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The 2026 Legislative Session Begins!
The House came back into session this week, where we will meet for the next three months to pass legislation to better our state. It was wonderful to see my colleagues and begin our work on behalf of our communities.
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.
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Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history.
In Connecticut, we have a rich history of Black Americans shaping our communities. I encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Black History in Connecticut, and to attend local events taking place over the next month:
The State of Connecticut published a piece about why we celebrate Black History Month, resources to learn more about this history, and events.
The Connecticut Tourism Office detailed the various landmarks and museums you can visit to explore Black History in Connecticut, along with events throughout the month.
Black History is something to be celebrated by all Connecticut residents, and I hope you'll look through these wonderful resources.
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This week for Black History Month, I celebrate trailblazers whose courage, vision, and determination shaped history and continue to inspire me today.
Malcolm X fought for freedom and justice, challenging systemic racism at every turn. He encouraged Black Americans to demand their rights boldly and unapologetically. His leadership reshaped the civil rights debate and inspired generations to stand strong against oppression.
Thurgood Marshall won the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, ending legal segregation in schools. He became the first Black Supreme Court Justice, breaking barriers at the highest levels of law. His work ensured that equality under the law became a real and enforceable standard for all Americans.
John Lewis dedicated his life to protecting voting rights and democracy. As a Freedom Rider and civil rights leader, he risked his life to challenge injustice. His courage helped millions of Black Americans have a voice in shaping the future of the country.
Carter G. Woodson founded what became Black History Month to ensure Black achievements were recognized and preserved. He believed understanding history was key to empowerment and equality. His work laid the foundation for generations to honor and study Black history.
W.E.B. Du Bois was a scholar, activist, and co-founder of the NAACP. He used intellect and scholarship to challenge racial injustice throughout his life. As the first Black Ph.D. from Harvard, he showed that knowledge and truth are powerful tools for change.
Shirley Chisholm became the first Black woman elected to Congress. She later ran for president, proving that Black women could lead at the highest levels of government. Her courage opened doors and changed the political landscape forever.
Bessie Coleman became the first Black woman pilot in history. She earned her international license despite racial and gender barriers. Her achievements continue to inspire generations of Black women and girls to reach for the skies.
Dr. Charles Drew revolutionized blood banking, saving countless lives during World War II and beyond. His medical innovations made blood storage safer and more efficient. He also paved the way for Black professionals in medicine to gain recognition and respect.
Their legacies remind me that Black history is not just for February—it’s a story of strength, achievement, and change that deserves to be honored every single day.
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Black History Month Facts
Black innovation has always existed, but access to ownership hasn’t. For generations, Black inventors were blocked from patents, forced to sign away their ideas, or erased from history while others profited. That wasn’t coincidence—it was a system. And the impact didn’t disappear with time. Credit, equity, and opportunity are still unevenly distributed today. Acknowledging that truth isn’t about the past—it’s about accountability now.
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Emergency Funding Plan
Last Thursday, Governor Lamont submitted a supplemental plan to the bipartisan leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly to use funding from the recently created Emergency State Response Reserve in response to federal funding reductions and delays made by the Trump administration and Congressional Republicans to essential health and human services supports that the residents of Connecticut depend on for some of their most basic needs.
This supplemental plan totals $18.7 million and will be used for:
- $2 million to expand the reach of community health workers, who will play a critical role in helping residents understand and navigate changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility under Public Law 119-21 (commonly known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act”). These workers will provide personalized assistance to help ensure individuals and families remain connected to the benefits they need through June 30, 2027.
- $11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services, ensuring the state can successfully implement the eligibility changes required by Public Law 119-21.
- $830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors provided by EdAdvance to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut through June 30, 2027.
- Over $4.5 million to replace funding for Community School grants for Clifford Beers in New Haven, Waterbury Bridges to Success, and Hartford Public Schools which provide critical wraparound services, including healthcare and childcare, to children and families in these communities through June 30, 2027.
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Supporting Our Community Nonprofits
This week, my colleagues and I joined advocates at a press conference to lift up what community nonprofits need to keep serving our neighbors. Nonprofits do a great deal of the work in our communities that keeps people and families moving forward — from food assistance and housing support, to mental health services, job training, youth programs, and care for our seniors. Their work fills real gaps and touches lives every single day.
It’s important that their voices are heard.
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Connecticut For AllThis week, I also had the great opportunity to stand with Connecticut For All, legislators, advocates and friends for a state that works for ALL—not just billionaires, corporations, and the wealthiest few. President Trump’s federal policies and his administration continue to make life harder for working families and put critical programs at risk.
Connecticut For All means equity, opportunity, and real support for every resident—families, seniors, students, and those too often left behind. We must hold the wealthy and corporations accountable, protect our communities, and create tangible stability for families. Now is the time for Connecticut to act with fairness, courage, and purpose.
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Town Hall RecapThank you to all who came out to our second town hall of 2026. Was glad to see those who came out, asked questions in regards to School Funding, Veterans, Housing, Environmental, Public Safety, and Ice Agents. Appreciate State Representative Aundré Bumgardner and State Representative Dan Gaiewski for the invite to Groton Thrive 55 Senior Center.
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Enrichment CNA Students Complete Training!
Congratulations to the Enrichment CNA students on successfully completing their training. Thank you to our CNA instructor, Jeff Cannon, RN, and to Beechwood Health and Rehabilitation Center for providing clinical training support - FYI: The next Enrichment CNA class - February 23, 2026. For more information, contact Dawn Merriman.
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Shield Blood Test Benefits
More than 50 million people – 1 out of 3 eligible Americans – do not complete colorectal cancer screening because they find the current options unpleasant or inconvenient.
Thankfully, physicians in Connecticut are beginning to prescribe Shield, the first blood test approved by the FDA as a primary screening option for colorectal cancer. This offers patients who may delay or avoid traditional screening methods a simpler, less invasive option for screening.
Veterans - The Shield™ blood test is covered as an in-network benefit for patients receiving VA-authorized community care.
Now is a great opportunity to emphasize the importance of understanding your health and making informed choices about preventive care, including screening for colon cancer. Knowing your options and discussing them with your doctor can help you select the screening method that’s best for you, including whether the new blood test might be suitable.
Early detection saves lives, and expanding access to screening methods is a positive step toward better health outcomes for everyone.
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Women's Business Development Council Grants
A reminder that the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
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Chime Scholars Foundation Scholarships
The Chime Scholars Foundation recently announced the opening of applications for the 2026–2027 academic year, offering scholarships of up to $20,000 to students of all backgrounds pursuing college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical or workforce certifications.
Since launching in 2022, the program has provided $7 million in funding to more than 1,000 scholars nationwide through Chime’s 1% pledge to expand access to education. The program is delivering strong results: 100% of surveyed graduates say the scholarship helped them complete their degree or certification, 87% are projected to graduate—nearly double the rate of Federal Pell Grant recipients—and 72% secure employment in their field within six months of graduation. Applications are open through March 31, 2026. Additional information can be found here.
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Chamber of Commerce Grants
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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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