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| This week the State House and Senate met for a special session to pass a number of critical bills, ranging from a bipartisan agreement addressing Connecticut's housing crisis, a bill that sets money aside to keep vital federal programs afloat, and more. |
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Responding to Cutbacks in Federal Funding
By passing HB 8003, the legislature approved state funds to offset federal budget cuts that already affect families, key programs, and essential services across Connecticut.
The funding will cover gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), and the Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program, also known as LIHEAP. Connecticut will not sit by idly as the federal government attacks middle and low-income families.
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Addressing Connecticut's Housing Crisis
The legislature passed HB 8002 - An Act Concerning Housing Growth to directly address our state's affordable 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.
Partnerships are at the heart of this effort. The bill 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 legislation 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 An Act Concerning Housing Growth 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.
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Strengthening Children's Behavioral Health Care
We also passed legislation through a comprehensive bill that 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 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.
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Connecticut Expands Early Childhood Program
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. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.
Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).
To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms throughout the state.
Click here for more information on Early Start CT. |
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We were honored to take part in the topping-off ceremony for this landmark project, which represents years of vision, partnership, and perseverance. Watching the final beam — adorned with a small evergreen tree and the American flag — lifted into place was a moving reminder of how far this project has come. The $150 million museum, now six stories high, has been more than two decades in the making.
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Paying Tribute to Our Veterans
This week I had the honor of joining the staff and residents at Harbor Village Rehabilitation & Nursing Center to celebrate and pay tribute to our veterans. It was a moving event filled with pride, gratitude, and unity as we recognized the men and women who answered the call to serve our nation.
Listening to the heartfelt words shared by Executive Director Brooke Johnson and Retired Command Master Chief Eric Murphy reminded us of the courage and sacrifice behind every uniform.
I was proud to help present certificates, pins, and hats to our veteran residents as a small token of appreciation for their service and strength. Their stories continue to inspire us all to live with purpose and gratitude. |
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All-American Honor Post EventI want to recognize Jennifer Zetah, commander of VFW Post 189 New London CT, and the past commander Felix Santana and members of VFW Post 189 NL representing City of New London, Connecticut at the National convention where we were chosen to be the Honor post for All American status.
Being named an All-American Honor Post is one of the highest distinctions a VFW post can earn. It means that Post 189 stood out among thousands across the country for its leadership, community involvement, membership growth, and dedication to veterans’ causes.
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Veteran's Health and Resource Fair
This week I had the great opportunity to stop by The Place for Community Wellbeing and join them for a great Veterans Health, Resource Fair & dinner. Was great to see such a good turnout of Veterans and community members. We had a great meal, conversation and heard stories from many Veterans. Thank you to The Place, Jennifer Muggeo and Margaret Lancaster for hosting such a great event. |
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Veterans Day Ceremony
I had the great opportunity to join the Veterans Advisory Committee of New London at the New London Senior Center for another great NL Veterans Day Ceremony honoring our veterans. Thank you to Ron Burdick for leading such a great gathering for our veterans. |
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Prostate Health Awareness Breakfast
A huge thank you to everyone who made our recent Prostate Health Awareness Breakfast at the Shiloh Family Life Center such a success! From the incredible team who helped bring it all together to everyone who came out to learn, share, and spread awareness — we truly appreciate you.
The conversations were powerful, the information was eye-opening, and the brotherhood and support in the room were inspiring.
Let’s keep the message alive — keep talking, keep checking, and keep encouraging one another to take charge of our health. When we care for ourselves, we build stronger families and a stronger community.
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An event that brings women together to thank, honor, and recognize one another is powerful. It’s more than just a celebration—it’s a reminder of the strength, resilience, and grace women carry every day. When women take time to lift each other up, share stories, and show appreciation, it creates a bond that strengthens the entire community. Moments like this remind us that success isn’t meant to be walked alone—it’s built through support, encouragement, and sisterhood.
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If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
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