Nick Gauthier

This week, the legislature convened in a special session to take up several pressing issues, most notably approving $500 million (HB 8003) to safeguard vital services like food assistance, health care, energy support, housing, and child care in response to federal cuts.

Though the federal government shutdown has ended, the emergency for our neighbors who rely upon school meals, SNAP, WIC and more to feed themselves and their families has not. For seniors who rely upon LIHEAP to heat their homes, especially during winter months, the emergency has not ended. For government workers who have had to pay for childcare, rents, mortgages, and health needs from their own savings while being forced to work without pay, the emergency has not ended. That is why these surplus state dollars are so vitally important to be set aside and used now at a time when many working people and working families across our state are still in the middle of an emergency.

While we hope that the federal government funds vital services for Connecticut families, our state has the responsibility to ensure that no Connecticut resident has to go without basic needs being met.

Addressing the Housing Shortage

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.

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.

During our special session, we voted to approve $390 million in bonding over a five-year period to support capital investments at Waterbury Hospital, as well as Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, which the state is also in talks to acquire. 

With the approval of House Bill 8001: An Act Concerning the University of Connecticut Health Center Joint Venture Initiative, we voted to preserve access to health care at Waterbury Hospital, voting in favor of a $13 million agreement enabling UConn Health to acquire the facility.

This acquisition is structured as a public-private partnership. Under this model, Waterbury Hospital will join the UConn Health network while remaining privately operated. This approach ensures the hospital remains open, protects existing jobs, and strengthens the future of regional health care for those in the community that rely on it.

Through this partnership with UConn Health, we are securing long-term stability for Waterbury Hospital and expanding access to high-quality care for families who deserve it close to home.

Building on our current laws, we affirmed legal rights for immigrants at state courthouses and established clear government limits on the sharing the personal information with federal agents.

The comprehensive bill, HB 8004, 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.

The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also created a funding mechanism for a firefighters cancer relief fund.

We also passed legislation through a comprehensive bill that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.

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 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.

The Holiday Stroller Parade is Dec. 12 at 5:30 p.m. at Arnold Holm Jr. Park (otherwise known as the library duck pond) in Waterford. Decorate your stroller or wagon in holiday lights - as well as yourself. Officer Hodges will accompany you on your stroll around the park while you are adorned by holiday music.

Parking available at the Waterford Public Library, the Waterford Community Center, the Waterford Town Hall, the Waterford Police Station and Waterford High School. 

The Annual Holiday Tree Lighting follows at 6 p.m. on the Jordan Green.