Legislative Update February 20th

February 20, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

It’s been a fast-paced week at the Capitol as we tackle the core issues facing Northeastern Connecticut. I recently sat down with local education leaders to discuss critical state budget adjustments, specifically focusing on how we can better manage the rising costs of special education. On the healthcare front, the affiliation between Day Kimball Hospital and UConn Health is moving forward, with the DKH Board now reviewing the Letter of Intent.

Between attending municipal meetings and listening to testimony in committee public hearings, I’ve been energized by your engagement. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to share their stance on pending bills, and a special thanks to the "full house" in Hampton last week—the conversation was invaluable. I can't do my job effectively without your feedback.

Proposed Incentives for Firefighter and Police Recruitment and Retention

This week, I joined Governor Lamont, State Comptroller Scanlon, and many of my colleagues to announce the Governor legislative proposal that will establish two new incentives benefiting state and local police and firefighters. The overall goal of these incentives is to encourage more individuals to join these critical public safety career fields and help retain those currently serving, increasing recruitment and retention across the fields.

The first incentive would waive the tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate programs at all Connecticut public colleges and universities, including UConn, the Connecticut State University System, and Connecticut State Community College, for state and local police officers and firefighters with five or more years of service, as well as students attending the Connecticut Fire Academy.

The second incentive would create a mortgage assistance program specifically tasked with helping these public safety professionals purchase homes in the communities they were hired to protect. Under this proposal, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority will be responsible for developing the terms of this program and administering it. The types of assistance offered would include down payment support or any other appropriate housing subsidies.

The police officers and firefighters across Connecticut are the backbone of our communities and are there for us when we need them the most. These incentives will ensure that Connecticut provides adequate support for public safety officials in our state. I look forward to discussing this bill in the Public Safety and Security Committee and to listening to public hearing testimony as it moves through the legislative process.

Click here to watch parts of the press conference announcement this week

Renaming the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam After Former Governor John N. Dempsey

This week, I submitted testimony to the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee in strong support of H.B. 5295, which seeks to name the Connecticut National Guard Readiness Center in Putnam in honor of former Governor John Dempsey. I am deeply grateful to the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee for raising this bill at my request.

The Readiness Center is being built on the site of the former John N. Dempsey Regional Center. Once a sprawling complex for the Department of Developmental Services (DDS), the site was a hub of care for those with intellectual disabilities. While it now houses a part-time field office, naming the new $23.5 million facility after Dempsey ensures the site's long legacy of service continues. The state-of-the-art facility is currently under construction and is slated to open within the next year, marking the return of a physical National Guard presence to the "Quiet Corner" after nearly 30 years.

Governor Dempsey's deep roots in Putnam include serving as its Mayor and State Representative before becoming Lieutenant Governor and eventually the 81st Governor of Connecticut. He is famously remembered for his tireless leadership during the Great Flood of 1955 and served as the Captain General of the Connecticut National Guard during his decade in office.

As the only modern Governor from Windham County and a former Mayor of Putnam, it is only fitting that this new center, which will protect and serve our region, bears the name of a man who dedicated his life to doing the same.

Click here to follow along with the bill's progress as it moves through the legislative process.

How to Navigate the CT Legislature Event

Next Thursday, February 26th, I will be hosting a How to Navigate the Connecticut Legislature event in Pomfret. This event will be a discussion on the resources residents have access to during the Legislative Session to stay informed and involved over the next few months. You can stay updated and involved in many ways, from watching on CT-N to testifying at a public hearing to staying connected through my updates, and more. I hope to give you access to what you need to follow along with this session.

This event will take place at the Pomfret Community Center, 207 Mashamoquet Rd, at 6:30 p.m. on February 26th. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. I look forward to seeing you there!

Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast

The Northeastern CT Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast will take place on February 27th, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at EASTCONN in Hampton. This is a chance to connect directly with other local legislators from across the region and me to discuss the issues impacting our business community. Click here to register.

As your voice in Hartford, I need to hear from you to make informed decisions. I regularly post updates on my social media channels (you can like my Facebook page here) and encourage you to follow them to stay updated. Additionally, you can always email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585 if you have any questions or to share your opinions.

Take Care,