Kadeem Roberts

For too long, Connecticut's special education model has faced fundamental flaws that prevented all students from receiving the proper education they deserve. With our recent passage of HB 5001: An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut, we are taking important steps to reform this system.

This bill, which passed 148-0 in the House on a bipartisan basis, makes historic investments for students in special education, delivers better access to services, and provides cost controls and greater transparency.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Historic investment in our students, including $30 million for the Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program, which will help build capacity to serve students closer to home.
• Prioritizing better access to services through enhanced development screenings, behavioral assessment and intervention plans, access to remedial classes in higher education, and involvement of parents and local school districts before a student is moved from their school.
• Reining in costs by regulating third party rate processes and developing new billing and licensing standards.
• Increasing oversight through on-site compliance visits and detailed system-wide reporting to reduce unpredictability and improve accountability.

After a 12 hour debate, HB 5002 passed in the House earlier this week. 

Amid one of the most constrained housing markets in the nation, families across our communities are finding it harder than ever to secure homes. Rents are rising, available housing is scarce, and outdated policies are standing in the way of new construction. This housing crisis impacts every facet of life — limiting economic opportunity, straining our education and healthcare systems, and affecting public safety.

House Democrats led passage of legislation that aims to tackle these challenges head-on by increasing housing supply, streamlining regulations, protecting vulnerable residents, and empowering local communities with the tools they need to create lasting solutions.

Provisions in this measure provide funding to regional bodies to support towns in proactively planning for affordable housing. This is coupled with a robust $50 million annual grant program to assist public housing authorities in directly increasing housing supply for our lowest-income residents. 

Finally, for those who find themselves in the unfortunate situation of homelessness, this bill offers meaningful support by funding mobile shower and laundry services—meeting urgent hygiene needs while promoting public health and restoring a sense of dignity. Additionally, we affirm the humanity and vulnerability of unhoused individuals by banning hostile architecture designed to exclude or punish them.

Addressing the issue of housing is a complex challenge with no simple solutions, but this bill represents a meaningful step forward in supporting those in need.

Hot days, cool drinks, baseball, and barbecues are popular staples during the summer but Connecticut, from one end of the state to the other, offers so much more.

Connecticut is home to 110 state parks, 32 state forests, 29 state campgrounds, 117 state boat launches, and 4 coastal state beaches that provide any number of recreational opportunities, along with many other attractions and nationally ranked restaurants.

Two new trails guide visitors on some of the more unique experiences the state has to offer, including the Connecticut Oyster Trail, and the Connecticut Christmas Movie Trail. Later this year the state will officially launch the Connecticut Pizza Trail to celebrate its designation as the Pizza Capital of the United States.

The best way to explore tourism destinations and find activities to do in the state is by visiting the official Connecticut Tourism website HERE.

There's more.

Litchfield County was ranked as one of the best places to go in 2025 and Mystic Seaport Museum was the “#2 Best Open-Air Museum” for the second consecutive year.

Hungry?

Several CT chefs and restaurants have gained national recognition, including chef David Standridge of The Shipwright’s Daughter in Mystic capturing the world-renowned James Beard Award for best chef in the northeast, and several others named semifinalists, including Renee Touponce of Oyster Club and The Port of Call in Mystic who was nominated in the outstanding chef category, and Coracora in West Hartford nominated for outstanding restaurant.

Seasons change quickly. With all that it has to offer, summertime in Connecticut is one you don't want to miss.

Coming up at the Capitol! The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
 
Here are some great ways to stay informed:

•  The Connecticut Network (CT-N) provides live, gavel-to-gavel coverage of legislative sessions. You can watch sessions live on Roku, YouTube or their website: https://www.ct-n.com.
• Connecticut General Assembly's official website offers a Schedule of Events: cga.ct.gov/calendarofevents.asp.
• Follow Connecticut House Democrats on social media for legislative updates and policy priorities.