Anthony Nolan

This week I joined my colleagues to support a new plan that strengthens the Education Cost Sharing program, the state's leading grant to local school districts. The plan redirects between $100-$170 million from our state's surpluses to flow back to cities and towns for education funding.

This proposal would prevent cities and towns from having to increase property taxes to cover the rising cost of education. It is our responsibility to make sure all children in Connecticut receive a proper education and learning environment, and this proposal goes a long way toward achieving that goal.

Last week, the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee advanced a series of important bills focused on strengthening support for our veterans, service members, and military families. The legislation addresses a wide range of issues, including protecting veterans from predatory benefits claim services, providing tax relief for military funeral honor guard members and disabled veterans, and ensuring municipalities are reimbursed for veteran-related property tax exemptions.

Other bills focus on expanding housing and food assistance for veterans in need, improving training for veterans’ service officers and municipal providers, supporting workforce pathways through Troops-to-Trades initiatives, and improving access to dental and health care services.

The committee also advanced measures to better coordinate veterans’ health care through an ombudsman program, support military families with early childhood services, and establish an emergency response account for the state’s military department. Together, these proposals reflect a continued commitment to honoring the sacrifices of those who served and ensuring veterans and their families have the support and resources they deserve.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.

While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.

This week, the House and Senate passed an omnibus bill comprised of legislation introduced last year. Part of that bill includes a number of education provisions that passed by a wide margin in the House last year and unfortunately was not voted on in the Senate.

One part of this bill improves the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological wellbeing. While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.

Another section creates a state seal of civics education and engagement to be earned on high school diplomas for students who demonstrate civics mastery in the classroom and community engagement.

At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.

Reverend Jesse Jackson (1941-2026) was a force of justice, a relentless advocate for the voiceless, and a beacon of hope for generations of Americans. From the streets of Chicago to the halls of power in Washington, he challenged inequality wherever it existed, demanding opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all. He fought tirelessly against racial injustice, poverty, and discrimination, never backing down in the face of adversity. Reverend Jackson inspired millions to believe in the possibility of change, to raise their voices, and to stand up for what is right. His courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to lifting up the marginalized transformed the landscape of our nation, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire leaders, activists, and everyday citizens to fight for justice and equality for generations to come.

Last week during our legislative session, I spoke twice to counter what some colleagues think of there being no emergency when it came to constituents in my district. This was part of session as we voted to extend the $500 million contingency fund to protect Connecticut residents from the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans reckless cuts to essential social safety net programs.

On the floor, as I responded to my colleagues who suggested there was no emergency, I explained that the uncertainty and callous behavior coming from Washington feels very different in our districts—where real people face threats, hardships, and the unknown every day. This is exactly why I supported extending the $500 million contingency fund to ensure our communities have a safety net when federal leaders fail to act responsibly.

The House came back into session this week, where we will meet for the next three months to pass legislation to better our state. It was wonderful to see my colleagues and begin the work on behalf of our communities.

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.

Next week, the 2026 legislative session will officially get underway at the state Capitol. My legislative colleagues and I will begin several months of debate, deliberation, and decision-making on a wide range of key policy issues that will shape our state in the year ahead.

Watch the 2026 legislative session live on CT-N beginning Wednesday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m., with coverage of opening day. Live streams of subsequent session days and committee meetings are also available at any time.