Session Day Recap, Constituent Survey & Town Hall, and Generation Power CT Assistance

March 4, 2026


Last week, my colleagues and I convened for session and passed two pieces of legislation that the governor has approved. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year. Moving them across the finish line this session reflects our commitment to getting important work done for Connecticut residents.


Here are some of the key reforms of Senate Bill 298:

Seal of Civics Education and Engagement diploma distinction

  • Honoring exceptional community involvement and demonstrated achievement in civics education
  • Will be awarded starting with the graduating class of 2027

Strengthening Our Election Laws

We took important steps to protect the integrity and security of our elections by:

  • Safeguarding private voter data
  • Requiring that ballots cast early be securely stored in a voting tabulator
  • Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as elections moderators

Supporting Law Enforcement and First Responders

  • Strengthening support for the Firefighter Cancer Relief Fund
  • Updating police training standards to improve interactions with individuals with disabilities

Protecting Workers 

  • Enhancing protections for employees in warehouses and fulfillment centers
  • Requiring employers to provide clear, written quota descriptions that cannot interfere with basic rights like meal breaks and bathroom access

Addressing Antisemitism in Our Schools

  • Addressing rising antisemitism in schools by creating a working group to equip educators with tools and guidance to combat anti-Jewish hate and promote inclusive, respectful learning environments for all students

Senate Bill 299 addresses Environmental and Consumer Protections by:

  • Increasing fines for violating the state's bottle bill law after a surge in out-of-state redemption fraud
  • Requiring redemption centers to record anyone seeking to redeem more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a day (threshold lowered from 2,500 bottles)
  • Protecting the integrity of the system while maintaining the 10-cent deposit
  • Granting law enforcement the authority to pursue out-of-state violators

Together, these measures invest in education, workers, health care, public safety, and consumer protection — delivering support and clear standards that benefit residents, businesses, and communities across Connecticut.

Stay Informed and Follow Along 

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. 

Constituent Survey and Legislative Town Hall

I’d like to know your views on all the various issues facing our state. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete the 2026 Constituent Survey as it helps me to better represent you at the State Capitol. I look forward to reviewing your feedback and understanding how we can improve Connecticut. Your voice better informs my decisions throughout the session.

I look forward to hearing from you about ways we can improve Connecticut for all of us.

I hope you will join me as I host an in-person Town Hall on Thursday, March 12, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at New Haven City Hall (165 Church Street).

Your voice and participation truly matter, and I sincerely hope we’ll be able to discuss what’s on your mind. I look forward to seeing you there.

Generation Power CT Assistance

 

On Monday, Generation Power CT’s Emergency Energy Assistance Program launched its final assistance cycle of the season, which runs through March 10. Eligible Connecticut households may receive a one-time grant of up to $500 to help cover electric, gas, or heating fuel expenses.

Click here to learn more about eligibility requirements and access application materials.

Free Tax Filing Resources

With the tax deadline approaching on April 15th, now is the time to take action if you haven’t filed yet. There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help for low-to moderate-income (under $58,000) people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Volunteers, sponsored by various organizations, receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Visit Connecticut's 2-1-1 website and the Free Tax Help page for VITA assistance updates, or visit the IRS Site Locator. 

AARP's Tax-Aide Program, a partnership between the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to people age 60 and older. Many sites will e-file your federal and Connecticut returns at no cost to you. Visit the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator to find a location near you. 

The UConn Law School Tax Clinic is a pro bono (free) legal clinic that provides free legal help to low-income taxpayers with tax problems, either with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) or the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS). Lisa Perkins, Clinical Professor & Director, and law students will work on your case. The Tax Clinic also works with attorneys in Connecticut who volunteer to help low-income taxpayers pro bono. The Tax Clinic is independent and separate from the IRS and DRS. It is important to note, that the UCONN tax clinic is only able to assist individual taxpayers with Connecticut income tax problems. Contact Lisa Perkins at lisa.perkins@uconn.edu or 860-570-5165

Community Events