Legislative Update 4.16

April 16, 2026

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The Legislative Session is almost over, and last week, we held two back-to-back House sessions that debated many critical bills, one being affordability.

Sales, payroll, rental taxes and more were on the agenda, and below, I’ve included a few of the critical affordability bills everyone must keep their eyes on.

On Monday, the General Assembly’s 5th Annual Kickball Classic was held at Dunkin’ Park. The match was a close one. Find out which team won and see some great photos!

Several other noteworthy things are included.

As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 800-842-8267 or by email at Tammy.Exum@cga.ct.gov.

For legislative updates, please sign up for my weekly emails at housedems.ct.gov/Exum/Updates and like my Official Facebook Page.

Sincerely,

Tammy Exum
State Representative

KICKBALL CHAMPIONS

For the second year in a row, the House Democrats beat the Republicans in the 5th Annual CGA Kickball Classic by a score of 1-0 in seven innings.

The amazing weather, audience cheering us on, and both teams putting their all into the game made for an exhilarating match!

All proceeds will go toward the United Way of Connecticut to help fortify its mission of helping the residents of our state meet their needs for food, housing, health care, child care, child development, and many more critical services that protect a person’s overall wellbeing.

Such an amazing event to support a great cause!

EARTH DAY FESTIVAL MONDAY!

More than 40 vendors will be on hand for the Earth Day Family Festival to offer information, activities, and more!

CLIMATE & CLEAN TRANSPORTATION ADVOCACY DAY

Climate & Clean Transportation Advocacy Day is Tuesday, April 21, from 10:00 a.m. to noon at the Legislative Office Building.

Hosted by Save the Sound, advocates will join together to speak with legislators about bills that would support continued electrification of school bus fleets and establish programs for the purchase of bus passes for distribution to high school students and veterans, in addition to opposing rollbacks in clean transportation standards.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

ZOOM: THE ADHD TOOLBOX

The Wellness Institute and JFS invite you to join Dr. Dave Anderson, Senior Psychologist at the Child Mind Institute, for a practical workshop on understanding ADHD and responding to behaviors more effectively.

Participants will learn strategies to reduce stress at home, build structure and executive functioning skills, and strengthen their relationship with their child.

Can't attend live? Register and receive the recording to watch later.

Tuesday, April 21 | 8-9:30pm | VIRTUAL | $18 Per Person

Register: go.wellnessinstitute.org/ADHD (Promo Code: JFSGH)

TIRE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM

In an effort to stop the illegal dumping of tires and remove the costly fees for their disposal, the House recently passed H.B. 5157, an act concerning the tire stewardship program, by a vote of 124-21.

The program will require stores, such as transfer stations and recycling centers, to participate and allow residents to dispose of their used tires for free.

On the consumer side, the stewardship program would require customers to pay for disposal at the time of purchase of new tires. Then, when it’s time to throw them away, they will not have to pay fees as they did in the past.

If approved by the Senate, stores will have until July 1, 2027, to join the program.

If you have old tires you need to dispose of, visit the official Connecticut Tire Stewardship website to find the nearest location.

KEYS BILLS TO ADDRESS AFFORDABILITY

In addition to proposals that would increase ECS funding and help reduce local property tax pressure, several other bills aim to address the broader affordability challenges families are feeling every day.

Senate Bill 1: Includes several proposals aimed at lowering everyday costs, including eliminating the sales tax on clothing and shoes under $100, school supplies such as backpacks, and certain grab-and-go grocery items like sandwiches and coffee purchased from supermarkets. It also creates a caregiver tax credit for eligible expenses incurred while caring for a homebound family member. And for many seniors, the full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
Senate Bill 513: Would allow employees to elect to have the employer pay their payroll taxes, helping to reduce employees’ federal taxable income, while employees receive a refundable credit on their state taxes. The goal is to lower overall tax liability for working residents.
House Bill 5114: Would provide renters with a property tax credit of up to $2,500 per year, recognizing that renters also feel the strain of Connecticut’s high cost of living and deserve meaningful relief.
House Bill 5538: Is part of a broader effort to make Connecticut more competitive with neighboring states and create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed here.

Together, these proposals reflect a focused effort to ease the financial pressures facing Connecticut families, from lowering everyday costs and providing tax relief to supporting seniors, caregivers, renters, and working residents.

CLEAN AIR FUNDING

The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.

Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.

Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 11.

Click here to register for the webinar.

Click here for more information on the Volkswagen settlement.

NEW FED WORKFORCE PELL GRANTS

The state will implement new federal Workforce Pell Grants through the Connecticut Office of Workforce Strategy (OWS), marking a major expansion of financial aid for short-term, career-focused training.

Enabled by H.R. 1 Workforce Pell expansion, the policy allows low-income students to use Pell Grants for programs lasting 8–15 weeks (150–599 hours).

Previously, only programs of at least 15 weeks and 600 hours qualified. This change is designed to open faster, more flexible pathways into high-demand fields, especially for working adults and non-traditional learners.

OWS will coordinate a broad statewide effort involving agencies and institutions such as the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, Connecticut Department of Labor, Connecticut State Colleges and Universities, and the University of Connecticut, along with workforce boards and credentialing bodies. The goal is to align training programs directly with employer needs and regional labor shortages.

To qualify for Workforce Pell funding, programs must meet strict performance and quality standards:

Align with high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand industries
Lead to a recognized, stackable postsecondary credential
Achieve at least a 70% completion rate and 70% job placement rate
Result in wages above the state median for high school graduates
Be in operation for at least one year

The initiative is intended to strengthen Connecticut’s talent pipeline while making education more accessible and outcomes-driven. Workforce Pell Grants are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.

SEXUAL ASSAULT AWARENESS MONTH

1 in 6 men (16.9%) and nearly half of women (45.1%) in the United States experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime. The month of April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.

The state also has many resources for survivors of sexual assault. If you or someone you know needs help, visit itsnotokCT Resources.

Sexual Violence Crisis Connecticut 24-hour Hotline: All direct services through our member centers are free and confidential. Call our statewide 24/7 toll-free hotlines to speak with a certified sexual assault crisis counselor. Telephone: (888) 999-5545 (English), (888) 568-8332 (Spanish).

REMINDER: DRUG TAKE BACK DAY IS APRIL 25TH

As we begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 25, provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of their unused or expired medications at local collection sites.

The West Hartford Police Department, in collaboration with the West Hartford Bloomfield Health District and the West Hartford Prevention Partnership, will host the event from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot.