It was a privilege to return to the Capitol to start the 2026 Legislative Session. This is the 64-day “short session,” which means we are moving at a fast pace to craft and advance legislation that addresses everyday challenges and improves quality of life for people across Connecticut. As we do this work, I am relying on your lived experience and professional expertise to help inform the policies we develop. Your insight is invaluable in shaping legislation that is practical, effective, and truly responsive to the needs of our communities.
How can you participate? Let's start with the easiest method: providing input on my constituent survey! If you still need to fill it out, click here or mail back the paper survey to share your priorities.
Want to weigh in on specific legislation? Supporting or opposing a bill is how we work together to find the best path forward. The legislative process depends on open dialogue — sharing concerns and ideas is how we craft better solutions.
Through this newsletter and on social media, I’ll highlight bills that matter to our community and invite your feedback. The most direct way to make your voice heard is by submitting testimony or speaking at a public hearing, and it’s easier than you might think. Even students regularly participate and testify as part of learning how a bill becomes law right here in Connecticut.
As always, I look forward to receiving your emails with specific questions you may have on legislation, or if you need help figuring out an issue related to the state. And if you like what you read, please forward this email to share with a friend!
| 2026 Legislative Session Is Underway |
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| It was an honor to join my colleagues at the State Capitol to officially launch a new legislative session. We are united thanks to a strong sense of camaraderie and a shared passion to pass impactful legislation that strengthens Connecticut and supports our communities. Over the coming months, I will work diligently on both sides of the aisle in an effort to turn those priorities into action. |
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Last Thursday, House Speaker Matt Ritter invited me to join him for the Pledge of Allegiance in the House Chamber. It was a meaningful honor to take part in this longstanding tradition, which serves as a moment of reflection at the start of our legislative work.
Participating in the Pledge alongside my colleagues is a reminder of the responsibility we share to serve the people of Connecticut with integrity, respect, and a commitment to the democratic values that guide our work each day. |
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| The day before, Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State Address, highlighting Connecticut's continued fiscal responsibility, including progress in paying down long-term pension debt and maintaining a strong financial foundation. |
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Last Thursday, I joined the General Assembly in approving legislation to continue using the Emergency State Response Reserve through the end of the 2027 fiscal year. We passed the bipartisan $500 million fund, created during a special session last year, to swiftly offset federal cuts to vital services that protect our most vulnerable residents.
So far, the state has allocated more than $185 million to vital services, such as health and child care, to help backfill unexpected cuts from Washington. Having access to these funds allows the state to respond to any further unexpected federal changes in a timely manner. |
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Stay Connected &
Participate in Legislative Process |
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The legislative process shouldn’t be a mystery and we need more people like you involved to develop good legislation. Here are some quick links to the resources available for you to follow along and make your voice heard:
- Read summaries of bills from unbiased researchers
- View the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of events including House floor debates
- Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey in the legislative process
- Click here for information on how to testify on a bill in a public hearing
These resources ensure that you are an active participant in our democracy. I’ll also post information on public hearings in my newsletter and on social media to keep you aware of what's happening in Hartford.
If you still wondering what your involvement can do, please watch the video below to learn why your advocacy is so important!
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| Take My Constituent Survey! |
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| You can also participate in the legislative process by taking my constituent survey by clicking on the image below. This is an opportunity for you to share your priorities. Your answers give me critical feedback on how to best represent your interests in Hartford. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. |
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| New Canaan Requests Public Input |
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| The New Canaan Charter Review Commission is asking the community for its thoughts on improving the Town Charter. It outlines the foundation of municipal government including many aspects of daily life including education, health, parks and recreation, and public safety. |
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