Robin Comey

I hope this email finds you and your family well. The 2026 Legislative Session officially began on Wednesday, marking a critical period for advancing Connecticut’s priorities. Throughout the session, my colleagues and I will consider a broad range of policy matters impacting our communities, economy, and overall quality of life. With issues such as affordability, education, public safety, health care, and infrastructure before us, the decisions made at the Capitol will carry long-term consequences for residents statewide.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• Emergency Relief Funds
• Stay Informed on the 2026 Legislative Session
• WBDC Ignite & Child Care Business Grant Programs Open
• Severe Cold Weather Protocol Extended
• Community Events

Governor Ned Lamont delivered his State of the State address from the House Chamber, using the occasion to reflect on Connecticut’s steady forward momentum and to outline a vision grounded in fiscal discipline and long-term planning. He underscored the administration’s commitment to responsible budgeting practices, noting that years of careful financial management have begun to pay tangible dividends. Among the most significant achievements, Lamont pointed to substantial progress in addressing the state’s long-standing pension obligations and in building up budget reserves to historically strong levels. These steps, he said, have helped place Connecticut on firmer financial ground, improving its resilience amid economic uncertainty. At the same time, the governor emphasized that fiscal stability is not an end in itself, but a foundation that allows the state to make strategic investments in its people, infrastructure, and future growth.

I joined BH Care and the Options’ program participants for our annual conversation, alongside Representative Moira Rader, Representative Vincent Candelora, and Senator Paul Cicarella. The discussion was thoughtful and productive, and overall reflected a positive experience for participants. Residents highlighted several ongoing barriers to living a more independent life, particularly challenges related to transportation and the rising cost of housing.

BHcare plays a vital role in our community by providing comprehensive behavioral health, prevention, and domestic violence services. Their work helps improve the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities, and these conversations are critical to ensuring programs continue to meet residents’ needs.

I also joined a large group of nonprofit agencies and fellow legislators for a collaborative discussion focused on their current needs and challenges. The conversation highlighted the critical work these organizations do every day, as well as the importance of continued partnership and support to ensure they can effectively serve our communities.

I dropped in on a meeting in Branford with residents of Parkside II, who had gathered for a scheduled discussion with First Selectman Josh Brooks. The conversation focused on ongoing maintenance concerns and expectations surrounding new property management. What stood out most was the open, constructive dialogue I witnessed as a strong and collaborative relationship formed between the new town leader and its residents.

Congratulations to Amy and her wonderful team at Duck Pond Learning Center. They recently received a grant from the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) to build a new Waddler room, expanding their ability to support young learners at a critical stage of development.

We enjoyed an exciting—and delightfully noisy—tour of the center, where we had the chance to meet dedicated teachers and enthusiastic children, while also extending our thanks to the WBDC for their invaluable support of local businesses and early childhood education.

Governor Ned Lamont submitted a supplemental plan to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve in response to federal funding reductions and delays made by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to essential health and human services.

This supplemental plan totals $18.7 million and will be used for:

• Funding to expand the reach of community health workers, who will play a critical role in helping residents understand and navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21 (commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). These workers will provide personalized assistance to help ensure individuals and families remain connected to the benefits they need through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $2,000,000.
• Funding to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services, ensuring the state can successfully implement the eligibility changes required by Public Law 119-21 in the amount of $11,400,000 for the state share of these costs.
• Replace funding for mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $830,000.
• Replace funding for Community School grants for Clifford Beers in New Haven, Waterbury Bridges to Success, and Hartford Public Schools which provide critical wraparound services, including healthcare and childcare, to children and families in these communities through June 30, 2027, in the amount of $4,513,000.

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

The next round of the Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs, offered through the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC), is now open. These grants are designed to support the growth of women-owned businesses.

The Ignite Grant Program provides grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been operating for two or more years and have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants is open through March 18. Click here for additional information on the Ignite Grant Program.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. Grants are available for businesses at various stages, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28. Click here for more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund.

Information sessions for both grant programs will be held throughout the application periods. These sessions will review grant requirements and provide an opportunity for prospective applicants to ask questions. Click here to register for a live information session.

Governor Ned Lamont has once again extended the state’s currently activated Severe Cold Weather Protocol, which will now remain in effect through at least noon on Tuesday, February 10, as a prolonged stretch of brutally frigid temperatures continues across the state.

This is the longest use of the protocol since 2015, when it was in effect for a 34 days from January 26, 2015, to February 28, 2015.

The following locations are serving as warming centers in town. For the most accurate and up-to-date hours of operation, please contact each location directly. You can also call 211 or visit 211ct.org for more assistance.

• Joe Trapasso Community House (Recreation Center), 46 Church Street - (203) 488-8302
• James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main Street - (203) 488-1441
• Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library, 146 Thimble Island Road - (203) 488-8702