Session, Fresh Food Funding, and more

February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

In this week's eblast, you can read about the upcoming session, fresh food funding, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.

Fighting for a Child Care Tax Credit
Public Hearing on Shore Line East
Upcoming Session & Public Hearings
New London and Groton Bills
Access Health CT Enrolls Record Number
Funding for Fresh Foods
Upcoming Local Events

Fighting for a Child Care Tax Credit

It was great to join my colleagues this week as we advocated for passage of a child tax credit bill that will be raised in the legislature this year.

The proposal calls for a fully refundable child tax credit of $600 per child, for up to three children, available to families earning up to $100,000 for single filers and $200,000 for joint filers. The measure would deliver meaningful, immediate relief to working families across Connecticut.

At a time of rising prices for all Americans, parents should never have to worry about putting food on the table or keeping their home warm, and this child tax credit is a great first step in providing that security.

Public Hearing on Shore Line East

Next Monday, Feb. 23, the Transportation Committee will hold a public hearing on a bill that would help restore service to Shore Line East to the same level that existed before the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduced service has significantly harmed residents in the area, impacting their commutes and travel plans.

If you have had experience with this issue, I hope you will attend the public hearing and make your voice heard! Click here to register to testify at the public hearing, or you can click here to submit written testimony.

As a reminder, the bill number is SB 237 - An Act Concerning Public Transportation.

Upcoming Session & Public Hearings

The House is BACK IN SESSION Feb. 26th. Our representatives are gearing up to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned for updates!

The public hearing schedule for the week of February 23rd is below. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!

New London and Groton Bills

I hope you will take a moment to read this article published in The Day recently that highlights three New London-specific bills making their way through the legislative process:

HB 5099 - An Act Concerning Funding for Certain Transportation Services - allocates $1 million for New London's Smart Ride door-to-destination ride service
HB 5174 - An Act Concerning Funding for the City of New London for Loss of Taxes on Private Tax-Exempt Property - requires $4 million to be paid to New London to better reflect the lost property tax revenue from the US Coast Guard Academy
HB 5119 - An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for the Lyman Allyn Art Museum in the City of New London - authorizes up to $600,000 in grant money for new roof construction at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum

In addition, there are several Groton-specific bills that have been introduced:

HB 5178 - An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for a Culinary Arts Center at Robert E. Fitch High School in the Town of Groton - provides funding for a culinary arts center at Robert E. Fitch High School
HB 5188 - An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for Construction of the USS Groton Sail Monument - provides funding for the construction of the USS Groton Sail Monument
HB 5196 - An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for the Groton Community Center - provides funding for planning and engineering the Groton Community Center
SB 175 - An Act Authorizing Bonds of the State for Student Housing at the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut - provides funding for student housing at the Avery Point Campus of the University of Connecticut and increase the student population

These bills will have a positive impact on our District, and I will keep pushing these bills until the job is done! I always welcome your feedback, questions or concerns, and it is my honor to work for you.

Access Health CT Enrolls Record Number

A record number of people enrolled in health and dental plans through Access Health CT for the third consecutive year. More than 157,000 residents signed up for coverage during open enrollment, which ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, marking a 4% increase over last year.

Enrollment in dental coverage also reached a new high. Access Health CT now provides dental insurance to more than 19,000 people, representing a 9% increase compared to 2025.

This Open Enrollment Period occurred amid several changes at both the state and federal levels. Despite those shifts, Connecticut achieved record-breaking enrollment, thanks in large part to expanded outreach and education efforts that helped connect more residents with the coverage they need.

The results underscore Connecticut's continued commitment to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for individuals and a families across the state.

Funding for Fresh Foods

CT is making $1.55 million of state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant. The program aims to increase access to locally grown farm products for distribution to food-insecure populations, while also supporting the operations of Connecticut farmers and the state’s overall agricultural economy.

Upcoming Local Events

Mobile Food Pantry
Wednesday, Feb. 25, 4:30-5:30pm
660 Ocean Ave., New London
&
Friday, Feb. 27, 12:30-1:30pm
346 Shennecossett Rd., Groton
Read more here

Black History Month Celebration
Saturday, Feb. 21 at 10am
295 Meridian St., Groton
Read more here

Sincerely,

Dan Gaiewski
State Representative

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State Representative

Dan Gaiewski

Proudly Serving Groton, New London

Session, Fresh Food Funding, and more