Updates from State Rep. Gregg Haddad for Feb. 2, 2026

February 2, 2026

I joined hundreds of state legislators from across the country in signing a letter supporting the people of Minnesota following the killing of two people at the hands of federal immigration agents.

Please take a moment to read the statement below:

We, the undersigned state legislators from across this country, contend we are at a decisive moment in our nation’s history. For a nation founded 250 years ago on the basic and fundamental principles of freedom, liberty, and inalienable rights, having armed masked federal agents on our streets engaging in a campaign of wanton destruction threatens to destroy these foundational values that underpin our democracy.

We are stepping into extraordinarily dangerous territory in this country and have reached an unimaginable point where ICE and Border Patrol agents have now, twice within one month, killed US citizens on camera while the federal government tells us not to believe our own eyes.

Further, the vast majority of ICE arrests in our cities and suburbs are of those with no criminal record, while due process and search and seizure rights guaranteed by our constitution are not just being violated daily: chillingly, these violations are officially sanctioned by leaked Department of Homeland Security memos.

We stand with the people of Minnesota and demand that ICE and Border Patrol leave Minnesota immediately.

We demand a full and independent investigation into the shootings and deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, as well as others over the last year.

Finally, we demand the restoration of our American values and principles to our federal government, an end to the abductions and killings, an end to the occupation of our towns and cities, and an end to Congressional funding for ICE.

Major Legislative Priorities

The legislative session begins this Wednesday (Feb. 4). As legislative co-chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I'm focusing on the following priorities:

Initiatives to Improve College Affordability (including proposals to expand the role of the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority [CHESLA] in providing loans to graduate students)
Support for Promise Programs Across the State
Improving DCF Child Welfare Oversight
Education Grant Funding
Affordability in the State
Elections, including No-Excuse Absentee Balloting

For more information on likely issues to be considered this session, please visit here.

I'm look forward to continue to serve the 54th District and deliver results for Mansfield residents.

Severe Cold Weather Protocol

The severe weather protocol continues through Wednesday at noon. This frigid period has delivered some of the coldest temperatures we've experienced this winter season, especially during the overnight hours when temperatures have gotten into the single digits, and wind chills dipped below zero.

The purpose of the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations.

Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Taste 2 Towns

The fifth-annual Taste 2 Towns continues through Feb. 8.

This popular event highlights local restaurants and their most delicious dishes in the two communities. Get more information about participating restaurants and menus here.

Valentine's Dance

Please see the flyer below for the annual free Valentines Dance, which is scheduled for Feb. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m.

The deadline to register has passed, but walk-ins may be permitted based on space.

Storrs Winter Farmers Market

Storrs Winter Farmers Market offers Mansfield and its neighbors access to fresh, locally-grown foods all through the winter.

The Winter Market is open twice a month through April from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Buchanan Auditorium in the Mansfield Public Library. The next one is this Saturday, Feb. 7.