Jillian Gilchrest

It’s that time again when we start winding down the summer and begin back-to-school preparations; I want to share news and events that will ease that transition for the upcoming school year.

Connecticut is one of 13 states to pass paid family and medical leave legislation. We should be proud of this program, which is held up as a national model for other states to emulate.

As co-chair of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, I am pleased that Connecticut has been a national leader in passing a number of measures defending residents, healthcare workers, and those from out-of-state seeking reproductive services and resources in the aftermath of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

While other states cut taxes for the wealthy and corporations, Connecticut stands out for providing nearly $500 million in relief for individuals and families.

Great news for first-time homeowners! An additional $20 million has been added to the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority's (CHFA) Time To Own Program that offers down payment assistance to low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut.

A number of new laws, that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state, will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.

The House of Representatives delivered a state budget that includes the largest income tax cut in the state’s history and significant increases in funding for local schools, also known as Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds.

We are delivering on key legislative priorities this session by addressing specific concerns affecting our Intellectually, Developmentally Disabled (IDD) population, which has been lacking adequate funding and services for far too long.