets and Farms throughout Connecticut now accept EBT/SNAP (Formerly known as Food Stamps) benefits. READ MORE

July 26, 2023
Expanding Women's Reproductive Rights
In the aftermath of last year's devastating Supreme Court's decision overturning Roe v. Wade, Connecticut has become a national leader in passing a number of new laws defending residents, healthcare workers, and those from out-of-state seeking reproductive services and resources. READ MORE

July 19, 2023
Cutting Taxes for Those Most in Need
Connecticut recently got a national shout-out for adopting a state budget that includes a variety of tax cuts for those who need the most help such as working families and retirees. READ MORE

July 12, 2023
Free Museum Admission for Kids this Summer
Over 120 museums throughout Connecticut are offering free admission for children this summer. READ MORE

July 5, 2023
New State Laws Take Effect
A variety of new state laws passed by the General Assembly during the 2023 legislative session took effect beginning July 1. READ MORE

June 28, 2023
Lower Electric Rates
Beginning July 1, Eversource and United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut's two electric distribution companies, will lower their standard service rates for residential customers for the next six months. READ MORE

June 14, 2023
Why We Celebrate Juneteenth
Juneteenth – June 19 - celebrates the end of slavery in our country, but this important holiday was unknown to many for several years. READ MORE

June 7, 2023
State Budget Delivers Historic Tax Cuts and Critical Investments
This week the legislature approved a two-year state budget that includes the largest income tax cut in state history and significant critical investments including additional funding for our schools. READ MORE

May 31, 2023
Major Gun Safety Bill Passed by House
Last week the House of Representatives passed the most comprehensive update to Connecticut's gun safety statutes since the historic reforms passed after the Sandy Hook tragedy. READ MORE

May 24, 2023
State Budget Outlook Strong, Credit Rating Upgraded
Sound budgeting by the legislature and governor has kept state finances strong and led to a recent credit rating upgrade. READ MORE

May 17, 2023
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
For the past 20 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized Mental Health Awareness Month (MHAM) every May to increase awareness about the vital role mental health plays in our overall health and well-being. READ MORE

May 10, 2023
Early Voting Approved by House
On Election Day last November, voters overwhelming approved a constitutional amendment question asking if the state should consider implementing an early voting system. READ MORE

May 3, 2023
Holding Eversource & United Illuminating Accountable
A reliable electric grid is critical to powering our homes and businesses, and quick restoration from outages should be the norm and expected - yet that always hasn't been the case. READ MORE

April 26, 2023
Agriculture Funds Help Address Food Insecurity
At the recent annual Connecticut Ag Day event at the State Capitol, House Democratic State Representative Jaime Foster (D-Ellington) helped announce that since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, nearly $5 million in funds has been distributed in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture to support emergency feeding programs and address food insecurity. READ MORE

April 19, 2023
Crafting a State Budget
One of the most important responsibilities of the General Assembly during odd year legislative sessions is to adopt a balanced state budget for the next two fiscal years. READ MORE

April 12, 2023
Women's Caucus List Priorities
State Representatives Dorinda Borer and Nicole Klarides-Ditria, co-chairs of the Women's Bipartisan Caucus in the Connecticut General Assembly, unveiled the group's 2023 legislative priorities last week. READ MORE

April 5, 2023
Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and there are many resources available if you need help or want to learn more about this important issue. READ MORE

March 29, 2023
Beware of Tax Filing Scams
With tax filing season upon us, we urge you to be mindful of potential scams as you prepare to file your 2022 tax returns. READ MORE

March 22, 2023
Improving Services for Our IDD Community
A proposal to improve support services for individuals with an intellectual or developmental disability (IDD) and their families is currently moving through the legislature. READ MORE

March 15, 2023
Celebrating Women's History Month
Since 1980, March has been designated as a time where we celebrate and reflect upon the women who have inspired change throughout history, and recognize those who continue to fight for the fair and equitable treatment of women and girls in our country and around the world. READ MORE

March 8, 2023
Welcome New House Democrats
New members of our House Democratic caucus were sworn in this week representing Hartford, Middletown and Stamford. READ MORE

March 1, 2023
Changes to Medicaid and SNAP Benefits
Individuals and families who are on Medicaid or receive SNAP benefits need to be aware of changes coming to these important programs. READ MORE

February 15, 2023
Protecting Connecticut's Financial Future and Investing in Our Students
Last week we voted to extend a number of budgetary protections known as "fiscal guardrails," as well as approve funding for two important school programs. READ MORE

February 9, 2023
February is Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history. READ MORE

February 1, 2023
New Renter Assistance Program
A new state program designed to help tenants avoid eviction due to overdue rent has begun. READ MORE

January 25, 2023
Tribes to Help Create Native American Curriculum
Connecticut’s tribal nations will work with state education officials to create a new Native American studies curriculum for public schools. READ MORE

January 11, 2023
Retail Cannabis Sales Begin in State
Responsible use and adherence to laws is being emphasized as state licensed cannabis retailers were allowed to begin sales to adults 21 and over on January 10. READ MORE

January 4, 2023
2023 Legislature Convenes
The 2023 session of the Connecticut General Assembly convened at the State Capitol on January 4. READ MORE