Kevin Brown

We officially kicked off the 2026 Legislative Session on Wednesday, and the work ahead is significant. Over the coming months, my colleagues and I will tackle issues that directly affect everyday life in Connecticut, from affordability and education to public safety, health care, and infrastructure. There’s a lot at stake this session, and the decisions made at the Capitol will shape our state’s future.

Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State address from the House Chamber, outlining Connecticut’s steady progress under a framework of fiscal discipline and long-term planning. In his remarks, the governor emphasized the state’s continued commitment to responsible budgeting, pointing to meaningful advances in reducing long-standing pension liabilities and strengthening reserves. Lamont highlighted that these efforts have helped solidify Connecticut’s financial footing, positioning the state to remain stable in the face of economic uncertainty while continuing to invest in its future.

Governor Ned Lamont submitted a supplemental plan to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve in response to federal funding reductions and delays made by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to essential health and human services.

This supplemental plan totals $18.7 million and will be used for:

• Funding to expand the reach of community health workers, who will play a critical role in helping residents understand and navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21 (commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). These workers will provide personalized assistance to help ensure individuals and families remain connected to the benefits they need through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $2,000,000.
• Funding to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services, ensuring the state can successfully implement the eligibility changes required by Public Law 119-21 in the amount of $11,400,000 for the state share of these costs.
• Replace funding for mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $830,000.
• Replace funding for Community School grants for Clifford Beers in New Haven, Waterbury Bridges to Success, and Hartford Public Schools which provide critical wraparound services, including healthcare and childcare, to children and families in these communities through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $4,513,000.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

Earlier this week I joined numerous colleagues from the Tax Equity Caucus in support of CT for All at a press conference to roll out their legislative agenda for this session. The working class is the backbone of our state and we must meet the moment to make Connecticut a place where everyone can grow and thrive.

It’s not everyday that you get to be the opening act for a former presidential cabinet member!

Last week I joined former U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and other education stakeholders in our state for the 2026 CT Education Issues Summit. I was honored to discuss the CGA Education Committee priorities for the upcoming legislative session along with the Connecticut Education Association (CEA), partners in the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE), and the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS).

This forum put a spotlight on the major issues facing education in our state and nation today. The message is clear, investing in our students, teachers, and schools is critical to the future of Connecticut.

A program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.

Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.

Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.

The next round of the Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs, offered through the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), is now open. These grants are designed to support the growth of women-owned businesses.

The Ignite Grant Program provides grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been operating for two or more years and have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants is open through March 18. Click here for additional information on the Ignite Grant Program.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. Grants are available for businesses at various stages, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28. Click here for more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund.

Information sessions for both grant programs will be held throughout the application periods. These sessions will review grant requirements and provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions. Click here to register for a live information session.

Governor Ned Lamont has once again extended the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will now remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, as a prolonged stretch of brutally frigid temperatures continues across the state.

This is the longest use of the protocol since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34 days from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

Please be reminded that warming centers are available for those in need. These centers provide a safe, heated place to seek shelter during dangerously low temperatures. If you or someone you know could benefit, please take advantage of the resources below and help spread the word so our community can remain safe and warm throughout the harsh winter weather.

Vernon residents can dispose of hazardous waste items properly and safely at a FREE household hazardous waste collection day. Click here for a list of what can and cannot be collected.

Vernon is a member of a regional consortium with a disposal site at 321 Olcott St. in Manchester. Click here to make an appointment to dispose of items.

• Saturday, February 7, 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
• You must bring a driver’s license, tax bill or vehicle registration to prove you are a resident of Vernon.

Leave all hazardous materials in their original containers.

Registration for the Vernon Regional Adult Based and Continuing Education Spring courses is now open.

Click the image above to access the Spring course catalog.

Click here to register online or call 860-870-6060.

Free income tax preparation is available to eligible Vernon residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. IRS-certified volunteers are available to help income-eligible residents complete and file their income tax returns.

VITA volunteers will be at Vernon Town Hall (14 Park Place) on Mondays between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. through April 6.

To get information about the program, call Vernon Social Services at 860-870-3661. Residents must have all necessary tax documents before scheduling an appointment.

To be eligible for this free assistance, including e-file and direct deposit, you have to have earned $69,000 or less in 2025.