We had a long, productive special session in Hartford on Wednesday. We addressed our housing crisis, created a budget reserve fund in response to federal funding gaps, strengthened children's behavioral health care, and more.
All of Wednesday's work is included in this newsletter.
I have also included a couple of opportunities to help local families in need this Thanksgiving.
Have a great weekend!
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
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.
As a vice chair of the Appropriations Committee, I was proud to stand with House Chair Toni Walker (D-New Haven), who brought the bill to the floor.
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 also 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.
During the special session on Wednesday, we passed legislationas part of a comprehensive bill that continues to build on House Democrats’ commitment to children’s behavioral health care. As a tri-chair of the Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee (TCB), I am especially proud to see this legislation move along.
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.
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.
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.
We advanced legislation to safeguard immigrants within courthouses and promote fair, transparent access to their data. The comprehensive bill, HB 8004, includes the following provisions:
Parameters for detaining, arresting, or taking a person into custody on courthouse grounds based on a civil offense;
General prohibitions on people enforcing state or federal laws on state courthouse grounds from wearing a mask or facial coverings, unless medically necessary and approved by court personnel; and
Restrictions on state and local government agencies from disclosing personal information to federal authorities, except as required by state or federal law, judicial warrant, or court order.
The protections were included as part of an expansive bill that also addressed children's mental health and the creation of a funding mechanism for a firefighters' cancer relief fund.
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.
I am 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.
During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Stamford is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season.
There is a plan for everyone, including:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.
Energy Efficiency:
Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.
Winter Protection:
If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
To find the right options for you, click HERE to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
There is a plan for everyone, including:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.
Energy Efficiency:
Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.
Winter Protection:
If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
To find the right options for you, click HERE to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
