Kai Belton

Four new Children's Urgent Crisis Centers recently opened throughout the state to help better address the mental health needs of children and teens.

Created by legislation passed last year, the centers function as walk-in clinics for youths and their families experiencing a behavioral health crisis, such as thoughts of suicide or self-injury; feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.

Great news for first-time homeowners! An additional $20 million has been added to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's (CHFA) Time To Own Program. Funding for the program - which offers down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut - now stands at $80 million, with over $21.5 million currently available for loan reservations.

I am pleased to announce the Northern Middlesex YMCA in Middletown will receive $2 million in state bonding. This funding will help support renovations and equipment for youth-serving areas.

A number of new laws, that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state, will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.

A number of new laws that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.

See below for some highlights.

My colleagues and I delivered on our promise to lower taxes for those who need the most help. According to a report from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, Connecticut is a leader on tax relief for low- and middle-income earners. While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.

Earlier today, I held a Mental Health Awareness Fair at the state Capitol. The goal of this event was to provide my colleagues and the public with an opportunity to learn more about mental health and different strategies on how to improve personal wellness. Nonprofits and small businesses from across the state provided information to attendees seeking to learn how they can improve their mental health.

Sadly, wrong-way crashes and deaths have been on the rise in Connecticut. Studies have shown that wrong-way driving crashes are 100 times more likely to be fatal than other types of crashes.