Legislative Update 1.27

January 27, 2026




 

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Greetings Community,

You may have heard that the state's severe cold weather protocol has been extended through Thursday, February 5th. It was activated on Friday, so this will be the longest period in which the protocol has been in effect in over a decade.  Overnight temperatures over the next few days will be in the single digits. 

The severe weather protocol ensures that our most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life-threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time.

During this time, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Please note: if you need shelter or a warming center, please visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations.

Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Please be safe, and stay warm!

I invite you to join my colleagues and me for a Town Hall ahead of the 2026 legislative session, which begins February 4th. Your participation is important—please attend and share your thoughts, ideas, and concerns to help shape how we represent you in Hartford. I hope to see you there!

I've also included some of the issues we may try to tackle during the session. Please find the Office of Legislative Research Major Issues Report by scrolling down.

You'll also find information on the state's new Yellow Envelope Program, which is aimed at ensuring safer interactions with people with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Trenee.McGee@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Trenee McGee
Pre-Session Town Hall on Thursday
 
Session Begins on February 4th

The House is back in session beginning Wednesday, February 4th. Our Representatives are gearing up for a busy short session, working hard to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates!
 
OLR 2026 Major Issues Report 

The Office of Legislative Research Report provides brief descriptions of important issues the General Assembly may face in the coming session. Please click on the image below for details. 
 
Goals for the Upcoming Session

Please click on the Ch.8 WTNH article below to hear my thoughts on addressing the 2026 legislative session.

Thank you, WTNH!
 
Addressing Federal Student Loan Changes 

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act dramatically restructures federal student lending by altering borrowing limits, eliminating key loan programs, and accelerating repayment timelines.

Key changes include:

  • Stricter limits on federal student borrowing
  • Elimination of the Graduate PLUS Student Loan Program
  • Phaseout of existing income-driven repayment plans

Beginning July 1, 2026, a substantially narrower set of repayment options for new federal loans comes into play.

Starting in July, students enrolled in programs designated as "professional degrees" will face an annual borrowing cap of $50,000 per year or $200,000 total.

Students in other graduate programs will be limited to $20,500 per year or $100,000 total. Notably, nursing degrees, along with degrees in physical therapy, public health, social work, and education, were excluded from the professional designation, despite requiring extensive training, licensure, and certification.
 
These changes raise serious concerns. It is not possible to strengthen our nursing workforce while simultaneously restricting access to the education required to enter the profession. Limiting federal loan availability threatens the pipeline of trained health care professionals and risks exacerbating existing workforce shortages and barriers to care.
 
In response, my colleagues and I are proposing the creation of a new state-level student loan program and expanded (change to expanding) access to the Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) during the upcoming legislative session.

CHESLA is a state-created, nonprofit agency providing affordable financing, loans, scholarships, and financial literacy resources to help Connecticut students and families pay for college and manage student debt.

By establishing a state-level graduate loan program, we can protect students, strengthen our workforce, and ensure that higher education remains a pathway to opportunity, not a barrier, for the professionals our communities urgently rely upon.
 
West Haven Public Library Scholarship

Applications are being accepted through March 31! Graduating seniors who live in West Haven are eligible to apply. Please see the flyer below for more details.
 
Aspiring Educators Scholarship 

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, administered by the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), is designed to support diverse students who graduate from public high schools in priority school districts and enroll in teacher preparation programs. 

The program offers up to $10,000 annually for tuition, with the application deadline set for February 6, 2026. This initiative is part of the state's broader efforts to diversify the educator workforce and address the teacher shortage.

The most current list of Alliance School Districts (2025-26) is HERE. Apply HERE.
 
Snap & Cash Changes Benefit Dates 

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring DSS to spread out SNAP benefit issuance dates throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. 

This change will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience.
 
Reminder: AHCT Enrollment Deadline 

Here's a friendly reminder that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday! 

Some customers might qualify for new state subsidies or other low- or no-cost coverage options, including the Covered CT Program or HUSKY Health, Connecticut’s Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

The state subsidies will fully fund the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for consumers with incomes between 100-200% of the federal poverty level, and who are not enrolled in the Covered CT program.

The state subsidies will also replace 50% of the expired enhanced premium tax credit amounts for those with income over 400% of the federal poverty level and up to 500% of the federal poverty level.
 
The Yellow Envelope Program 

Connecticut’s Yellow Envelope Program is about ensuring that everyday interactions are safer and more respectful for people with physical or cognitive disabilities.

Starting this year, the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles will begin providing Yellow Envelopes as part of a larger education and training effort for first responders across the state. 

This program helps bridge gaps in high-stress moments, when some individuals may need additional tools for disabilities that are not immediately visible. In doing so, the program promotes understanding, patience, and safer outcomes for everyone involved.
 
The Yellow Envelope was modeled after the already-established blue envelope initiative, which started in 2020 and was aimed exclusively to support people with autism. Connecticut also has a green envelopes program, started in 2005, for drivers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

For more information, please click HERE.

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