Bipartisan Budget Invests in Our Future

May 8, 2026

The legislative session has come to a close, and we accomplished so much over the past few months!

We passed a bipartisan budget that brings more funding to our schools while easing the burden on taxpayers. I'll take a closer look at the numbers below.

The governor signed a bill into law ensuring that federal agencies do not interfere with our democracy. I'll break down how that policy responds to unlawful ICE activity we've seen in other states. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Bipartisan Budget Passes
  • Strong Protections Against ICE
  • Putting Children First
  • Let's Talk About It: 
    Mother's Day Fun Fest
 

Bipartisan Budget Passes

After months of negotiation, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.
 
Together, we produced a 2027 budget that significantly boosts support for the state’s education system, increases crucial investments in housing and transportation, supports town and city budgets, and more—all while safeguarding the state's strong fiscal outlook, including $1 billion toward paying down long-term debt.
 
This budget includes:

Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.
 

Strong Protections Against ICE

The governor signed a bill into law this week holding federal agencies, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accountable if they disregard our constitutional rights.

The House and Senate passed Senate Bill 397, a measured and lawful response to masked ICE agents, many inadequately trained, waging a campaign of fear and intimidation.

The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated.

Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following:

  • Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights
  • Allows federal agents to be prosecuted if they abuse their authority or otherwise violate people’s rights
  • Establishes protected spaces, such as hospitals, schools, court houses, places of worship, where federal agents cannot make immigration arrests unless they have a judicial warrant

It’s a measured response to protect the people of Connecticut. No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.
 

Putting Children First

The House and Senate passed House Bill 5004, a bipartisan measure that prioritizes our children and advances meaningful reforms at the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

This legislation strengthens kinship care, expands support for caregivers and youth, enhances DCF workforce training and safety, increases transparency, and improves child welfare oversight and accountability.

Specifically, the bill will:

  • Prioritize placing children with family members and responsible adults who are already in their lives
  • Ensure coordination with sister agencies when DCF-involved children travel out of state
  • Support caregivers and children with funding for after-school programs, childcare, and incidentals
  • Uplift our child welfare workforce through improved training, stipends for mentors and mentees, and personal emergency communication devices

House Bill 5004 reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable children, supporting the families who care for them, and ensuring our child welfare system operates with transparency, accountability, and compassion.

Our responsibility is not only to respond when children are at risk, but to build a system that prevents harm, strengthens families, and gives every child in Connecticut the opportunity to grow up safe and supported.
 

Let's Talk About It: Mother's Day Fun Fest

On this week’s episode of “Let’s Talk About It,” my co-host Dennis O’Brien highlighted a special community celebration you won’t want to miss.

Lori Day, Marketing Coordinator for Wile Hyundai in Columbia, shared details about the dealership’s first-ever Mother’s Day Fun Fest, an afternoon packed with activities for the whole family. The event will feature yard games, flower picking, card decorating, face painting, a bounce house, a food truck, and even a pet adoption opportunity.

The celebration will take place from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9, at Wile Hyundai in Columbia. Owner Denny Gates is hosting the event to show appreciation for mothers and motherly figures throughout the region.

Dogs are welcome, too! The event will include a pet costume and trick contest, with a $50 Petco gift card awarded to the winner. Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
Listen for a preview of Mother's Day Fest at Wile Hyundai!

I wish you and your family a Happy Mother's Day!