New Session Opens

February 6, 2026



 

 

The session opened on Wednesday this week and we immediately got to work.

Our first priority was to extend the emergency funding set aside to respond in real time to reckless and unanticipated federal cuts. We made this decision to ensure that Connecticut families and individuals are protected and made whole in their homes and schools regardless of federal actions.

Please take a moment to watch the comments I made on the House floor in support of extending the fund through the 2027 fiscal year.

Arguments were made that the emergency need is over. Yet, as this federal administration has shown time and time again over the course of just one year, decisions that negatively affect millions of people -- often our vulnerable residents -- are made rashly without care or consideration of the devastating impacts. The funding my colleagues and I set aside in November is still needed so our state can act quickly to ensure our residents are not harmed by capriciousness from D.C.
 
 

Start of the Session

This is a short session, meaning we adjourn in early May. While it feels like it's a long way off, the time frame is more like a legislative sprint than a marathon.

That said, I look forward to working on legislation that provides systemic improvements to residents of the 38th District and the entire state.

My priorities include protecting our civil rights, improving affordability in the state (including housing and utility costs), providing universal free school meals to K-12 students and bolstering worker job protections.
 

Pre-Session Conversation

I hosted a pre-session conversation with Sen. Martha Marx at Victoria Gardens in Waterford on Jan. 26. 

In addition to sharing their concerns about their increased costs of living, residents also discussed housing and how to address homelessness. It was a meaningful discussion and a terrific event.
 

Cold Weather Protocol Extended

The extreme cold snap and snow on the ground this week won’t be going away any time soon. The state’s Severe Cold Weather Protocol has been extended through Monday, Feb. 10, an extension from its initial end date of January 28. This is because bitter cold will remain in the state for the next week, with overnight temperatures hitting single digits and wind chills driving temperatures below zero. This is expected to be the longest enactment of the cold weather protocol in more than a decade. Anyone needing shelter or support from the cold can call 2-1-1 or visit 211ct.org for help.
 

Tax Fraud Alert

With tax season officially underway, the state Departments of Consumer Protection and Revenue Services are warning the public about fraudulent tax professional scams that attempt to steal users’ financial information. 

Tips

  • A CPA must have an active license to file taxes;
  • ask for recommendations, confirm an accountant’s credentials,
  • read reviews and be sure to know their Preparer Tax Identification Number when hiring a professional.
  • Signs of fraud can include asking an individual to sign a blank return; promises of fast or massive refunds; a lack of communication; and a lack of providing a PTIN or CPA license number.

Click here for more details.
 

Waterford Memory Cafe

The Waterford Public Library and Waterford Senior Services will launch a Memory Café weekly series of events on Fridays through March 27 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Memory Cafes are designed to be welcoming social gatherings for individuals living with cognitive changes or dementia, at any stage, with an accompanying care partner. Activities will include sing-alongs, creative engagement, reading and conversation, with refreshments provided. The program is free and open to the public but registration is required – call 860-444-5839 if interested.

Montville Valentine's Event

Montville Parks and Recreation is hosting a free Valentine’s Day craft event Saturday, Feb. 7 at 1 p.m., at the Community Center at Fair Oaks. Children ages 2-12 can participate and create crafts to give to someone special. Call 860-848-6780 or email Pbushway@montville-ct.org. The event is limited to the first 50 who register.

Waterford Blood Drive

There will be a blood drive in the Waterford Town Hall auditorium on Friday, Feb. 20, from noon to 5 p.m. Donors will receive a $20 gift card. 

For an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org or call: 800- RED CROSS (800-733-2767) keyword: WaterfordCT
 

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 860-240-8727 or by email at Nick.Gauthier@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

Sincerely,



Nick Gauthier, MPA
38th District -- Waterford, Montville

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