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Honoring Reverend Jesse Jackson
Reverend Jesse Jackson (1941-2026) was a force of justice, a relentless advocate for the voiceless, and a beacon of hope for generations of Americans. From the streets of Chicago to the halls of power in Washington, he challenged inequality wherever it existed, demanding opportunity, fairness, and dignity for all. He fought tirelessly against racial injustice, poverty, and discrimination, never backing down in the face of adversity. Reverend Jackson inspired millions to believe in the possibility of change, to raise their voices, and to stand up for what is right. His courage, vision, and unwavering commitment to lifting up the marginalized transformed the landscape of our nation, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire leaders, activists, and everyday citizens to fight for justice and equality for generations to come. |
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Upcoming Session & Public Hearings
The House is BACK IN SESSION Feb. 26th. Our representatives are gearing up to pass critical legislation through May 6th. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned for updates!
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The public hearing schedule for the week of February 23rd is below. Show up, stay informed, have your voice heard!
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Fighting for a Child Tax Credit
This week I stood with Legislative Colleagues, United Way of Connecticut and advocates at a press conference in regards to Child Tax Credit HB-5314.
Connecticut families are the backbone of our economy. They work. They pay taxes. They support local businesses. They generate the revenue our state depends on. Year after year, they’ve done their part.
But while state revenues grow, too many of those same families are falling behind. The cost of raising children keeps rising, and parents are being forced to make impossible choices just to get through the month.
That’s not a lack of effort. That’s a system that hasn’t kept up with the reality families are living every day.
That’s why I’m proud to stand in support of House Bill 5134, permanent, fully refundable Connecticut Child Tax Credit.
- $600 per child, up to three children
- For families earning under $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint)
- Delivered automatically through their tax refund
- No applications. No barriers. No stigma. Just real relief
This investment will support 550,000 children and reach 75% of families across our state.
Connecticut is the only state with a personal income tax that does not adjust for family size. We’re asking families raising children to contribute the same while carrying far greater financial responsibility.
Families have helped build this state’s revenue. They’ve carried the weight. It’s time to return a fair share of what we take.
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Free Breakfast and Lunch in Our Schools
I support providing free breakfast and free lunch to every public school student in Connecticut because hunger should never be a barrier to learning.
I believe every child in New London and across the state should start the day with a healthy breakfast and have access to a nutritious lunch without families having to worry about the cost.
When students are hungry, it affects their focus, behavior, attendance, and academic performance. Free meals help students come to school ready to learn and succeed.
I also support universal free breakfast and lunch because it helps working families who may not qualify for traditional assistance but are still struggling with rising costs for housing, energy, childcare, and groceries.
In a state like Connecticut, no child should have to learn on an empty stomach. Providing free breakfast and lunch statewide is a practical and fair investment in our children and our future.
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Supporting Microtransit
Reliable transportation isn’t a convenience — it’s a lifeline.
That’s why I support keeping and strengthening microtransit services like New London’s Smart Ride. These services connect residents to jobs, healthcare, education, and opportunity.
We introduced and I also co-sponsored legislation to protect and expand transportation options:
HB 5099 – Funding for transportation services in New London
SB 9 – Supporting commuters and microtransit
Why this matters for our community:
Helps residents in areas without reliable bus access
Gets people to work during early mornings, evenings, and weekends
Supports seniors, individuals with disabilities, and young adults
Connects residents to job training, education, and essential services
Strengthens our local economy by removing transportation barriers
For many families, the biggest barrier to opportunity isn’t willingness to work — it’s getting there. Microtransit is a smart, cost-effective investment, and I’m committed to keeping these services strong and accessible for everyone who depends on them.
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Understanding How a Bill Becomes Law in Connecticut
Many people ask how an idea turns into a law. I believe it’s important for residents to understand the process and know that their voices play a role every step of the way.
Here’s how the process works:
• An idea is developed: A proposal can come from a resident, community group, or legislator. The idea is then drafted into formal language with the Legislative Commissioners’ Office.
•The bill is introduced: It is filed at the start of the legislative session and assigned to a committee based on the topic.
• Public hearing: The committee holds a hearing where residents, advocates, and stakeholders can testify in person or submit written comments. Public input is a critical part of the process.
• Committee action: After reviewing testimony and discussing the proposal, the committee votes to move the bill forward, amend it, or take no action.
• Legislative debate and vote: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the House and Senate for debate and a vote. It must pass both chambers.
• Governor’s review: Once passed by the legislature, the bill is sent to the Governor, who may sign it into law, allow it to become law without a signature, or veto it.
Good policy starts with informed and engaged communities. Your voice matters, and participation makes our democracy stronger.
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Celebrating Black Women
This Black History spotlight celebrates the extraordinary power, resilience, and leadership of some of the many Black women who have shaped our nation. From breaking barriers in education, politics, and science to serving bravely in the military, their courage and brilliance have transformed communities and opened doors for generations to come, proving that Black women have always been—and will always be—forces of change and inspiration.
- Mary McLeod Bethune: Mary McLeod Bethune was a pioneering educator, civil rights leader, and founder of Bethune-Cookman University. She advised multiple U.S. presidents and used her influence to expand educational opportunities and economic advancement for Black Americans, especially women and girls.
- Coast Guard SPARs (Black Women): During World War II, Black women served in the Coast Guard Women’s Reserve, known as the SPARs, breaking racial and gender barriers in military service. Their contributions helped support wartime operations and opened doors for greater inclusion of women and people of color in the armed forces.
- Shirley Chisholm: Shirley Chisholm made history in 1968 as the first Black woman elected to the U.S. Congress, representing New York. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to run for President from a major political party, campaigning under the message “Unbought and Unbossed.”
- Nannie Helen Burroughs: Nannie Helen Burroughs was an educator, activist, and women’s rights leader who founded the National Training School for Women and Girls in Washington, D.C. She believed education and economic independence were key to racial and gender equality and dedicated her life to uplifting Black communities.
- Dorothy Johnson Vaughan: Dorothy Johnson Vaughan was a mathematician and one of NASA’s first Black supervisors, playing a key role during the early years of the space program. She became an expert in computer programming and helped other women transition into the digital age, earning recognition as one of the “Hidden Figures.”
- 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion: The 6888th was the only all-Black, all-female unit deployed overseas during World War II. Stationed in Europe, they cleared a massive backlog of millions of pieces of mail for U.S. troops, boosting morale and proving the critical leadership, discipline, and capability of Black women in military service.
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Veterans & Military Affairs Committee's Work
This week in the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee, we took an important step forward by raising several concept bills focused on supporting those who have served our country.
These proposals focus on:
- Protecting veterans from bad actors who charge for help accessing military benefits
- Strengthening protections related to military protection orders and interpersonal violence
- Expanding housing support for veterans facing financial hardship
- Providing emergency response funding for the Military Department
- Improving compensation for Military Honor Guard members
- Honoring the heroism and service of our veterans and members of the Armed Forces
Our veterans answered the call to serve. It’s our responsibility to make sure they are protected, supported, and treated with the dignity and respect they’ve earned.
This is an important step, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move these efforts forward.
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Access Health CT Enrolls Record Number
A record number of people enrolled in health and dental plans through Access Health CT for the third consecutive year. More than 157,000 residents signed up for coverage during open enrollment, which ran from November 1, 2025 through January 31, 2026, marking a 4% increase over last year.
Enrollment in dental coverage also reached a new high. Access Health CT now provides dental insurance to more than 19,000 people, representing a 9% increase compared to 2025.
This Open Enrollment Period occurred amid several changes at both the state and federal levels. Despite those shifts, Connecticut achieved record-breaking enrollment, thanks in large part to expanded outreach and education efforts that helped connect more residents with the coverage they need.
The results underscore Connecticut's continued commitment to expanding access to affordable, quality health care for individuals and a families across the state.
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Funding for Fresh FoodCT is making $1.55 million of state funding available to support the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase and Assistance Grant. The program aims to increase access to locally grown farm products for distribution to food-insecure populations, while also supporting the operations of Connecticut farmers and the state’s overall agricultural economy.
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Access Health CT: The Broker Academy
Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut. To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change. Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.
Minimum requirements to apply:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- 1-3 recommendation letters Community service experience
- Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas
Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.
For questions, email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov
Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.
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Judges Needed for Connecticut History DayA program called Connecticut History Day is looking for enthusiastic volunteers to serve as judges at one of its five Regional Contests. Judges play a crucial role in encouraging students as they share their historical research and creative work. Click here to learn more and sign up to judge at a regional contest.Judges have the opportunity to meet students, evaluate and rank projects, and provide meaningful, constructive feedback to every participant. No prior judging experience is necessary, judges receive pre-contest training and clear materials to review in advance.Contest day judging runs from 8:00 a.m. until the early afternoon with coffee, snacks, and lunch provided. Website and paper judges meet with students on contest day, but they review projects in the week prior to the event. Documentary, performance, and exhibit judges both view the project and meet with the students at the contest.
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For more than three decades, Foxwoods has created thousands of jobs, supported families, strengthened local businesses, and invested in communities across our region. Through its revenue-sharing partnership, Foxwoods has contributed significant funding to the State of Connecticut, helping support education, essential services, and programs that benefit residents statewide.
This anniversary is not just about longevity — it’s about economic strength, opportunity, and a strong commitment to giving back. I want to personally thank Foxwoods Resort Casino and the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation for their leadership, partnership, and continued investment in our state and our people.
We celebrate this milestone with gratitude and look forward to the continued impact and success ahead.
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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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