Investing in Workers, Absentee Voting, and more

May 29, 2026

Dear Friends,

2026 OLR Major Public Acts Report

I wanted to share the 2026 Legislative Session Major Public Acts document with you. The document, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2026 regular session. You can click HERE to read the full OLR report, or click the graphic below.

If you're interested in more information on bills that passed and didn't pass this legislative session, please click HERE.

Investing in Our Workers

I’m proud to announce that Public Act 26-12 has officially been signed into law, delivering stronger workplace protections and advancing workers’ rights for employees throughout Connecticut.

The law includes major provisions addressing wage theft in the building trades, job protections for service workers, compensation for workers assaulted on the job, including nurses and teachers, expanded protections for breastfeeding employees, and stronger pay transparency requirements for job postings.

Absentee Voting for All Bill Signed Into Law

A new law provides all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballots.

Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.

The voters of Connecticut approved Absentee Voting For All after they overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately.

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you are in need of mental health services and don't know where to start, here is a list of resources for Connecticut residents:

2-1-1 General Resources 24-hour crisis phone numbers: finding services, education, prevention, counseling services, support groups, advocacy. Call 211
Mental Health Connecticut Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy and residential and supportive mental health services. mhconn.org or 860.529.1970
CTSupportGroup.ORG The CT Support Group is an online project developed by young people to provide connection, peer-led support, and community for their peers.
CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services You can search for services available in your area through their regional services locator. portal.ct.gov/dmhas

CHESLA Graduate Loan Program

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

Connecticut Trails Day

Celebrate Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7! The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating more than 200 hikes and walks across the state, offering a wonderful opportunity to explore Connecticut’s natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.

Now in its 33rd year, this beloved tradition brings together thousands of participants to experience Connecticut’s incredible trail network and scenic landscapes. This year’s theme, Explore Where You Live, encourages residents to discover the trails, parks, and open spaces in their own communities.

Events are designed for all ages, abilities, and experience levels. Whether you’re looking for a challenging outdoor adventure or a relaxing, family-friendly walk, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

To find a hike or walk that interests you anywhere in Connecticut, visit www.trailsday.org.

Planet Fitness Teen Summer Pass Program

Great news for teens ages 14–19: you can work out for free at Planet Fitness this summer!

With the High School Summer Pass program, teens can enjoy free access to Planet Fitness from June 1 through August 31.

This program gives young people the opportunity to stay active, prioritize their health, and build lifelong healthy habits while school is out for the summer.

Click here to register for the Summer Pass. Parents can also receive one free day pass to work out alongside their teens.

Please note: During the High School Summer Pass program, participants will only have access to the Planet Fitness location they select during registration.

Celebrating America's 250th

Celebrations for CT250 are underway, Connecticut’s statewide initiative to commemorate, celebrate, and reflect on the 250th anniversary of American independence.

The program highlights Connecticut’s pivotal role in our nation’s founding and honors the state’s lasting contributions to the American story. Through community events, educational programs, cultural activities, and historical commemorations, CT250 invites residents of all ages to engage with our shared history and envision the future together.

Click here for a full calendar of CT250 events across the state.