The 2025 legislative session has come to an end. What an honor and privilege it has been to serve the residents of the 100th district! Thank you.
In the House and Senate, we passed a new budget, increasing environmental protections, funding historic investments in special education, and more. I am counting on your support and input to help me continue building a stronger Connecticut for you and all the residents of the state.
PrideFEST kicks off tomorrow in downtown Middletown. I hope to see you there! Please see the details below.
As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...”
Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.
Our budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare.
It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.
This budget stands up for:
HISTORIC NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
$40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of the next two years
$30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
$20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
$10 million in bonding for capital development
$10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
CHILDCARE
Investible trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs
Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid
NONPROFIT PROVIDERS
Access to better health care and nonprofit community providers
$150 million for group homes and nursing homes
More than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers
TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
Targeted, meaningful relief and long-term support for working families
Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
$500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce
Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts
This is a budget that works for the people — one that safeguards essential services, uplifts communities, and lays the foundation for a future where every resident is supported and protected.
Every Connecticut family deserves affordable, high-quality childcare. With the passage of House Priority Bill 5003 and Senate Bill 1, transformative legislation is set to become reality by expanding access, supporting educators, and investing in a stronger future for our children and our economy.
These smart, sustainable investments position Connecticut to lead the nation in delivering affordable, high-quality childcare and establishing universal Pre-K by 2032.
The bills: Provide a Sustainable Investment
Fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment to invest in childcare now and in the future
Lower Costs and Increase Access
Childcare and Pre-K will be free for families in state-funded programs earning up to $100,000 and families making over $100,000 will pay no more than 7% of income
Add 16,000 new childcare and Pre-K slots across the state
Create an online portal to help families find and enroll in programs
Attract and Retain Early Childhood Educators
Pay qualified educators on par with public school teachers
Provide funding for health insurance coverage for educators
This legislation delivers lasting solutions for families, educators, and the economy. Together, these measures provide relief for families, bolster the recruitment and retention of childcare educators, and invest in the construction and renovation of early learning facilities. These bills represent a transformational step forward in Connecticut’s commitment to children and their future.
The House and Senate took bold, bipartisan action to lower electric bills—passing a comprehensive energy reform bill with more than $780 million in savings for ratepayers.
