Legislative Update 11.13

November 13, 2025




 

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Greetings Community,

We had a very productive special session in Hartford on Wednesday, and today's newsletter looks at what we accomplished. Housing, establishing a Budget Reserve Fund, and strengthening our commitment to behavioral health care in the state were among our points of focus.

West Haven's Youth and Family Services and Health Departments currently have a food drive going on. Please see more details below.

Lastly, one more mobile shower opportunity remains, on Monday, on-site at WHEAT.

Please feel free to contact me at the Capitol at 1-800-842-8267 or by email at Trenee.McGee@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Trenee McGee


 
Addressing CT's Housing Crisis 

From retirees looking to downsize, to young professionals and families searching for affordable rentals, Connecticut residents at every stage of life share a common goal: finding a safe, stable, and affordable place to call home.

House Bill 8002: An Act Concerning Housing Growth empowers towns to plan for responsible, data-driven growth using insights from state, local, and regional partners to meet the housing needs of today and tomorrow. Developed in partnership with municipal leaders, regional councils, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and Governor Lamont, this legislation creates a collaborative and practical framework through local housing Growth Plans.

The bill also encourages the redevelopment of underused properties, from aging strip malls to vacant commercial spaces, and promotes transit-oriented development that connects residents to jobs, schools, and public transportation.

By combining innovation with local control and targeted support, we’re strengthening the partnership between the state and municipalities to modernize infrastructure, improve zoning and land-use planning, and create vibrant, inclusive communities across Connecticut.

There’s still more work ahead, but this bill marks a major step forward in our shared effort to expand housing opportunities, support local economies, and ensure every Connecticut resident can find and afford a home in a community they’re proud to call their own.
 
$500 Million Budget Reserve Fund 

House Bill 8003: An Act Concerning Temporary Adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and Appropriating Funds to Address Reductions in Federal Funding represents the state’s $500 million response to recent federal funding cutbacks.

This funding will fill critical gaps in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Connecticut will not stand by while the federal government undermines support for middle- and low-income families.

It’s important to note that now that the government shutdown has ended, if Connecticut’s $500 million budget reserve fund is not used by July 1, 2026, any remaining funds will automatically be transferred to help pay down the state’s unfunded pension debt. 

I shared a few thoughts about the bill on the floor. Please click below to hear my comments.
It’s important to note that now that the government shutdown has ended, if Connecticut’s $500 million budget reserve fund is not used by July 1, 2026, any remaining funds will automatically be transferred to help pay down the state’s unfunded pension debt. 
 
Boosted: Children's Behavioral Health Care 

During the special session on Wednesday, we passed legislation as part of a comprehensive bill that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care.

Highlights include:

  • Statewide study to assess the demand for children’s behavioral health services and improve data collection
  • New grant program to support care coordination and resource navigation for kids and families
  • Insurance companies must now cover autism treatments — including applied behavior analysis and cognitive behavioral therapy — up to age 26
  • Adding substance abuse treatment providers for children to the Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB)  

Together, these measures represent a stronger, more coordinated system of care for Connecticut’s children.
 
UConn Health Acquiring Waterbury Hospital 

During our special session, we also voted to approve $390 million in bonding over five years to support capital investments at Waterbury Hospital, as well as Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam, which the state is also in talks to acquire. 

With the approval of HB 8001: An Act Concerning the University of Connecticut Health Center Joint Venture Initiative, we voted to preserve access to healthcare at Waterbury Hospital, voting in favor of a $13 million agreement that enables UConn Health to acquire the facility.

This acquisition is structured as a public-private partnership. Under this model, Waterbury Hospital will join the UConn Health network while remaining privately operated.

This approach ensures the hospital remains open, protects existing jobs, and strengthens the future of regional health care for those in the community who rely on it.

Through this partnership with UConn Health, we are securing long-term stability for Waterbury Hospital and expanding access to high-quality care for families who deserve it close to home.
 
Expanding Early Childhood Education 

Thanks to the Early Childhood Education Endowment, an initiative that was passed by the General Assembly in the 2025 legislative session, the expansion of the Early Start CT program in 2026 marks an important step forward in meeting the growing demand for high-quality early childhood care and education across Connecticut.

Beginning in January 2026, up to 1,000 new spaces will be added to the state’s Early Start CT program, expanding access to affordable early learning opportunities for more families. In addition, the state will increase provider payments by up to 8% to help offset operational costs and support higher staff compensation.

The endowment supports the governor’s initiative to implement the largest expansion of early childhood education services in Connecticut’s history. We are thrilled about this program and the tremendous benefits it will bring to children, families, and communities across the state.

Early Start CT is a state-funded early care and education program serving income-eligible families with infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children. The program is administered by the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC).

To support this expansion, OEC will soon launch a Request for Applications (RFA) for child care providers interested in offering Early Start CT spaces. The RFA will be open to child care centers, group child care homes, family child care homes, and public school preschool classrooms throughout the state.

Click here for more information on Early Start CT.
 
Food Drive Underway 

West Haven Youth and Family Services and the Health Department are collecting non-perishable food donations for their food drive through Monday, November 17th, at three different locations, which can be found on the flyer below, along with a list of the most frequently requested items. Please help if you can.
 
Reminder: Final Mobile Shower Opportunity 

West Haven Health Department and WHEAT of West Haven invite anyone in need to utilize the mobile showers that will be on-site at WHEAT at 674 Washington Avenue. Clothing, hygiene kits, and social worker services are available.

The next, and final mobile showers opportunity will be on Monday, November 17th.

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