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Holy Week Observation
To all who are observing Holy Week, I hope this season offers you comfort, meaning, and a chance to pause and reflect. May it be a time of renewal, hope, and quiet strength.
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Advancing Our State Budget Proposal
for their leadership and hard work helping us get to where we've gotten to strengthen Connecticut.
This week, we met in the Appropriations Committee and took an important step forward by advancing a $29 billion state budget proposal for the 2026–27 fiscal year. This plan reflects what many of you have been asking for—it strengthens support for healthcare providers serving low-income residents, protects funding for magnet schools, and increases investment in public transportation, municipal aid, and financial assistance for higher education. It also includes the use of previously set-aside surplus funds to help offset anticipated cuts in federal support for critical human services.
This is not the final budget, but it begins the next phase of discussions with Governor Ned Lamont and legislative leadership as we work toward a responsible, balanced plan that delivers for our communities.
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Key Bills Addressing Affordability
Affordability remains a major challenge in our state. Alongside proposals to increase Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding and ease pressure on local property taxes, several other bills are focused on tackling the broader financial strains that families face every day.
- Senate Bill 1: An Act Concerning Affordability 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, its full exemption of Social Security benefits from state tax is one of the most significant proposals this session.
- Senate Bill 513: An Act Concerning Structural Efficiency in the Collection of State Revenue would allow employees to elect having 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: An Act Establishing a Refundable Credit Against the Personal Income Tax for a Portion of Annual Rent Payments Made by a Taxpayer for a Primary Residence in the State 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: An Act Concerning a Study of State Finance Policies 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.
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Resources for Domestic Violence
Love should never come with fear, pain, or control. Too many people are suffering in silence, thinking they have to stay, hoping things will change. If someone keeps hurting you and apologizing, that’s not a mistake—that’s a pattern. You are not weak for leaving, and you are not broken for wanting better. You deserve safety, respect, and peace.
If this message speaks to you or someone you know, please reach out—help is available 24/7 through Safe Futures in New London (SafeFuturesCT.org | 1-860-701-6001) or the National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (866-311-9474). You are not alone, and there is a way forward.
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Exploring Advanced Nuclear Energy
Governors of all six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) issued a joint statement to explore advanced nuclear energy by:
- Maintaining existing nuclear plants by directing state energy offices to work with ISO New England, plant owners, and federal partners to ensure safe, reliable, and affordable operation
- Exploring advanced nuclear energy in willing communities, including financing models, federal support, public-private partnerships, and consumer protections
- Prioritizing local input, emphasizing community-led decisions on potential sites
Regional electricity demand is projected to rise over 40% in 20 years, with winter peak demand doubling by 2045 (per ISO New England). In 2025, Governor Ned Lamont further advanced Connecticut’s leadership in nuclear energy via Public Act 25-173, which enables towns to opt into hosting new nuclear generation by supporting development at Millstone, and funding early planning. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) will be conducting a statewide public engagement effort to guide future advanced nuclear deployment that is slated to launch later this year.
The Bottom line: New England is preparing for major energy demand growth by preserving current nuclear power and cautiously advancing next-generation nuclear with strong local involvement.
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Brothers' Brunch
This month’s Brothers’ Brunch is centered on presence — showing up for our children, our families, and our communities in ways that matter. April is Minority Health Awareness Month, and we’re opening up real conversation around the issues impacting us most — from STI and alcohol awareness to sexual violence prevention and testicular cancer awareness.
- Thursday, April 16
- 6:30 PM
- The Place for Community Wellbeing (74 Garfield Ave, New London)
Good food. Real conversation. Stronger community.
Dinner is served. Always free.
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Shout it Out & Congratulations to Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle School
A huge congratulations to Bennie Dover Jackson Multi-Magnet Middle School on being named the 2026 Middle School of the Year by the Connecticut Association of School!
This honor reflects the dedication of its leadership, educators, families, and students who have worked together to build a strong, supportive, and high-achieving school community. Serving over 500 students with programs in STEM, the arts, and international studies, the school has not only strengthened academic opportunities but also rebuilt trust and culture after past challenges. This recognition is a testament to years of hard work, accountability, and a shared belief in every student’s potential. New London has a lot to be proud of—this is what real progress and commitment look like.You can read more about this distinction here.
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Passport to Connecticut Libraries Program
The Passport to Connecticut Libraries program is back and will take place from now–April 30.
Visit your local library to pick up your official program passport along with a list of participating libraries across the state. Then the adventure begins - explore as many libraries as you can throughout April!
Visit at least five different participating libraries and collect stamps from those locations (only official participating libraries count, be sure to check your list). Then, once you’re done, be sure to return your completed passport by May 11 to be entered into a prize drawing.
With nearly 200 public libraries in Connecticut—plus school, college, museum, and even church libraries—there’s an incredible variety to discover. Each library offers something unique, and this program is a fun way to experience all the amazing things libraries across the state have to offer.
So grab your passport and start exploring, your next favorite library might be just around the corner!
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New London Public Library Gala
I had an amazing time attending the Second Annual Public Library of New London, CT Gala that took place on the Coast Guard Academy. The event was full of fun, fellowship and great music by Ross Tucker's Hit Cat Jazz Band. Thank you to allnthe New London Public Library Staff, Board Members, Volunteers and Advocates for making our Library so great.
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Shoutout to Nyarah Dudley
I want to take a moment to recognize a major milestone that I unfortunately missed earlier this year—but one that absolutely deserves to be celebrated.
Big Congratulations to Nyarah Dudley of New London Public Schools for surpassing 1,000 career points this past March during Eastern Connecticut Conference play.
Reaching 1,000 points is a significant accomplishment. It reflects consistency, discipline, and a strong work ethic. This isn’t something that happens overnight—it takes great dedication, countless hours in the gym, and the ability to show up and perform at a high level game after game.
This is a proud moment for Nyarah, her family, her teammates, and the entire New London community. Achievements like this set the standard and show what’s possible through hard work and focus.
Even though I’m a little late, the recognition is well deserved—congratulations Nyarah on an outstanding accomplishment, hope to run into you soon.
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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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