Month: May 2026

Duff Delivers More Than $41.9 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

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Senator Duff Delivers More Than $41.9 Million in State Funding for Norwalk

HARTFORD — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) led passage of changes to the second year of Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that delivers $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more in low-income health care. The changes to the budget, Senate Bill 1, deliver on the priorities of the Senate Democratic Caucus by reducing pressure on local tax burdens and investing in the institutions and organizations that serve Connecticut families.

Locally, Senator Duff secured $41,943,096 in state funding for Norwalk in Fiscal Year 2027, an increase of $3,480,987 over the prior year — including $1,959,389 in new education funding. In addition to the increased state funding, the budget includes targeted investments in the Norwalk area for institutions and community organizations:

  • Human Services Council/Norwalk School Based Health Center — $100,000
  • Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center — $618,000
  • The Marvin HVAC Replacement — $130,000
  • Elder House Patio Project — $200,000
  • Black Girls Get Legal Tee — $75,000
  • Norwalk African American Parade and Carnival — $50,000
  • Norwalk High School — Bonding to Address Additional Costs

“Norwalk families have been asking us to continue to make education funding a priority, and this budget does exactly that,” said Senator Duff. “A $3.5 million increase in state funding for our city — with nearly $2 million of that going directly to education — reduces pressure on local property taxpayers and invests in the next generation of Norwalk kids. Our budget priorities here in Connecticut could not be more different than what is happening in Washington, and I am proud to deliver for Norwalk.”

Senate Bill 1 responds directly to an urgent need articulated by municipal leaders across Connecticut: the rising cost of educating the next generation has placed unsustainable pressure on local budgets and property taxpayers. Through S.B. 1, the state is committing to use its resources to reduce the need for towns and cities to raise local property taxes. The bill accomplishes that goal through the following provisions:

  • $152 million for local boards of education in the form of an additional Education Cost Sharing payment, built into the ECS grant in FY28 beginning July 1, 2027
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure all school districts receive a minimum 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools

The new budget also includes:

  • $100 million in state grants to Connecticut cities and towns
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, for a total $75 million increase — providing comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities
  • A $300 million transfer of volatile state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment, helping families access child care, supporting higher wages for educators, and improving child care facilities
  • A new $5 million tax cut on back-to-school supplies beginning July 1, saving parents money on notebooks, pens, paper, and lunchboxes
  • An increase to Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Holiday, raising the clothing, footwear, and backpack exemption cap from $100 to $300

SENATOR MARX APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 20TH DISTRICT RESIDENTS

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SENATOR MARX APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 20TH DISTRICT RESIDENTS

HARTFORD –State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) today voted to approve changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that deliver $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns across the state, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

The investment reflects concerns Senate Democrats heard throughout this legislative session from mayors, first selectmen and school boards. When the state funds more of the local bill, cities and towns do not have to pass costs onto property taxpayers. Running municipalities and schools costs more every year, and the burden of that growth falls disproportionately on the local property tax base. The budget provides meaningful relief to communities statewide at a moment when federal actions are creating new uncertainty for local budgets.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Sen. Marx voted for and welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in $9.764 million in total new funding for the 20th Senate District, including $2.92 million in additional Education Cost Spending grant funds. Those represent increases of 12.1% and 5.24%, respectively.

Total aid includes, in addition to ECS, Town Aid Road funding, Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding, car tax grants, Local Capital Improvements Program grants, special education funding and funding through the Mashantucket-Pequot Fund.

“The cost of everything keeps going up, and that’s impacting our towns, cities and schools just the same as everyone else,” said Sen. Marx. “Today’s vote means we’re providing vital financial support to make sure the services and educational resources we rely on will remain available while we deliver needed relief to taxpayers in the process. We’re working to meet the current moment and support our communities in need.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

  • $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
  • $100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 33RD DISTRICT RESIDENTS

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SENATOR NEEDLEMAN APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 33RD DISTRICT RESIDENTS

HARTFORD –State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) today voted to approve changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that deliver $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns across the state, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care –  all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap. 

The investment reflects concerns Senate Democrats heard throughout this legislative session from mayors, first selectmen and school boards. When the state funds more of the local bill, cities and towns do not have to pass costs onto property taxpayers. Running municipalities and schools costs more every year, and the burden of that growth falls disproportionately on the local property tax base. The budget provides meaningful relief to communities statewide at a moment when federal actions are creating new uncertainty for local budgets.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.

Sen. Needleman voted for and welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in an additional $2.76 million in funds to support the 12 towns in the 33rd District, including $2.025 million in new Education Cost Sharing grant funds. Those represent increases of 5.6% and 5.05%, respectively.

Total aid includes, in addition to ECS, Town Aid Road funding, Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding, car tax grants, Local Capital Improvements Program grants, special education funding and funding through the Mashantucket-Pequot Fund.

“Our towns and schools struggle under high costs just like we do, and that can squeeze taxpayers’ budgets. We’re working to provide some needed and deserved relief for municipalities, education, health care and child care through today’s vote,” said Sen. Needleman. “Hundreds of millions in relief to support schools and towns will not only preserve needed services but deliver relief to taxpayers at a time when we’re all facing budget crunches.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:
  • $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools. 
  • $100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.
###
 
 Contact: Joe O’Leary, 508-479-4969, joe.oleary@cga.ct.gov

SENATOR ANWAR APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 3RD DISTRICT RESIDENTS

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Senator Anwar

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Saturday, May 2, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR APPROVES FY ‘27 STATE BUDGET WITH NEW EDUCATION AID FOR 3RD DISTRICT RESIDENTS
HARTFORD –State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) today voted to approve changes to the second year of the Connecticut’s Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget that deliver $190 million more in education aid to Connecticut’s cities and towns, another $100 million to cities and towns across the state, $300 million for early childcare, and $30 million more for low-income health care – all while remaining balanced and under the state spending cap.

The investment reflects concerns Senate Democrats heard throughout this legislative session from mayors, first selectmen and school boards. When the state funds more of the local bill, cities and towns do not have to pass costs onto property taxpayers. Running municipalities and schools costs more every year, and the burden of that growth falls disproportionately on the local property tax base. The budget provides meaningful relief to communities statewide at a moment when federal actions are creating new uncertainty for local budgets.

Senate Bill 1 was passed on a 30-6 vote and immediately sent to the House of Representatives for final approval.
Sen. Anwar voted for and welcomed the second-year budget adjustments, which will result in $8.035 million in additional Educational Cost Sharing funding across East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington and South Windsor and $11.165 million in total new aid to the four towns. Those are respective increases of 8.17% and 8.86%.

Total aid includes, in addition to ECS, Town Aid Road funding, Payments in Lieu of Taxes funding, car tax grants, Local Capital Improvements Program grants, special education funding and funding through the Mashantucket-Pequot Fund.

“This is real, tangible relief for our towns and schools at a time when it’s sorely needed,” said Sen. Anwar. “We’re delivering needed funds that will bolster the performance of our students and provide municipalities with better resources to provide the valuable, needed services our constituents rely on. Today’s vote benefits education, health care and child care, working to improve access to services and reduce costs at the same time.”

Major, positive changes in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

  • $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
  • $100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.
###

Senators Gaston and Gadkar-Wilcox Secure Additional $25 Million for Bridgeport

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Senators Gaston and Gadkar-Wilcox Secure Additional $25 Million for Bridgeport

After months of persistent advocacy, Bridgeport State Senators Herron Keyon Gaston and Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox have secured $25 million in critical funding for the City of Bridgeport, including a significant investment in education.

From the very first day of this legislative session, Senators Gaston and Gadkar-Wilcox made education funding for Bridgeport a non-negotiable priority. While others talked, they stood firm making it clear to Senate leadership that Bridgeport’s students could not afford to be shortchanged. Their relentless advocacy made this a Senate Democratic priority this session.

“We are thrilled to see this funding pass the Senate, but as they say, it takes two to tango. The work isn’t done until the House sends this budget to the Governor’s desk,” said Sens. Gaston and Gadkar-Wilcox. “We thank our Senate leadership for hearing our advocacy and standing with us to secure this critical investment for Bridgeport’s schools and families. Our students and communities deserve nothing less, and we will not stop fighting until this is signed into law. We also thank our House delegation for their shared advocacy.”

Senator Herron Keyon Gaston, himself an administrator at a higher education institution in Bridgeport, has made education funding a cornerstone of his legislative work. He understands firsthand that for students to succeed, they must first be equipped with the resources, support, and foundation they need in K-12 schools and he has fought to ensure Bridgeport’s students have exactly that.

Senator Gadkar-Wilcox, the former Senate Chair of the Select Committee on Special Education, has championed the needs of Connecticut’s most vulnerable students. Ensuring that Bridgeport’s schools receive the resources they need has been a commitment she has honored from the moment she was sworn in.

Both Senators throughout the legislative session heard from education leaders, advocates, town officials, students, teachers, about how critical this funding is.

The $25 million investment will provide significant relief to Bridgeport’s public school system, supporting students, educators, and school communities across the city at a time when they need it most.

Senators Gaston and Gadkar-Wilcox will continue to monitor the budget’s progress in the House and remain committed to ensuring that every dollar secured for Bridgeport makes it to the finish line.

Major, positive changes statewide in the second year of the adjusted budget include:

  • $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education in the form of an additional ECS grant. This $152 million increase will also be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.
  • $100 million for state grants to cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

Senate Democratic Budget Plan Sending Towns $190 Million in Additional Funding for Local Education Heads to Senate Floor

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Senate Democratic Budget Plan Sending Towns $190 Million in Additional Funding for Local Education Heads to Senate Floor

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Senate has begun debate on Senate Bill 1, legislation delivering on the priorities of the Senate Democratic Caucus by adjusting the two-year budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, reducing pressure on local tax burdens by providing towns and cities with $190 million in additional education funding and a $100 million increase in town aid.

The budget is balanced, under the spending cap and includes $300 million for early child care and an additional $30 million in healthcare assistance for lower income families.

“For years, towns and cities across Connecticut have absorbed the growing cost of public education with insufficient state support, and that burden has landed squarely on local property taxpayers, Senate President Pro Tem. Martin M. Looney said. “Senate Bill 1 addresses that imbalance directly, directing substantial new resources to local boards of education and ensuring that every district receives an increase regardless of enrollment. Paired with $100 million in direct aid to municipalities, this budget gives Connecticut’s cities and towns the tools they need to serve their residents without reaching deeper into taxpayers’ pockets.”

“While Washington Republicans are busy exploding the federal deficit and slashing education funding, Connecticut is doing the exact opposite: sending $190 million more to our local schools and cutting taxes for families buying back-to-school supplies, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “This budget is balanced, under the spending cap, and puts money back in the pockets of working- and middle-class families who have been squeezed from every direction. Connecticut Democrats are delivering real relief, and the contrast with what’s happening in Washington could not be clearer.”

Senate Bill 1 responds directly to an urgent need articulated by municipal leaders from across Connecticut: the rising cost of educating the next generation has placed unsustainable pressure on municipal budgets and local taxpayers.

Through S.B. 1, the state is committing to use its resources to pick up part of that tab and reduce the need of towns and cities to raise local property taxes. The bill accomplishes that goal through the following provisions:

  • $152 million for local boards of education, in the form of an additional Education Cost Sharing payment. The additional funding will be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.

The new budget also includes:

  • $100 million for state grants to Connecticut cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

Senate Bill 1 also includes a new, $5 million tax cut on back-to-school supplies beginning on July 1 of this year. The new tax cut will save parents money on essentials like notebooks, pens, paper, lunchboxes.

The budget will also bolster Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Holiday by increasing the exemption cap on clothing, footwear, and backpacks from $100 to $300.

Senate Democratic Budget Plan Sending Towns $190 Million in Additional Funding for Local Education Heads to Senate Floor

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Senate Democratic Budget Plan Sending Towns $190 Million in Additional Funding for Local Education Heads to Senate Floor

HARTFORD — The Connecticut Senate has begun debate on Senate Bill 1, legislation delivering on the priorities of the Senate Democratic Caucus by adjusting the two-year budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, reducing pressure on local tax burdens by providing towns and cities with $190 million in additional education funding and a $100 million increase in town aid.

The budget is balanced, under the spending cap and includes $300 million for early child care and an additional $30 million in healthcare assistance for lower income families.

“For years, towns and cities across Connecticut have absorbed the growing cost of public education with insufficient state support, and that burden has landed squarely on local property taxpayers, Senate President Pro Tem. Martin M. Looney said. “Senate Bill 1 addresses that imbalance directly, directing substantial new resources to local boards of education and ensuring that every district receives an increase regardless of enrollment. Paired with $100 million in direct aid to municipalities, this budget gives Connecticut’s cities and towns the tools they need to serve their residents without reaching deeper into taxpayers’ pockets.”

“While Washington Republicans are busy exploding the federal deficit and slashing education funding, Connecticut is doing the exact opposite: sending $190 million more to our local schools and cutting taxes for families buying back-to-school supplies, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff said. “This budget is balanced, under the spending cap, and puts money back in the pockets of working- and middle-class families who have been squeezed from every direction. Connecticut Democrats are delivering real relief, and the contrast with what’s happening in Washington could not be clearer.”

Senate Bill 1 responds directly to an urgent need articulated by municipal leaders from across Connecticut: the rising cost of educating the next generation has placed unsustainable pressure on municipal budgets and local taxpayers.

Through S.B. 1, the state is committing to use its resources to pick up part of that tab and reduce the need of towns and cities to raise local property taxes. The bill accomplishes that goal through the following provisions:

  • $152 million for local boards of education, in the form of an additional Education Cost Sharing payment. The additional funding will be built into the ECS grant in FY 28, which begins on July 1, 2027.
  • $20 million in additional funding to ensure that all school districts receive a minimum of a 4% increase in their ECS grant this year, regardless of student enrollment.
  • $18 million in additional aid for magnet schools, the Open Choice program, charter schools, and vocational-technical schools.

The new budget also includes:

  • $100 million for state grants to Connecticut cities and towns.
  • A $30 million increase to the state’s HUSKY health care program on top of the $45 million already budgeted, resulting in a total $75 million increase. HUSKY Health provides comprehensive, no-cost or low-cost medical coverage to eligible low-income residents, children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
  • A $300 million transfer of ‘volatile’ state revenue to the Early Childhood Endowment which helps families access child care, supports higher wages for educators, and improves child care facilities.

Senate Bill 1 also includes a new, $5 million tax cut on back-to-school supplies beginning on July 1 of this year. The new tax cut will save parents money on essentials like notebooks, pens, paper, lunchboxes.

The budget will also bolster Connecticut’s annual Sales Tax Holiday by increasing the exemption cap on clothing, footwear, and backpacks from $100 to $300.

Senate President Martin M. Looney Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

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Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) announced today that he will not seek reelection to the Connecticut State Senate in 2026, concluding a 46-year legislative career that began in 1981.

Senator Looney has represented the 11th Senate District, encompassing New Haven and parts of Hamden, since 1993, and has served in the Connecticut General Assembly since 1981. He is the longest-serving Senate President Pro Tempore (2015 to present) and, prior to that time, he was the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader (2003 to 2015) in Connecticut’s history.

Understanding the time limits of the end of session and true to his passion to ensure passage of meaningful legislation, a celebration of Senator Looney’s work will be held in late May, not during the final days of the 2026 General Assembly session.

Senator Looney released the following statement:

“Serving the people of Connecticut in the General Assembly for 46 years has been the great privilege of my public life, and it is not a privilege I have ever taken lightly. To this day, I still find it hard to believe that a child of Irish immigrant parents and growing up in the Fair Haven section of New Haven became the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader and Senate President in state history. In many ways, I grew up and grew old in the General Assembly. I was elected to the House unmarried and now leave with three amazing grandchildren. I entered the General Assembly before I began law school and went on to be engaged at a leadership level with every issue pending before the State Senate for the last 24 years. After all this time, I want to leave the General Assembly while more people are still encouraging me to stay than to leave. I believe that after many years in Senate leadership, the time has come for someone else to take the helm. I have the utmost confidence that the Senate Democratic caucus will continue to produce superb public policy under the leadership of Senator Bob Duff, who is primed and supremely ready for the challenge.

“No career of this length is sustained without the love, support, and sacrifice of those who are closest. My loving wife Ellen has been my partner, confidant, and source of comfort and strength through it all, and I am more grateful to her than I can adequately express in any statement. My son Michael and my grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, and Isabel, have reminded me, across all the years, sessions, and late nights this work demands, of what a commitment to public life means in all respects. They are my greatest joy. I am grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly, past and present, and to Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff for his partnership and his friendship. I am grateful to our Chief of Staff Courtney Cullinan and former Chief of Staff Vinnie Mauro, whose dedication made our caucus’s work possible, and to the constituents of the 11th Senate District and, before that, the 96th House District, who have honored me with their trust across so many years.

“I was raised by New Deal Democratic immigrant parents and believe to my core that enlightened public policy can deliver positive transformation when government takes its obligations seriously. I have spent more than four decades in the Capitol, believing that government, when it is honest, purposeful, and willing to make hard choices, is a singularly powerful tool available to a democratic society for advancing human dignity. That belief has not wavered.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

Senate President Martin M. Looney Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

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Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney Announces He Will Not Seek Reelection in 2026

HARTFORD — Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven) announced today that he will not seek reelection to the Connecticut State Senate in 2026, concluding a 46-year legislative career that began in 1981.

Senator Looney has represented the 11th Senate District, encompassing New Haven and parts of Hamden, since 1993, and has served in the Connecticut General Assembly since 1981. He is the longest-serving Senate President Pro Tempore (2015 to present) and, prior to that time, he was the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader (2003 to 2015) in Connecticut’s history.

Understanding the time limits of the end of session and true to his passion to ensure passage of meaningful legislation, a celebration of Senator Looney’s work will be held in late May, not during the final days of the 2026 General Assembly session.

Senator Looney released the following statement:

“Serving the people of Connecticut in the General Assembly for 46 years has been the great privilege of my public life, and it is not a privilege I have ever taken lightly. To this day, I still find it hard to believe that a child of Irish immigrant parents and growing up in the Fair Haven section of New Haven became the longest-serving Senate Majority Leader and Senate President in state history. In many ways, I grew up and grew old in the General Assembly. I was elected to the House unmarried and now leave with three amazing grandchildren. I entered the General Assembly before I began law school and went on to be engaged at a leadership level with every issue pending before the State Senate for the last 24 years. After all this time, I want to leave the General Assembly while more people are still encouraging me to stay than to leave. I believe that after many years in Senate leadership, the time has come for someone else to take the helm. I have the utmost confidence that the Senate Democratic caucus will continue to produce superb public policy under the leadership of Senator Bob Duff, who is primed and supremely ready for the challenge.

“No career of this length is sustained without the love, support, and sacrifice of those who are closest. My loving wife Ellen has been my partner, confidant, and source of comfort and strength through it all, and I am more grateful to her than I can adequately express in any statement. My son Michael and my grandchildren, Matthew, Anna, and Isabel, have reminded me, across all the years, sessions, and late nights this work demands, of what a commitment to public life means in all respects. They are my greatest joy. I am grateful to my colleagues in the General Assembly, past and present, and to Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff for his partnership and his friendship. I am grateful to our Chief of Staff Courtney Cullinan and former Chief of Staff Vinnie Mauro, whose dedication made our caucus’s work possible, and to the constituents of the 11th Senate District and, before that, the 96th House District, who have honored me with their trust across so many years.

“I was raised by New Deal Democratic immigrant parents and believe to my core that enlightened public policy can deliver positive transformation when government takes its obligations seriously. I have spent more than four decades in the Capitol, believing that government, when it is honest, purposeful, and willing to make hard choices, is a singularly powerful tool available to a democratic society for advancing human dignity. That belief has not wavered.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kevin Coughlin | kevin.coughlin@cga.ct.gov | 203-710-0193

SEN. KUSHNER LEADS BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORKERS’ RIGHTS BILL IN STATE SENATE

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SEN. KUSHNER LEADS BIPARTISAN PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE WORKERS’ RIGHTS BILL IN STATE SENATE

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) tonight led the bipartisan passage of a large, omnibus workforce bill that impacts labor, education, public safety, and veterans’ issues, creating new worker protections, stronger wage transparency rules, and joint liability for unpaid wages on construction sites.
House Bill 5003 passed the Senate on a bipartisan 28-7 vote and now heads to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

“It feels really important to finally get this bill done,” said Sen. Kushner, who is Senate Chair of the Labor and Public Employees Committee. “It contains pieces of legislation that we’ve been working on for years: teachers not being treated fairly, nurses who suffer assault, wage theft in the construction industry, people who have worked for 20 years at a company and then are given two weeks’ notice that their contract isn’t going to be renewed. These are real-life issues affecting working families in Connecticut. It’s gratifying to get this legislation passed.”

H.B. 5003 contains 75 sections of new laws, including:

  • Enhanced workers’ compensation for assaulted workers. Teachers, health care providers, and related employees who cannot work due to an on-the-job assault will now receive 100% of their average weekly earnings (vs. the standard 75% after-tax cap), plus medical expenses and lost wages for court appearances.
  • Construction contractor and subcontractor joint liability for unpaid wages. For construction contracts executed on or after January 1, 2027, general contractors are jointly and severally liable for wages that their subcontractor fails to pay its workers.
  • Retention of service contract workers. Entities taking over service contracts at covered locations (multifamily housing with 50+ units, commercial centers over 75,000 square feet, airports, schools, hospitals, warehouses, private colleges, and others) must retain the prior contractor’s employees for at least 90 days. After 90 days, satisfactory performers must receive an offer of continued employment.
  • Teacher termination process. The bill creates a fair termination process with a binding decision from an impartial hearing officer, offering the same protections provided to other public service workers such as police officers and firefighters.
  • Breastfeeding/expressing milk. Requires employers to provide reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping in addition to scheduled breaks (current law only permits use of existing meal/break time).
  • Wage range and benefits disclosure. The bill expands existing pay transparency law to require employers to include both a wage range and a general benefits description (health insurance, retirement, fringe, paid leave, other compensation) in all public and internal job postings.
  • First responder tuition and mortgage assistance: State community colleges and universities must waive tuition for eligible police officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel, and the Connecticut Home Finance Authority must develop a mortgage assistance program for first responders buying homes in the communities where they serve.
  • National Guard fee waivers: The bill expands the existing tuition waiver for active Guard members at CT State, CSCU, and UConn to cover all mandatory fees, not just tuition.
  • The state Department of Labor (DOL) must update its veteran employment webpage with links to training, counseling, and veteran-friendly employers, and optimize it for search engines. The state Department of Veterans Affairs must send periodic newsletters linking to the page, and the DOL must study AI-based tools for connecting veterans and service members with employers.

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