Roland Lemar

The 2026 Legislative Session officially began on Wednesday, marking a critical period for advancing Connecticut’s priorities. Throughout the session, my colleagues and I will consider a broad range of policy matters impacting our communities, economy, and overall quality of life. With issues such as affordability, education, public safety, health care, and infrastructure before us, the decisions made at the Capitol will carry long-term consequences for residents statewide.

Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State address from the House Chamber, using the occasion to reflect on Connecticut’s steady forward momentum and to outline a vision grounded in fiscal discipline and long-term planning. He underscored the administration’s commitment to responsible budgeting practices, noting that years of careful financial management have begun to pay tangible dividends. Among the most significant achievements, Lamont pointed to substantial progress in addressing the state’s long-standing pension obligations and in building up budget reserves to historically strong levels. These steps, he said, have helped place Connecticut on firmer financial ground, improving its resilience amid economic uncertainty. At the same time, the governor emphasized that fiscal stability is not an end in itself, but a foundation that allows the state to make strategic investments in its people, infrastructure, and future growth.

Governor Ned Lamont submitted a supplemental plan to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve in response to federal funding reductions and delays made by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to essential health and human services.

This supplemental plan totals $18.7 million and will be used for:

• Funding to expand the reach of community health workers, who will play a critical role in helping residents understand and navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21 (commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). These workers will provide personalized assistance to help ensure individuals and families remain connected to the benefits they need through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $2,000,000.
• Funding to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services, ensuring the state can successfully implement the eligibility changes required by Public Law 119-21 in the amount of $11,400,000 for the state share of these costs.
• Replace funding for mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $830,000.
• Replace funding for Community School grants for Clifford Beers in New Haven, Waterbury Bridges to Success, and Hartford Public Schools which provide critical wraparound services, including healthcare and childcare, to children and families in these communities through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $4,513,000.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

The next round of the Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs, offered through the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), is now open. These grants are designed to support the growth of women-owned businesses.

The Ignite Grant Program provides grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been operating for two or more years and have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants is open through March 18. Click here for additional information on the Ignite Grant Program.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. Grants are available for businesses at various stages, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28. Click here for more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund.

Information sessions for both grant programs will be held throughout the application periods. These sessions will review grant requirements and provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions. Click here to register for a live information session.

Governor Ned Lamont has once again extended the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will now remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, as a prolonged stretch of brutally frigid temperatures continues across the state.

This is the longest use of the protocol since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34 days from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

Please be reminded that warming centers throughout the Greater New Haven area are available for individuals and families in need. These locations provide a safe, heated space during extreme cold conditions.

Click here for more information and to register. for the Internship & Career Fair.

New Haven is kicking off its America 250 moment. More than 60 free events and exhibitions will be rolling out across 2026 to mark the nation's 250th anniversary. The lineup highlights local history, centers diverse voices, and invites reflection on democracy and civic life.

Expect a downtown-focused mix of art installations, talks, film screenings, historical tours, museum programming, and community gatherings Early highlights include programming at the Yale University Art Gallery on Chapel Street and events at the New Haven Free Public Library, with more added throughout the year. 

Click here to view the calendar of events scheduled so far.