Governor's Budget Address, 2025 Priority Bills, and expanded contraception access

February 10, 2025
 
As we begin February we celebrate Black History Month.  Last weekend I was thrilled to attend the 2nd Annual West Hartford Black Business Expo and support all the amazing black owned businesses. Thank you to West Hartford African American Social and Cultural Organization for hosting this event. 
 
There are numerous ways to celebrate Black History Month this year. You can find a number of inspiring events but you can also visit sites on the Connecticut Freedom Trail. 
LEGISLATIVE BUSINESS
A joint session of the CT General Assembly met on Wednesday to hear Governor Lamont present his proposed budget. Featured in the budget are some key investments such as education, healthcare, and housing initiatives that will benefit families and individuals in our state. 
 
This budget address launches our Connecticut budget process. Now, as the legislature we review the Governor's proposal and then put together our own proposed budget which will be voted out of the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee and the Approrpriations Committee. Then the legislature and the Governor will negotiate a final budget that we will vote on before the end of the legislative session in June. In the coming months, I am committed to advocate for a budget that creates a more affordable state, by fixing our unfair tax code and addressing our high utility, housing and child care costs to create a state where everyone can thrive. 

 
On Wednesday State Representative Jennifer Leeper and I hosted a legislative breakfast for our colleagues with our state’s three refugee resettlement organizations: Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI),  Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services (IRIS), and Jewish Family Services of Greenwich (JFS) . These organizations are critical to serve and support the thousands of refugees and immigrants who escape war, famine and persecution to rebuild their lives in Connecticut and contribute to our communities and our economy.
 
Now due to a devastating federal funding freeze from the Trump Administration, these long standing essential services are under threat. Not only is this a moral failure but it weakens our state economically. It’s why Connecticut must step up. Rep. Leeper and I will continue to advocate for the state resources needed to support our refugees and immigrants and make sure Connecticut remains a state welcoming to all.
 
During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on:
  • ️Special Education Relief
  • ️More Housing, Reduced Homelessness
  • ️Affordable Childcare
  • ️Protecting Our Environment
These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical.

I'm proud to lead the House priority bill last year on child care and I'll be doing the same with the child care priority this year which is House Bill 5003. If you have feedback or ideas on early childhood education and care please reach out to me at anytime: kate.farrar.cga.ct.gov. 

 
Connecticut is continuing our commitment to expand access to comprehensive reproductive health care. Thanks to a new law, a training program, developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, received final approval this week from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The continuing education program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for all pharmacists. There are 671 licensed pharmacies and more than 6,500 licensed pharmacists in the state who are eligible to complete the course and begin prescribing birth control.
 
In addition, the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications are also now available in Connecticut. I am working with students and campus health providers on House Bill 6078 this year to support the  implementation of this law to help launch more vending machines on more campuses. 
 
Access to special education is critically important for our kids and families. Year after year, the costs to school districts have increased for special education services. The state has increased it's contribution to districts but it hasn't been enough to address the increasing case loads or the increasing costs of private placements for students who cannot be served in the school district. 
 
This is why this legislative session, we established a Select Committee on Special Education. The Special Education committee will be holding a listening tour across the state that will help to inform their work this legislative session.  
 
 
There is an upcoming opportunity for you to share your feedback and experiences on Thursday, February 13 at 2:00P.M. in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford. 

Click Here if you plan on attending and would like to submit written testimony. 

To participate via zoom click the following link https://zoom.us/j/96260714363?pwd=yyRHCD9SPkydAcFY3zhEuM7qUXdEHC.1     
Passcode:397617

OR, watch on YouTube Live by clicking HERE.

Special education is a top priority, and your input is crucial. Let’s work together to make a difference! 


 
STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES
Operation Fuel's Energy Assistance Program opened this week, which means eligible Connecticut residents will be able to apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels.  Click Here for more information including details on eligibility requirements and application materials.
 

  
Screenagers: Growing Up In The Digital Age is a solutions-oriented film about the challenges of helping youth navigate the digital age. 

There is a free community screening Tuesday, February 11, from 5:30P.M. - 7:00P.M. at Sedgwick Middle School.

Youth in 5th grade & up are encouraged to attend. Complimentary child care for ages 4+ is available, and there will be popcorn! 

   
The Connecticut Conference for Municipalities (CCM) is hosting it's Fifth Annual Representation Matters free two-day virtual training.

These seminars are crafted to give attendees the tools to run for local office or serve on local boards and commissions. You will hear success stories from people who have made that choice and won. 


 
The training will take place on March 1 and March 8 at 10:00A.M. via Zoom.
 
For more information and to register: CLICK HERE.