Update 11.14: Special Session in the Books

November 14, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

We accomplished quite a bit during our Special Session on Wednesday, and the Senate followed suit on Thursday. 

I think both chambers did a lot of good for Connecticut residents this week, from addressing our housing crisis to strengthening children's behavioral health, to preventing ICE overreach at our courthouses, and more. 

Please scroll down to take a look at the work we did.

Also, I want to thank so many of you who donated and/or helped out at our Community Food Pantry Kickoff! Please don't hesitate to donate now if you can.

I included a list of items we're hoping to collect before the big Community Food Pantry Pop-UP on Wednesday, at Cross Street Church, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please see the details below.

I hope you have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Kai Belton
State Representative

 
Addressing our Housing Crisis

From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

House Bill 8002: An Act Concerning Housing Growth empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs of today and tomorrow.

Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local Housing Growth 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.

By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.

There’s still more work ahead, but this bill marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find and afford a home in a community they’re proud to call their own.
 
Wins for Children's Behavioral Health Care 

HB8004, is a comprehensive bill that passed in both chambers, continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care. 

Highlights include:

  • Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
  • New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
  • Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
  • Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)  

Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
 
New $500 Million Emergency Fund 

House Bill 8003: An Act Concerning Temporary Adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and Appropriating Funds to Address Reductions in Federal Funding represents the state’s $500 million response to recent federal funding cutbacks.

This funding will fill critical gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Connecticut will not stand by while the federal government undermines support for middle- and low-income families.

It’s important to note that now that the government shutdown has ended, if Connecticut’s $500 million budget reserve fund is not used by July 1, 2026, any remaining funds will automatically be transferred to help pay down the state’s unfunded pension debt.
 
Preventing ICE Overreach 

I proudly voted to safeguard immigrants within courthouses and promote fair, transparent access to their data in voting for the comprehensive bill HB8004.

HB8004 includes the following provisions:

  • Parameters for detaining, arresting, or taking a person into custody on courthouse grounds based on a civil offense;
  • General prohibitions on people enforcing state or federal laws on state courthouse grounds from wearing a mask or facial coverings, unless medically necessary and approved by court personnel; and
  • Restrictions on state and local government agencies from disclosing personal information to federal authorities, except as required by state or federal law, judicial warrant, or court order.

Of note: The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also addressed children's mental health and the creation of a funding mechanism for a firefighters' cancer relief fund.
 
Early Start CT Expands 

Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.

Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation.

The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history.

This program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state are exciting!
 
Heating Bill Assistance

During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, East Hartford and Manchester are partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter. 

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season.

There is a plan for everyone, including:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):

  • Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211. 

Energy Efficiency: 

  • Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.  

Winter Protection:

  • If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.

To find the right options for you, click HERE to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
 
Food Pantry Pop Up is Wednesday

We came together as a community to collect food for families who need a little extra support right now, and wow, you all showed up with so much love.

There is still time to donate before the Community Food Pantry Pop-Up on Wednesday @ Cross Street Church in Middletown. Please feel free to drop off items at the church until then, including:

  • Canned Goods
  • Pasta & Pasta Sauce
  • Cereal, Oatmeal, Rice
  • Granola Bars
  • Mayo, Ketchup, and Mustard
  • Boxed Mashed Potatoes
  • White Potatoes
  • Sweet Potatoes
  • Juice

Please note that on the day of the pop-up, please consider donating chicken and turkeys, fresh fruit, and fresh vegetables.

Thank you: 
Middlesex United Way
City of Middletown, Connecticut
Community Health Center, Inc.
Councilwoman Blackwell
Shanay N. Fulton
Ministerial Health Fellowship
and all the other wonderful individuals who donated their time or items. It takes a village!l

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