Legislative Update 2.20

February 20, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

I wanted to bring to your attention a few important events coming up soon, including the CT Freedom Trail Designation for Q. Williams on Wednesday. I hope to see you for that one, and the others I've listed below.

We've been hosting public hearings and attending committee meetings for the most part since opening the 2026 legislative session on February 4th. We voted to extend emergency relief funding to help CT following unprecedented federal cuts from Washington. Our next session day is Thursday. You can check it out on CT.N.

Fresh food, especially within our food-insecure communities, is getting a boost in funding! That's good news.

I hope you have a good weekend,

Sincerely,

Kai Belton
State Representative

 
Sunday: Post Partum Care & Connection

This is the first of a two-part series focused on connection and healing, with a follow-up session in the spring to provide additional resources and ongoing support.

Supplemental resources will be available through Lucinda’s House.

Click HERE to register. 
 
A Distinction for Q: We're Getting Closer

I hope to see you on Wednesday.

You won't want to miss this!
 
Upcoming: Women's HerStory Month

I'll team up with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz again next month...
 
And Looking Ahead to May...

This is a signature event for me. It is impactful and has been very well-attended. Let's keep it going! I hope to see you at the Capitol on May 1st. More details will be coming. Stay tuned.
 
Emergency Relief Fund Extended 

We voted to extend the state’s Emergency Response Fund that shields Connecticut from federal funding cuts and protects vital health and human services for our communities.

Amid chaos and uncertainty, this fund will be available through the end of the next fiscal year to quickly respond to additional federal funding reductions.
 
Tracking Bills on CGA Website 

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
  • Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

         Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 
 
Earned Income Tax Credit 

Connecticut increased its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to 40% of the federal credit for the 2024-2025 tax year, providing a significant, refundable tax boost to low-income working families. Eligible residents must file a state income tax return and claim the credit to receive it.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or Earned Income Credit (EIC), is a tax benefit for working people with low or moderate incomes. The EITC/EIC is designed to reduce the tax burden on eligible income workers and to supplement their wages.

Workers who qualify for the EIC and file a federal tax return can have some or all the federal income tax that was taken out of their pay during the year refunded to them. Workers whose earnings are too small to have paid taxes can also obtain an EITC/EIC. The EITC/EIC also reduces any additional taxes eligible workers may owe.

Workers who raised children must file Form 1040 and must fill out and attach Schedule EIC to be eligible for the tax credit. Married workers must file a joint return to get the EITC/EIC. These workers write “EIC” (or the dollar amount of their credit) on the Earned Income Credit line on the tax form. They do not need to file Schedule EIC. Schedule EIC forms can be obtained by mail or downloaded from the website of the IRS: https://www.irs.gov/. Forms can also be obtained at libraries, post offices, and local IRS offices.

These calculations are for the 2025 IRS Tax Schedule filing for the 2026 Tax Year - click HERE.
 
SLR Program Good News

The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year.

Since launching its first grant round in January 2025, the program has awarded more than $2.2 million in reimbursements to borrowers statewide.

Eligible applicants can apply for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum reimbursement of $20,000 over four years. Under the program, a new grant round launches each year, providing reimbursements for payments made during the preceding calendar year.

Eligible applicants may qualify if they:

  • Are Connecticut residents and meet program residency requirements
  • Made qualifying student loan payments during the 2025 calendar year
  • Earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification
  • Meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers
  • Completed required community service or qualified for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances

Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants need to complete an application and upload required documentation. Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Click here for application instructions. Questions regarding the program and the application process can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
 
Funding for Fresh Food

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.
 

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