Larry B. Butler

Dear Neighbors,

With the end of the legislative session today, I want to highlight some bills that passed both the House and Senate that are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont. 

First among them is the energy affordability bill, SB 4, which curtails costs to ratepayers -- to the tune of $150 to $200 per year -- through the following ways:

• Supply – Updates to energy procurement strategies ensure utilities buy smarter, locking in savings in a volatile energy market.
• Delivery – Securitizes $1.2 billion in storm costs saves $75.5M/year by smoothing the cost over time instead of hitting ratepayers all at once.
• Transmission – With transmission now 10–11% of your monthly bill, this bill demands better oversight and smarter planning— allowing for control of costs and including mandatory evaluation of GETs and advanced conductors.
• Public Benefits – We're lowering the cost of programs like residential solar, EV charging, and fuel cell procurement through strategic bonding and caps, while still expanding clean energy access.

There are also other direct benefits to ratepayers in the form of grid-enhancing technologies, transmission reform through better planning and transparency, requiring participation in our regional grid, and capping annual costs to lower-income households.

The bill also pays down hundreds of millions of dollars in electric debt to provide relief for ratepayers. 

SB 4 enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support, with just three out of 147 total votes in opposition. We're only getting started on energy reform and this is a good first step. 

This budget includes:

NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

• $40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of next two years
• $30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
• $20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
• $10 million in bonding for capital development
• $10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
• Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut

CHILD CARE

• Investible trust to provide sustainable funding for new child care programs
• Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid

NONPROFIT PROVIDERS

• Access to better health care and nonprofit community providers
• $150 million for groups homes and nursing homes
• More than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers 

TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES

• Targeted, relief and long-term support for working families
• Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
• $500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce
• Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts

It is my deep honor to do this work, to deliver future-forward, values-driven, good policy for the communities across Connecticut, and to represent Waterbury. 

Specifically, the bills:
 
Provide Sustainable Investment in Care

• Fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment to invest in child care now and in the future

Lower Costs and Increase Access

• Child care and Pre-K will be free for families in state-funded programs earning up to $100,000 and families making over $100,000 will pay no more than 7% of income
• Add 16,000 new child care and Pre-K slots across the state
• Create an online portal to help families find and enroll in programs

Attract and Retain Early Childhood Educators

• Pay qualified educators on par with public school teachers
• Provide funding for health insurance coverage for educators   

This legislation delivers lasting solutions for families, educators, and the economy. Together, these measures provide relief for families, bolster recruitment and retention of child care educators, and invest in the construction and renovation of early learning facilities. These bills represent a step forward in Connecticut’s commitment to children and their future.  

The bill:

• Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
• Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
• Reviews DDS investigation policies every 5 years
• Launches statewide autism needs assessment
• Studies future of Southbury Training School
• Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases

Such policies recognize the inherent dignity and potential of every person as we move closer to a future where everyone can participate fully and equally.