Increasing School Funding, and more

March 20, 2026

Dear Friends,

Increasing Funding for Schools

This week I joined my colleagues to support a new plan that strengthens the Education Cost Sharing program, the state's leading grant to local school districts. The plan redirects between $100-$170 million from our state's surpluses to flow back to cities and towns for education funding.

This proposal would prevent cities and towns from having to increase property taxes to cover the rising cost of education. It is our responsibility to make sure all children in Connecticut receive a proper education and learning environment, and this proposal goes a long way toward achieving that goal.

You can watch the press conference summary by clicking this photo!

We’re sure you’ve been hearing A LOT about ECS funding this week… but what does ECS stand for? Who does it benefit and how do the Connecticut House Democrats plan to INCREASE its’ funding? You can read about this topic in the graphics below!

Committee Work Update

This week, the legislature began concluding their committee work, passing a number of bills out of committee and advancing them to the House of Representatives in the Senate for a vote. You can view the bills passed out of the Banking Committee here, and the Environment Committee here.

I will be sure to keep you updated on these bills as they work their way through the legislative process!

Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while also raising awareness about the challenges they may face.

There are many ways to show support during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. You can:

Engage in meaningful conversations
Share stories and experiences
Amplify the voices of people with lived experience
Help break down stereotypes and misconceptions

You can also show your support by wearing orange, the official color of Development Disabilities Awareness Month, symbolizing energy and positivity.

Supporting local organizations, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that schools and workplaces are welcoming to people of all abilities are also important steps. By working together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and empowered.

Impact of the Iran War

Washington is to blame for rising costs in Connecticut. Read below to see how.

Warehouse Worker Rights

Governor Ned Lamont has signed Warehouse Worker Protection legislation into law (sections 50-57 of SB 298), marking a significant step forward in strengthening labor protections across Connecticut. This new law is designed to safeguard employees working in warehouses and fulfillment centers, industries that have seen rapid growth alongside increasing concerns about worker conditions and productivity demands.

The legislation establishes clear boundaries around the use of performance quotas, ensuring that such expectations cannot interfere with workers’ legally mandated rights, including meal periods and bathroom breaks. Employers are now required to be transparent about any quotas in place, meaning workers must be informed in advance of the specific performance standards they are expected to meet.

Importantly, the law also introduces accountability measures. Employees who experience violations of these protections now have the ability to recover costs or damages they may incur as a result.

With this legislation, Connecticut becomes the first state in New England to enact Warehouse Worker Protection standards, and only the sixth in the nation to do so, joining California, New York, Washington, Minnesota, and Oregon. The move positions the state as a regional leader in advancing worker rights and reflects a broader national trend toward increased oversight of workplace conditions in high-demand logistics sectors.

Revolution Wind Takes Flight

Revolution Wind has delivered power to the Connecticut power grid.

Revolution Wind is an offshore wind project under construction approximately 15 nautical miles southeast of Point Judith, Rhode Island. The project began construction in 2023 and is expected to reach full commercial operation later in 2026.

Once it is fully operational, Revolution Wind is expected to cover 5% of Connecticut’s energy supply.

CT Bar Association Free Consultations

The Connecticut Bar Association (CBA) and Statewide Legal Services of CT, Inc. are once again offering an opportunity for individuals to register for a free, 30-minute virtual consultation with a Connecticut attorney to obtain legal advice and information in a variety of legal areas.

The clinics will be held on April 21 and April 22 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Pre-registration to participate is required -- sign up HERE by April 3.

There are no income or asset eligibility restrictions – the clinics are open to all Connecticut residents. In addition, the CBA will make every effort to find an interpreter for anyone who requests that service.

Resources from the Office of the Healthcare Advocate

We all want to use our health care dollars wisely, but insurance can be complicated. Asking the right questions can lead to better-informed and potentially less expensive healthcare decisions. Keep in mind that most doctors are experts in medicine, not insurance. For coverage and payment questions, the provider's business office staff is often your best resource since they work with insurance plans every day.

Click here for a list of questions to consider. Not every question will apply to every visit or situation, but these are worth considering for non-emergent care.

Access Health CT Age 26 Information

Are you turning 26 this year? That’s the age when your health coverage through your parents’ plan will end. Don’t wait until the last minute. Protect your health and check out your options for coverage through Access Health CT.

National Agriculture Week: March 16-20

Connecticut may be a small state, but its agricultural impact is significant. More than 5,000 farms operate across 372,000 acres, and the state’s agricultural industry contributes approximately $4 billion annually to Connecticut’s economy. In addition to food production, the industry supports a broad network of related activities, including processing, distribution, and agribusiness. Altogether, agriculture provides around 30,000 jobs statewide, making it an important source of employment and economic stability.

Connecticut residents also benefit from year-round access to fresh, locally grown food. With more than 100 farmers’ markets operating across the state, consumers have many opportunities to connect directly with local farmers and producers. Choosing locally grown foods not only supports farmers and strengthens the state’s economy, but also promotes healthier communities by increasing access to fresh, nutritious products.

Celebrate National Agriculture Week by supporting local farms. Click here to explore all things Connecticut Grown, from fresh local foods to farms and farmers’ markets across the state!

WCSU Art Showcase

Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for their Student Art Showcase. Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center. The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories - drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.

The top selected artists will be featured and presented with noteworthy recognition and awards at the opening reception.

The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more!