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| Since I am a firm believer in liberty and justice for all, I proudly voted to safeguard immigrants within courthouses and promote fair, transparent access to their data in voting for HB8004, a comprehensive bill that passed in both chambers. |
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HB8004 includes the following provisions:
- Parameters for detaining, arresting, or taking a person into custody on courthouse grounds based on a civil offense;
- General prohibitions on people enforcing state or federal laws on state courthouse grounds from wearing a mask or facial coverings, unless medically necessary and approved by court personnel; and
- Restrictions on state and local government agencies from disclosing personal information to federal authorities, except as required by state or federal law, judicial warrant, or court order.
Of note: The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also addressed children's mental health and the creation of a funding mechanism for a firefighters' cancer relief fund.
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From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.
House Bill 8002: An Act Concerning Housing Growth empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs of today and tomorrow. Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth Plans. |
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The bill also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation.
By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.
There’s still more work ahead, but this bill marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find and afford a home in a community they’re proud to call their own. |
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| As I mentioned earlier, we passed legislation on a comprehensive bill that also continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care. |
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Highlights include:
- Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
- New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
- Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
- Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)
Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
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House Bill 8003: An Act Concerning Temporary Adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and Appropriating Funds to Address Reductions in Federal Funding represents the state’s $500 million response to recent federal funding cutbacks.
This funding will fill critical gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Connecticut will not stand by while the federal government undermines support for middle- and low-income families.
It’s important to note that now that the government shutdown has ended, if Connecticut’s $500 million budget reserve fund is not used by July 1, 2026, any remaining funds will automatically be transferred to help pay down the state’s unfunded pension debt. |
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Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.
Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation.
The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history.
This program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state are exciting! |
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