Maryam Khan

Connecticut House Democrats are making targeted, meaningful investments in the people who keep our communities strong — from first responders and veterans to nurses, teachers, and blue-collar workers.

We passed legislation backing those who serve by expanding support for police, firefighters, and veterans. That includes state-backed health insurance for families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals, mortgage assistance for first responders, and stronger recruitment and training efforts. We’re also building on successful partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals, improving access to jobs and benefits for veterans, and creating new tuition assistance opportunities for those serving here at home.

At the same time, we’re strengthening protections for workers. Nurses and teachers will have better safeguards if they’re injured on the job, including help covering lost wages and expenses. Paraeducators will have greater financial stability, and workers across industries — especially those in high-risk or subcontracted roles — will see stronger protections, fairer pay practices, and safer working conditions. We’re also ensuring workplace standards keep pace with modern needs, including guaranteed break time for nursing mothers.

Additionally, we’re helping employers build stronger workplaces by investing in workforce development. From training programs for certified nurse assistants to better coordination between educators and industry, these efforts are designed to connect people to good-paying jobs while helping businesses grow.

The bill also includes stipulations for virtual monitoring in home care, increased penalties for noncompliance with staffing requirements in hospitals, and mandates for remote work during inclement weather.

This bill was intended to create safer and more equitable work environments and support the needs of several employee groups across Connecticut. We think it does. For a closer look at the legislation, please click HERE.

This is about standing with the people who serve and support our state — and making sure Connecticut continues to work for them.

After several recent tragedies involving children in Connecticut and growing calls for more accountability in our child welfare system, House Democrats are taking action in the 2026 legislative session.

The House passed HB 5004, which will:

• Prioritize placing children with family members and responsible adults who are already in their lives.
• Make sure there is follow-up 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.
• Require additional eyes on children who are the subject of multiple reports of abuse or neglect, and those residing with someone on parole or probation after incarceration for serious crimes against children.
• Provide robust real-time data for policymakers and the public on DCF performance through a user-friendly dashboard.
• Establish a new committee to gather legislators, state agencies, experts, and stakeholders to review our child welfare policies and performance and make recommendations for improvements.

This significant legislation reflects a bipartisan effort to reform the Department of Children and Families with policies and procedures that put children first, and a commitment to continued attention to this important issue.

Cellphones have become a major part of the lives of adults and children. While these devices can be useful at times, they have also proven to be addicting, distracting, and are robbing our children of important opportunities to create connections and develop relationships, particularly at school.

This week, the House took action to remove these harmful devices from our schools. HB 5035 implements a bell-to-bell ban on students' cellphones during the school day. This policy will allow our children to further connect with their peers and educators, strengthen their attention spans, and enhance their learning ability.

While this bill does not fully remove technology as a distraction, it is a great step in the right direction to give our students the best school experience possible.

The House passed a measure to support Connecticut’s small businesses by creating a pathway to access state grants and economic development programs.

Under House Bill 5467, an employee with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) would serve as a direct point of contact for small businesses. This individual would help business owners navigate available funds, incentives, and community development programs administered by DECD.

Too often, small businesses struggle to identify what resources are available or how to apply. This measure creates an accessible gateway for information and assistance, ensuring business owners have someone to answer questions, connect them with the right programs, and guide them through the process.

House Bill 5467 is an important step toward removing barriers and helping Connecticut businesses grow and thrive.

• HB 5140 will allow dental hygienists to serve underserved homebound patients in private residences, such as seniors, veterans, and the disabled, who would likely go without dental care. Dental hygienists currently are allowed by law to work in facilities such as senior centers and preschools without the oversight of a dentist, and this legislation expands upon that. The dental hygienist will have worked under the supervision of a dentist for more than two years.
• HB 5142 extends protections for the use of technology to residents of residential care homes and sets a penalty for violation of the protections. It ensures residents in residential care homes can set up virtual monitoring systems so families have peace of mind and they can keep an eye on their loved ones. In the case of roommates, permission must sign off on paperwork, which can change at any time.
• HB 5143 requires homemaker companion agency employees to complete eight hours of basic training each year, including training on topics such as: helping individuals with Alzheimer’s, identifying abuse, identifying when care is above capacity of a homemaker companion, and hygiene assistance.

The Connecticut Judicial Branch is warning residents about two text message scams aimed at stealing your money and personal information. One falsely claims you have an unpaid traffic citation and must pay immediately. The other alleges that you missed jury duty and owe a penalty. Both are bogus.

The Judicial Branch does not send texts or make calls demanding payment for motor vehicle violations. It does not threaten arrest of missed jury service by text, and it does not use a judge’s name to pressure individuals into paying money.