CURRENT NEWS AND ISSUES
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
December 14, 2022
New Laws Take Effect January 1
A number of new state laws passed by the legislature will take effect on January 1, 2023. READ MORE
December 14, 2022
GAE, Labor and Housing Chairs - Plus a New Commission
Speaker Ritter and Majority Leader Rojas unveiled the Chairs of GAE, Housing and Labor and a new commission on renewable energy. READ MORE
December 8, 2022
Speaker Ritter Names Committee Leaders
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas announced the appointments of a number of committee chairs for the 2023 legislative session. READ MORE
December 7, 2022
Connecticut's Fiscal Health Continues to be Strong
With the state budget running in the black with a strong "Rainy Day" reserve fund, and long-term debt obligations continuing to be paid down, Wall Street has once again upgraded their rating of Connecticut's fiscal health. READ MORE
November 30, 2022
Special Session Vote Helps Struggling Families
With many families in Connecticut facing added financial strain due to rising prices, the legislature went into special session earlier this week to provide some relief. READ MORE
November 23, 2022
Addressing Homelessness
Connecticut continues to invest significant funding to help meet the ongoing societal challenge of homelessness in our state. READ MORE
November 16, 2022
Investing in Small Business
Recently, the state announced a five-year, $46.6 million investment to expand small business assistance programs across Connecticut, specifically helping small business owners who may have previously experienced barriers to accessing financial support. This initiative will also support startup businesses, which is great news for our economy. READ MORE
November 9, 2022
Time to Invest in Our Electric Grid
In a recent opinion piece, Rep. Jonathan Steinberg of Westport says climate change has created unique challenges for maintaining a reliable electric grid, and the time to invest in the future is now. READ MORE
November 2, 2022
More Funding for Energy Assistance
An additional $1 Billion boost in federal funding for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) was recently approved by Congress, allowing more households to receive assistance with heating bills this winter. READ MORE
October 26, 2022
Early Voting Will Help Increase Voter Participation
Speaker of the House Matt Ritter encourages voters in a recent opinion piece to vote YES on a constitutional amendment on the November ballot that will allow the state to consider creating an early voting process. READ MORE
October 19, 2022
Health Insurance Subsidies Extended
With the recent signing of the federal Inflation Reduction Act, health insurance subsidies for Connecticut residents who purchase their insurance through Access Health CT are being extended. READ MORE
October 13, 2022
State Budget Outlook Remains Strong
Sound budgeting by the legislature and governor has kept state finances strong, and has led to record balances in the "Rainy Day" reserve fund and historic payments toward reducing long term pension and debt obligations. READ MORE
October 5, 2022
New Laws Take Effect This Month
Several new laws in Connecticut went into effect on October 1. READ MORE
September 28, 2022
Crime Rate Falls in Connecticut
This week, the annual crime statistics report that compiles data on crimes reported to state law enforcement agencies was released, and it shows violent and property crimes are down from the previous year, which preserves Connecticut's status as one of the safest states in the country. READ MORE
September 21, 2022
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
From September 15 to October 15 we observe Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate, recognize, and feature the countless achievements of the many Hispanic Americans who have positively impacted and enriched our communities. READ MORE
September 14, 2022
Veterans Stand Down Day Highlights Available Help
In order to better connect military personnel and veterans to helpful state services and community-based nonprofits, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs will hold its annual Veterans Stand Down on Friday, September 23 from 8am-2 pm. READ MORE
September 7, 2022
Winter Heating Assistance Application Available
The application period for the 2022-2023 winter season of the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) is now open. READ MORE
August 31, 2022
All of Connecticut Benefits from Local Farmers' Markets
In recent years, House Democrats have expanded the state’s food assistance programs to Farmers' Markets with the goal of ensuring that households of all income levels have access to nutritious, fresh, locally grown food, while at the same time supporting local farmers. READ MORE
August 24, 2022
Job Training & Placement for Workers Impacted by COVID-19
CareerConneCT will help people whose employment has been impacted by COVID-19 to get back to work. READ MORE
August 17, 2022
Addressing a Shortage of Nurses and Social Workers
CT Health Horizons is a new higher education program designed to address statewide shortages in nursing and behavioral health providers. READ MORE
August 10, 2022
Help for Hospitality Businesses Hurt by Pandemic
Connecticut's hospitality industry was hit hard by COVID-19, and a new state program will help those businesses hurt by the pandemic. READ MORE
August 3, 2022
New Loan Program for Small Businesses and Non-Profits
Targeted loans will provide small businesses and non-profits, particularly those in low-income and historically underserved communities, with increased access to much-needed working capital. READ MORE
July 27, 2022
New Law Addresses Juvenile Motor Vehicle Thefts
Over the past two years, and in large part due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Connecticut, like many states across our country, has experienced an uptick in juvenile motor vehicle thefts and other criminal activity. READ MORE
July 20, 2022
Heat Advisory in Effect Through July 24
The next several days are expected to see temperatures in Connecticut reach more than 90 degrees with a heat index of triple digits at times, which has prompted activation of state’s extreme hot weather protocol effective through 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 24. READ MORE
July 13, 2022
Minimum Wage Increase Helps Working Families
On July 1, minimum wage workers received a well-deserved raise. READ MORE
July 6, 2022
New State Laws Effective July 1
A number of new laws passed during the 2022 legislative session will implement positive and meaningful change in our state, and many took effect on July 1. READ MORE
June 29, 2022
Connecticut Stands Strong for Women's Rights in Face of Supreme Court Decision
In a 6-3 decision last week, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion after nearly 50 years, but Democrats in the legislature ensured a women's right to reproductive healthcare in Connecticut would continue under our state's laws. READ MORE
June 22, 2022
Investing in the Future of Our Communities
Last year, House Democrats led the way in creating the new $875 million Community Investment Fund (CIF). READ MORE
June 15, 2022
Meeting Our Children's Mental Health Needs
At the beginning of the 2022 legislative session back in February, Democrats and Republicans stood together and committed to addressing our children's mental and behavioral health needs. READ MORE
June 8, 2022
"Red Flag" Law Update Adds to Gun Safety
To better protect residents, families, and communities from gun violence, House Democrats led the way in passing critical updates last year to our groundbreaking "Red Flag" law, and key provisions of this law took effect on June 1, 2022. READ MORE
June 1, 2022
Free Bus Service to State Parks
It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park by taking advantage of free shuttle service being offered to all residents this summer. READ MORE
May 25, 2022
Child Tax Payments Available to Residents
Beginning June 1, residents can begin applying for Child Tax Payments that are part of the historic $600 million in tax cuts contained in our 2023 state budget passed by the legislature this month and signed into law by the Governor. READ MORE
May 18, 2022
Juneteenth Declared Official State Holiday
Juneteenth is the oldest known commemoration of the end of slavery in the United States. READ MORE
May 11, 2022
Juvenile Justice Reforms Approved by Legislature
Connecticut remains one of the safest states in the nation, but like many states we have experienced an uptick in juvenile criminal activity driven in large part by the COVID-19 pandemic. READ MORE
May 4, 2022
Historic Tax Cuts Part of State Budget
With families struggling and Connecticut's finances in the black, House Democrats led the way in the legislature passing one of the largest tax cuts in state history. READ MORE
April 27, 2022
Combatting Lead Poisoning in Our Communities
Lead poisoning, particularly among minority children, continues to be a serious public health problem, and bipartisan legislation passed by the House of Representatives this week looks to mitigate this issue with stepped up identification and treatment of cases. READ MORE
April 20, 2022
Protecting and Expanding Access to Reproductive Healthcare
As we witness oppressive and extreme anti-abortion laws being enacted across the country and anticipate the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade by the U.S. Supreme Court, expanding access and protecting reproductive rights in Connecticut has never been more important. READ MORE
April 13, 2022
Expanding the Use of Absentee Ballots
Voting is a fundamental right that should be convenient, fair and accessible, but Connecticut's voting laws are needlessly restrictive when it comes to voting by absentee ballot. READ MORE
April 6, 2022
Outdoor Dining Season is Back
Last month, the legislature approved extending outdoor dining provisions through April 30, 2023. READ MORE
