Robin Comey

I hope this message finds you and your family well. Below is an overview of recent activity at the Capitol, including major community investments, new legislation, and initiatives designed to improve the lives of Connecticut residents, along with updates on projects and programs affecting our district.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• CT Early Childhood Education Endowment Investment
• Landmark Legislation for AI Protections
• Medical Debt Erased
• Community Events

I was proud to stand alongside Governor Ned Lamont as he announced a plan to allocate $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent federal rule changes.

Under the proposal, eligible individuals who have lost SNAP eligibility as a result of new federal work requirements will receive a one-time grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores. In addition, applicants will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.

The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to residents facing food insecurity while helping families navigate changes to federal benefit programs. As the cost of groceries continues to place pressure on household budgets, this assistance will help ensure that vulnerable residents can continue to access nutritious food and meet their basic needs.

Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established in late 2025 to help the state respond quickly and effectively to federal policy changes and funding reductions that impact residents. This proposal marks the fourth plan submitted by Governor Lamont to legislative leaders for the use of the fund since its creation, demonstrating Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during times of economic uncertainty and transition.

SAVE THE DATE! Please join me, Rep. Moira Rader, and Sen. Christine Cohen for a post session town hall on Wednesday, June 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the James Blackstone Memorial Library.

This forum is an opportunity for us to share highlights and accomplishments from the 2026 legislative session, discuss key issues impacting our community, and provide updates on the work being done on behalf of Branford residents.

Most importantly, we want to hear from you. Your questions, concerns, and ideas are essential as we continue working to address the needs of our community and shape future priorities together.

Click here to register for the town hall. We hope you can join us for this important community conversation.

Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment has received an additional investment of approximately $320 million, further strengthening the state's commitment to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.

Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers.

Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.

This historic investment reflects Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities while providing meaningful financial relief for working families and strengthening the early childhood workforce for generations to come.

Click here for more information on the endowment.

Governor Lamont has signed Public Act 26-15, landmark legislation that strengthens protections for Connecticut residents against emerging AI-related harms, addresses the growing impact of social media addiction among youth, and positions Connecticut as a national leader in the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.

In addition to these important consumer protections, the law invests in workforce development initiatives designed to equip Connecticut workers with the advanced skills and technology training needed to compete for high-quality jobs in today's rapidly evolving digital economy.

This forward-looking legislation reflects Connecticut's commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, safeguarding residents and creating new opportunities for workers and businesses alike.

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents can expect to receive letters in the mail beginning this week notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated.

Medical debt places a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut. This marks the fourth round of the state's medical debt relief initiative, which provides meaningful assistance to qualifying residents who are struggling to pay outstanding medical bills. Since the program launched in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt cancelled, helping families regain financial stability and peace of mind.

Residents whose medical debt has been forgiven will receive a letter in an Undue Medical Debt-branded envelope featuring the Connecticut state seal (see image below). These notifications are legitimate and do not require any action on the recipient's part.

Governor Lamont will continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to provide additional relief throughout this year. To support this effort, the Governor and the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation making $6.5 million in federal ARPA funding available for the initiative through 2026.

This program continues to demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to easing financial hardship for residents and ensuring that unexpected medical expenses do not become a long-term obstacle to economic security.

Click here to read the full release from the governor's office.