Capitol Update March 7, 2025

March 7, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

As you may have heard, the legislature returned to session last week and voted a second time to provide $40 million for special education and $2.8 million for nonprofit organizations facing funding cuts or being targeted by the federal government. The Governor had vetoed similar bills passed the previous week out of concern that they were an attempt to bypass the state’s constitutional cap on spending. The new bills specifically appropriates this spending to the $300 million in interest that the state earned on unspent federal pandemic funds. The Governor has now signed these bills into law. 

The legislature’s select committee on special education is focused on addressing the increasing cost of special education in a more comprehensive manner and will require additional work. Another challenging cost the legislature is focused on is rising cost of childcare. For more on that, please see the summary below on House Bill 5003, AN ACT CONCERNING THE EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUND.

Speaking of youngsters, on Monday of last week, I had the pleasure of spending time with kindergarten and first grade students at Lincoln-Bassett School in Newhallville as part of “Read Across America Week.” Storytime with these young students was super fun and a great reminder of importance of increased investments that we need to make their growth and development.

As always, feel free to call me at (860) 240-8500, text my cell at (203) 903-4342, or email me at Steve.Winter@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.
 
Sincerely,

Steve Winter
State Representative
 

Capitol Update
 

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.
 
Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.
 

Make Sure to get your REAL ID!

Make sure to get your REAL ID! The TSA just set a deadline for federal enforcement of REAL ID requirements.

Starting on May 7, only state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards that meet the security requirements established by the REAL ID Act will be allowed for official purposes, including boarding commercial aircraft. 

If your driver’s license has the gold star in the top right corner, like the ID pictured above, then you already have a REAL ID. 

All states are issuing REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and identification cards. Make sure you get a REAL ID-compliant state-issued driver’s license, state-issued identification card or another form of acceptable ID before the deadline to avoid delays at airport security checkpoints.
Click here for more information on getting a REAL ID
 

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know we are here for you. Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers in the state are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time. Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
 

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