Last week, both the House and Senate convened at the State Capitol for a special legislative session to address a number urgent and critical issues impacting Connecticut residents.

With the uncertainty and chaos created by the current Congress in Washington as well as the massive funding cuts to states imposed by the Trump administration, we passed bipartisan legislation to help offset reductions in federal programs that directly affect Connecticut.

An Act Concerning Temporary Adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and Appropriating Funds to Address Reductions in Federal Funding (HB 8003) allocates $500 million to help deal with recent federal cutbacks.

Specifically, this funding will help low and middle-income families by filling gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

Though the recent government shutdown has ended, much uncertainty remains. It is also important to note that if the new $500 million budget reserve fund is not used by July 1, 2026, any remaining balance will be transferred to help pay down the state’s unfunded long-term pension debt.

Whether you are a retiree looking to downsize, or a young professional or family in need of an affordable rental, Connecticut residents share the common challenge of finding a place to live they can afford.

An Act Concerning Housing Growth (HB 8002) empowers towns to plan for responsible growth to meet future housing needs. The bill is a result of discussions with municipal leaders, regional councils, Democrat and Republican legislators and Governor Lamont, and establishes a collaborative and practical framework to create local housing plans.

The bill also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation.

Overall, it strengthens the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create more vibrant, inclusive communities. Though there is still more work ahead, this is a major step forward in expanding housing opportunities to help ensure every Connecticut resident can find an affordable place to live.

In addition, we approved $390 million in bonding to support capital investments at Waterbury Hospital, as well as Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, which the state is in talks to acquire.

An Act Concerning the University of Connecticut Health Center Joint Venture Initiative (HB 8001) also specifically enables UConn Health to acquire Waterbury Hospital. Under a public-private partnership, Waterbury Hospital will join the UConn Health network while remaining privately operated, ensuring the hospital remains open, protects existing jobs, and strengthens the future of health care in the region.

Lastly, we passed legislation through a comprehensive bill (HB 8004) that builds on House Democrats’ commitment to improving children’s behavioral health care through a stronger, more coordinated system.

Highlights include:

• A Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
• A New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
• Requiring Insurance companies to now cover autism treatments, including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy, up to age 26