Michelle L. Cook

In July, I visited Washington D.C. for the White House States Convening on Child Care. I joined nearly 100 state legislators from 41 states, including a few from Connecticut, to discuss childcare policy achievements from our respective legislative sessions. We explored different legislative strategies to make childcare more affordable for working families, increase childcare provider supply, and improve job quality for childcare workers. It was an absolute joy to be surrounded by likeminded lawmakers from around the country and I was honored to be invited.

During the 2023 Legislative Session, I worked with my colleagues to pass a new two-year state budget that stands up for consumers, including a freeze of scheduled increases on the diesel tax, which helps lower the price of groceries and other commodities while reducing the cost of doing business in Connecticut.

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. Funding for the program - which offers down payment assistance to low- and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut - now stands at $80 million, with over $21.5 million currently available for loan reservations.

Happy Juneteenth!

Juneteenth celebrates the end of slavery in our country. This important holiday was unknown to many for several years, but thanks to the tireless work of advocates, it is now rightfully recognized throughout the country.

The 2023 legislative session gaveled out at midnight on Wednesday. I am proud of all of the legislation that my colleagues and I were able to craft, debate and pass during our time in Hartford. Below are a few bills that passed over the past few days:

After months of negotiations, 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.

The House has been in session for the past few days. My colleagues and I were able to pass several pieces of legislation, including a few that I wanted to highlight:

The House was in session on Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday. My colleagues and I were able to pass several pieces of legislation, including a few that I wanted to highlight: