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Dear Neighbor,
I hope this message finds you and your family well! Thank you to the New Britain residents who have connected with me over the last several weeks. Below, you can read more about my Summer Listening Session upcoming dates, find updates and announcements from the Capitol, and much more:
- Summer Listening Sessions
- Bill Signing for AI Protections
- Batterson Park Tour
- Additional SNAP Funding
- CT Early Childhood Education Endowment Investment
- Medical Debt Erased
- Celebrating Pride Month
- New Britain Senior Health Fair
As always, thank you for staying engaged, and if you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 860-240-8585 or Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov.
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| Summer Listening Sessions |
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I am holding Summer Listening Sessions as a chance to connect with community members on the issues that matter most to them and to discuss legislation passed during the legislative session.
Thank you to the D'Amato Apartment tenants who came to the first Summer Listening Session I hosted with Senator Lopes. It was an engaging conversation, hearing about the real issues our neighbors face every day. I am looking forward to continuing this conversation with more residents at future listening sessions. |
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Join us for our next Summer Listening Sessions on June 12th at the Graham Apartments and on June 19th at the Ribicoff Apartments. I want to hear from you about what's impacting our community. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and discuss legislation.
Listening Session Schedule:
- Friday, June 12th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Graham Apartments (107 Martin Luther King Dr.)
- Friday, June 19th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ribicoff Apartments (67 Martin Luther King Dr.)
I hope to see you there!
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| Governor Lamont Signs SB 5 Into Law |
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This week, I joined the AI Caucus and Governor Lamont to sign Senate Bill 5 into law. SB 5, An Act Concerning Online Safety, AKA the C.A.R.T. Act, ensures transparency and responsibility with Artificial Intelligence systems. AI is already affecting our economy, workplaces, online platforms, and the information Connecticut residents encounter every day. SB 5 responds to the new reality of AI through targeted protections, transparency for consumers, and system accountability.
The C.A.R.T. Act creates clear standards for powerful AI systems, while preparing Connecticut’s residents, workers, students, small businesses, public agencies, and institutions for the AI-driven world we are living in now and in the future.
It is our state’s responsibility to take action to set clear expectations, and this week we signed this bill into law, ensuring residents of all ages, but especially our children, are protected from harmful AI practices.
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On Thursday, I toured Batterson Park with Speaker Ritter, Mayor Sanchez, Senator Lopes, Representative DeFronzo, and other state and local leaders from the New Britain, Farmington, and Hartford area.
Batterson Park is located on the New Britain-Farmington town line and is currently owned by the City of Hartford. This park has been closed for over a decade, but could open as soon as July 4th as an outdoor community space for residents in the area. The park will have waterfront hiking trails, kayak and canoe boat launch access, and a splash pad and playscape for children.
I am thrilled this park is set to reopen and will be another great outdoor space for residents to enjoy. The newly built park facilities and grounds are incredible and a great addition to the community.
We have heard residents' concerns about the proposed travel center on nearby land and have discussed options and potential next steps if this deal doesn't go through. We are committed to keeping this land as open space and ensuring it can be used by the community for generations.
Thank you, Speaker Ritter, for securing $10 million in state funding in 2021, which helped to revive this park and create the space it is today. I hope you all can enjoy Batterson Park this summer and spend time exploring local nature and open spaces.
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| $8.5 Million for SNAP Benefits |
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Governor Lamont has announced a plan to allocate $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent federal rule changes.
Under the proposal, eligible individuals who have lost SNAP eligibility due to new federal work requirements will receive a one-time grocery assistance card to purchase food at participating grocery stores. In addition, applicants will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.
The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to residents facing food insecurity while helping families navigate changes to federal benefit programs. As the cost of groceries continues to place pressure on household budgets, this assistance will help ensure that vulnerable residents can continue to access nutritious food and meet their basic needs.
Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established in late 2025 to help the state respond quickly and effectively to federal policy changes and funding reductions that impact residents. This proposal marks the fourth plan submitted by Governor Lamont to legislative leaders for the use of the fund since its creation, demonstrating Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during times of economic uncertainty and transition. |
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| Investing in Early Childhood Education |
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This week, Governor Lamont announced an additional investment of approximately $320 million into Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment.
Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers.
Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.
This historic investment reflects Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities while providing meaningful financial relief for working families and strengthening the early childhood workforce for generations to come.
Click here for more information on the endowment. |
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| Additional Medical Debt Erased for 97,000 Connecticut Residents |
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More than 97,000 Connecticut residents can expect to receive letters beginning this week notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated.Medical debt places a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut. This marks the fourth round of the state's medical debt relief initiative, which provides meaningful assistance to qualifying residents who are struggling to pay outstanding medical bills. Since the program launched in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt cancelled, helping families regain financial stability and peace of mind.Residents whose medical debt has been forgiven will receive a letter through the mail in an Undue Medical Debt-branded envelope featuring the Connecticut state seal. These notifications are legitimate and do not require any action on the recipient's part.Governor Lamont will continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to provide additional relief throughout this year. To support this effort, the Governor and the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation making $6.5 million in federal ARPA funding available for the initiative through 2026.This program continues to demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to easing financial hardship for residents and ensuring that unexpected medical expenses do not become a long-term obstacle to economic security.Click here to read the full release from the governor's office.
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June is Pride Month! Let’s celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, dignity, and opportunity for all.
During the 2026 legislative session, we strengthened protections against hate crimes and expanded access to fertility care for LGBTQ+ couples and individuals. While other states have moved backward, Connecticut continues to protect access to care, defend against discrimination, and ensure that everyone can live, love, work, and raise a family with the freedom and respect they deserve. |
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| New Britain Senior Health Fair |
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| The New Britain Senior Health Fair, hosted by the City of New Britain and the New Britain Health Department, will take place next Wednesday, June 10th, from 9 am to 1 pm, at the New Britain Senior Center. |
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Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 860-240-8585 or email me at Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov
Sincerely,
Iris Sꞻnchez |
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