Absentee Voting For All & Medical Financing Protections

June 3, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Absentee Ballot Voting For All
  • Medical Credit Card Protections
  • Celebrating the Next Generation of Community Leaders
  • Honoring Leadership & Community Impact
 

Absentee Ballot Voting For All

All eligible voters in Connecticut now have the option of casting a vote via absentee ballot.

The governor signed Public Act 26-42 into law, removing outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. The change takes effect immediately.

Public Act 26-42 does more than provide more opportunities to cast a ballot. It establishes rules on how federal law enforcement can patrol a polling place or other sensitive election sites without permission from state election officials or a court order. It also bans the use of masks unless they’re worn for medical or religious reasons.

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible registered voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal.
Learn more and apply for an absentee ballot

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.
 

Medical Credit Card Protections

We passed a law protecting Connecticut consumers from being pressured into signing up for medical financing, such as medical credit cards, while receiving care.

Public Act 26-6 prevents healthcare providers from advertising or offering third-party financing to patients while they are under anesthesia, receiving treatment, or in medical care areas. Patients must also complete financing applications themselves, ensuring they remain fully in control of their financial decisions.

In addition, the legislation increases transparency by requiring clearer disclosures and limiting co-branding practices that could confuse patients about whether financing products are connected to their healthcare provider.

This law helps ensure patients can focus on their health first while still preserving access to financing options when needed.
 

Celebrating the Next Generation
of Community Leaders

I was proud to celebrate the graduating class from “Lead the Way,” an advocacy and candidate training fellowship dedicated to developing the next generation of community leaders.
Thank you to State Representative Juan Candelaria and the program’s organizers for their commitment to civic engagement, public service, and empowering individuals to make a difference in their communities.

The graduates’ passion, leadership, and willingness to step up and serve are inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will make across Connecticut.
 

Honoring Leadership & Community Impact

Congratulations to State Representative Chris Rosario and business leader Deborah Caviness on winning the 2026 P.T. Barnum Leadership Award. This well-deserved recognition honors their outstanding commitment to equity, advocacy, and strengthening the Bridgeport community through service and leadership.
Both Chris and Deborah have worked tirelessly to uplift others, build connections, and create opportunities that make a lasting difference in people’s lives. Their dedication to community building and public service reflects the very spirit of leadership that this award represents.

Seeing colleagues and community leaders making such a meaningful impact is truly inspiring and motivates me to continue working hard to deliver positive change for the people of Waterbury.
 

Support for Our Dairy Farmers

The state is committing $22.5 million from our Federal Cuts Response Fund to support Connecticut’s dairy farmers. Many small, family-owned businesses, including those in the Naugatuck Valley, are working hard to stay afloat amid federally set milk prices that often favor large corporate operations over our local farms.
 
This investment will help protect jobs and ensure our communities continue to have access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced food. When we support our farmers, we strengthen our food supply chain and our economy at the same time.

I was proud to support the creation of the Federal Cuts Response Fund during a special session last year to help stabilize Connecticut’s economy in the face of federal uncertainty. This is exactly why we established the fund.