Let's Talk About It: Gov. Lamont Discusses Early Childhood & Education Funding

April 23, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Gov. Ned Lamont
  • Session Highlights
  • Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  • Launching the Diabetes Caucus
  • Invitation to Benefit Concert
 

Let's Talk About It: Gov. Ned Lamont
We have a terrific and wide-ranging conversation with Governor Ned Lamont on the latest episode of “Let’s Talk About It.” From early childhood education and school funding to health access, we covered the issue that matter most to Connecticut families. Here’s a quick recap:

Early Childhood Care & Education:

Governor Lamont made clear that investing in early childhood remains a top priority. After we laid the foundation with last year’s Early Childhood Endowment, he believes we must keep building on that momentum to expand access and affordability. The goal is to eventually offer universal pre-K to families making less than $100,000.

Education Funding:

The governor discussed his proposal to dedicate a significant portion of a $500 million affordability fund to support local school districts this fiscal year. He is developing a commission to come up with a long-term strategy.

One major idea under review is shifting the responsibility for special education costs from municipalities to the state. This move could bring meaningful relief to communities following last year’s nearly $300 million increase in annual special education funding.

I also credit the governor for establishing debt-free community in Connecticut. The initiative has opened doors for students in Windam. We are seeing more students pursuing higher education, including enrolling right here at Quinebaug Valley Community College. Opportunities like these create pathways to institutions like UConn.

Access to Health Care:

We also discussed the importance of protecting and expanding access to affordable, high-quality health care. A promising partnership is in the works between Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam and UConn Health, which has the potential to be a game changer in Eastern Connecticut.

Additionally, more residents are enrolling in coverage through Access Health CT, thanks in part to the state setting aside funding for subsidies to help lower costs for families.

Remembering a Community Leader:

In the second half of the show, Mayor Tom DeVivo, Windham Town Councilmember Bill Sayers, my co-host Dennis O’Brien, and I shared fond memories of the late former State Representative Walter Pawelkiewicz. He was a beloved public servant, a champion for Windham, and a visionary whose legacy continues to shape our community.

Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show!
Discussing education, early childhood care, and more with Gov. Ned Lamont. 
 

Session Highlights

This week, the House advanced legislation that will make a meaningful difference in Windham and across the state.

One important measure is House Bill 5044, which makes vaccines more accessible, more affordable, and it will keep our communities healthier. This bill helps ensure that families can stay up to date on recommended immunizations, protecting children, seniors, and vulnerable residents.

In the past, Connecticut's vaccine policies and standards were tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC). Unfortunately, the CDC has recently abandoned its standing as the premier resource of medicine and science guidelines.

Our bill seeks to update Connecticut's vaccine policies, so they are based on science, not political agendas. The bill will:

  • Allow the Connecticut Department of Public Health to promote COVID and flu vaccines
  • Require private insurance companies to cover the cost of your vaccinations
  • Allow Connecticut to buy vaccines from suppliers other than the CDC
  • Establish an adult vaccine program for uninsured and under-insured individuals
  • Tighten loopholes around unvaccinated children and public schools

Keeping vaccination rates strong is one of the most effective ways we can safeguard public health, reduce preventable illness, and support healthier communities statewide.
Speaking with Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey,
House Chair of the Public Health Committee

Connecticut House Democrats also passed legislation to make sure our 2026 elections are free and fair. We took steps to:

  • Modernize our absentee ballot laws and vote counting procedures
  • Create more safeguards to ensure your vote counts
  • Protect our elections from corrupt outside forces

Additionally, we’ll empower the Attorney General to prevent people from interfering with our elections, among other provisions.

The House also advanced House Bill 5350, a measure that makes important updates to Connecticut’s cannabis laws to reflect changes in the industry. 

The legislation would raise THC limits on certain products, including cannabis flower and infused beverages. The change aligns potency rules with neighboring states to stay competitive.

The measure also supports the growth of cannabis retailers, such as Fine Fettle in Willimantic, by allowing certain out-of-state medical cannabis patients to purchase in Connecticut.

The Senate has until May 6 to act on these measures.
 

Launching the Diabetes Caucus

I am proud to help launch the Diabetes Caucus, a bipartisan legislative effort focused on raising awareness and advancing meaningful policies to address diabetes in our state.

This caucus will provide an opportunity to collaborate among lawmakers, medical professionals, advocates, and members of the community as wo work together to strengthen prevention, improve access to affordable care and medication, and achieve better health outcomes for those living with diabetes.

I invite you to join us on Zoom this Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to learn more about our goals.
Click here to be part of the conversation

I will include a recording of our call in next week’s e-blast so you can stay informed and engaged.
 

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

You have an opportunity to safely and responsively remove expired and unwanted medication from your home.

The Willimantic Police Department and the Windham Prevention Coalition are participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25 at Jillson Square (533 Main Street).

This event is free and open to all residents who want to dispose of medications anonymously with no questions asked. Please review the flyer below for details on which items will be accepted.

In case you are not in town on Saturday, another collection site will be open at the same time at the Mansfield Community Center (10 South Eagleville Road). 
 

Invitation to Benefit Concert

You’re welcome to listen to live music from local musicians at the Bread Box Theater. Bob Bloom is opening for Cafe Trio starting at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 26 at 220 Valley Street. Tickets start at $20, and all proceeds support Covenant Soup Kitchen and The Community Food Pantry Cooperative.

The Bread Box is committed to fighting hunger and food insecurity in our community by providing a welcoming space for live folk, acoustic, and roots music performances.