House Returns to Session Next Week

February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

The House will be back in session on February 26th. As always, you can follow along at CT-N.com.

Please keep reading for more information on state funding to support Connecticut farmers, a visit to Mazda of Milford, and more!

Touring Mazda of Milford

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to tour Mazda of Milford and meet with their team about key issues impacting local dealerships and customers, including car taxes, conveyance fees, and franchise laws. I’m always grateful for the chance to connect directly with local businesses, especially those that give back and invest in our community!

Funding for Fresh Foods

CT is making $1.55 million of state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant. The program aims to increase access to locally grown farm products for distribution to food-insecure populations, while also supporting the operations of Connecticut farmers and the state’s overall agricultural economy.

Public Hearing Schedule

The public hearing schedule for next week is below. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!

Grant Opportunities from WBDC

The Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Program deadlines are fast approaching.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here. 

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.

ICYMI - AARP Community Challenge Grant Program

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. For more information, please click here.