Returning to Session & Funding for Waterbury Bridge To Success

February 2, 2026

My colleagues and I are preparing for the start of the new legislative session. Please keep scrolling to see how you can follow the action online on Wednesday.

One order of business in the House Chamber will be approving the continued use of the state's emergency response fund to offset federal cuts. I'll detail how that fund is already supporting Waterbury in a big way.

If you rely on SNAP benefits, the timing of your payments is about to change. I’ll explain when you can expect them under Connecticut’s new law.

These are the sections in today's email:

  • Returning to Session This Week
  • Emergency Funding for Waterbury Bridges to Success
  • Changes with SNAP Benefits

 
 

Returning to Session This Week
The House is back in session starting Wednesday, February 4 at the State Capitol. My colleagues and I are gearing up for a busy legislative season to pass critical bills through May 6. During the short session, individual legislators are limited to proposing bills related to budget, revenue, or finance, while committees can raise bills on any topic. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates!
 
Legislative Session
 

Emergency Funding for
Waterbury Bridges to Success

Governor Ned Lamont is tapping into the bipartisan Emergency Response Reserve once again to make up for critical losses in federal funding and ensure essential services continue across Connecticut. While this new allocation will support communities statewide, the 75th District is receiving meaningful investment to help our neighbors.

Waterbury Bridge to Success will receive funding to restore vital wraparound services to children and families through June 2027. This support will cover critical needs like health care, child care, and family support services, resources that make a real difference in helping families thrive.

Waterbury Bridge to Success is dedicated to empowering local children, youth, and families to succeed in school, careers, and life. The organization focuses on early childhood education, third-grade literacy, high school graduation, and college and career readiness.

 

 

The governor's $18.7 million supplemental funding plan also includes support for several other essential initiatives across the state, including:

  • $ 2 million to expand the impact of community health workers who will help residents navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility. This funding ensures individuals and families stay connected to benefits through June 2027
  • Nearly $11.5 million for Department of Social Services system upgrades to implement the new federal eligibility changes
  • Approximately $4.5 million to sustain Community School grants for Waterbury Bridge to Success, Clifford Beers in New Haven, and Hartford Public Schools
  • $830,000 to continue mental health counseling services in Northwest Connecticut schools through EdAdvance

These investments are funded through the bipartisan $500 million Emergency Response Reserve that we approved during a special session in November. This tool will protect families and communities when federal support falls short.
 

Changes with SNAP Benefits

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring the state to spread out when it loads SNAP benefits throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. This change will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience. You will find more information in the graphic below.