Month: July 2026

Senator Hochadel Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

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Senator Hochadel

Senator Hochadel Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD– In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Jan Hochadel (D-Meriden) a score of 97 in recognition of her support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“As an educator, I know how much of a difference it makes when we invest in the people who teach our kids and the systems that support them,” Senator Hochadel said. “This year’s session included real wins for Connecticut students and teachers, from expanding scholarships for aspiring educators to protecting fair treatment for those already in the classroom. I’m proud that our work reflects the priorities Connecticut families and educators have been asking for, and I’ll keep pushing to make sure every student and every teacher in Meriden and beyond has what they need to succeed.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Hochadel’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 222: opposition to a proposal that would have exempted student-athletes from physical education requirements, a change that would have undermined the value of P.E. and the educators who teach it.

Senator Jan Hochadel represents the 13th Senate District covering Meriden and portions of Middletown, Cheshire, and Middlefield and serves as Senate Chair of the Aging Committee.

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | Hugh.McQuaid@cga.ct.gov

Senator Christine Cohen Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

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Senator Christine Cohen Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD: In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Christine Cohen (D-Guilford) a score of 92.6 in recognition of her support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“I’m grateful to every teacher and support staff member across Guilford, Branford, Madison, East Haven, Killingworth, Durham, Middlefield and North Branford who took the time to tell me what’s actually happening in their classrooms this session,” Senator Cohen said. “That’s who this score belongs to, not me. Together we passed a budget that puts nearly $200 million back into our towns and strengthens protections for the people teaching our kids every day. There’s more work ahead, but our students and educators had a good session, and I’m proud of that.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Cohen’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 8: legislation supported in the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.

Senator Christine Cohen represents the 12th Senate District covering Branford, East Haven, Guilford, Madison, Killingworth, Durham, Middlefield, and North Branford and serves as Senate Chair of the Transportation Committee.

SEN. MAHER RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

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SEN. MAHER RECEIVES HIGH MARKS FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 9, 2026

The Connecticut Education Association awarded State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) an 89.1% grade for her work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities.

“Educators around our state are thoroughly committed to the future of our children during a vital time in their lives,” said Sen. Maher. “Throughout my time in the Senate, I’ve worked to provide our teachers and our school districts with the resources and support they need.”

Sen. Maher’s votes included her support for the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; her votes to expand opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through enhanced workers compensation protections.

Senator Paul Honig Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

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Senator Paul Honig Makes ‘Honor Roll’ for Education Votes

HARTFORD: In an annual legislative report card released this week, the Connecticut Education Association awarded Senator Paul Honig (D-Harwinton) a score of 91.2 in recognition of his support for Connecticut students and teachers through votes in the General Assembly.

The report card tracks the voting record of every state legislator and grades them on their support for bills that improve learning and teaching conditions in Connecticut schools, and their opposition to measures that would hinder educational progress or harm the interests of students and educators.

“Towns in my district feel it when schools don’t have what they need, and I’ve tried to keep that in mind with every vote I take here,” Senator Honig said. “This score reflects support for students, teachers, and a budget that puts nearly $200 million back into towns and expands special education funding. I’m glad to see that record recognized.”

This year’s grade reflected Senator Honig’s support for a number of proposals, including:

  • Senate Bill 1: the 2026 budget, which included nearly $200 million in district relief along with free school breakfast, universal pre-k, and special education grants.
  • House Bill 5003: legislation strengthening fair termination standards and workers’ compensation protections for teachers.
  • Senate Bill 220: legislation expanding eligibility for the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program and requiring Department of Education guidance on student literacy.
  • Senate Bill 325: legislation protecting educators’ personal information from disclosure in Freedom of Information requests.
  • House Bill 5323: legislation extending necessary teacher certification regulations.
  • Senate Bill 85: legislation supported in the Finance Committee establishing the CT Supplemental Graduate Student Loan Program for educators and other impacted professions.
  • House Bill 5548: legislation supported in the Government Administration and Elections Committee protecting educators’ and other public employees’ personal information from Freedom of Information requests.

Senator Paul Honig represents the 8th Senate District covering Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Hartland, Norfolk, New Hartford, and Simsbury and portions of Granby, Harwinton, and Torrington and serves as Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Hugh McQuaid | hugh.mcquaid@cga.ct.gov |

SENATOR SLAP RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

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SENATOR SLAP RECEIVES ‘A’ GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

July 9, 2026

The Connecticut Education Association recently awarded State Senator Derek Slap (D-West Hartford) an “A” grade for his work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities, additionally earning the CEA’s “Honor Roll” designation.

“The teachers in our communities make sacrifices and dedicate their careers to supporting our youth during the most fundamental parts of their education,” said Sen. Slap. “I remain committed to supporting the needs of our educators so they can continue to help our students succeed.”

Sen. Slap’s votes supporting education included the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; expanding opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through means like enhanced workers compensation protections.

He also received special distinction for the creation of a graduate student loan program in the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee. This was Sen. Slap’s biggest legislative priority in 2026 as the Senate Chair of the Higher Education Committee.

Sen. Slap was one of 16 Senate Democrats to earn an “A” grade.

SENATOR ANWAR RECEIVES A GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

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Senator Anwar

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

July 9, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR RECEIVES A GRADE, ‘HONOR ROLL’ DESIGNATION FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

The Connecticut Education Association recently awarded State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) an A grade for his work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities, additionally earning the CEA’s “Honor Roll” designation.

“The teachers in our communities play a vital role in supporting the education and growth of our children, and I am committed to supporting them however I can,” said Sen. Anwar. “I am proud to receive these distinctions and will continue working to support their efforts.”

Sen. Anwar’s votes in question included his support for the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; his votes to expand opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through means like enhanced workers compensation protections.

Sen. Anwar was one of 16 Senate Democrats to earn an A grade.

SENATOR MARX RECEIVES HIGH GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

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SENATOR MARX RECEIVES HIGH GRADE FROM CONNECTICUT EDUCATION ASSOCIATION

July 9, 2026

The Connecticut Education Association awarded State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) an 89.2% grade for her work in the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions supporting educational priorities.

“Our hardworking educators strive to make sure our children are learning, growing and ready for success in adulthood,” said Sen. Marx. “They need and deserve legislators’ support and I plan on continuing to support their hard work.”

Sen. Marx’s votes in question included her support for the 2026 state budget, which provided nearly $200 million in additional education funding for school districts, supported free school breakfasts and increased special education grants; her votes to expand opportunities to support aspiring educators; support for a paraeducator minimum salary; and better protecting teachers through means like enhanced workers compensation protections.

SEN. MATT LESSER STATEMENT ON THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD ONE YEAR AFTER TRUMP CUTS

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SEN. MATT LESSER STATEMENT ON THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF FEDERAL FUNDING FOR PLANNED PARENTHOOD ONE YEAR AFTER TRUMP CUTS

“For years, Donald Trump and the MAGA Republicans have been waging war on Planned Parenthood as part of their larger war on women’s health care. It wasn’t enough to repeal Roe v. Wade; last year they cut off Planned Parenthood’s ability to receive federal funding for contraception, cancer and STD screening for one year. I am happy that Connecticut stepped up to make up some of the difference, and I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and legislative leaders for prioritizing this issue. As federal funding resumes, it’s important that we remain vigilant as we work to ensure that women have access to the health care that they need in every corner of the state.”

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SENS. LOONEY, DUFF, AND MARONEY PRAISE ILLINOIS PASSAGE OF TOUGH A.I. LAW; SEEK SIMILAR ACTION IN 2027 CT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

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SENS. LOONEY, DUFF, AND MARONEY PRAISE ILLINOIS PASSAGE OF TOUGH A.I. LAW; SEEK SIMILAR ACTION IN 2027 CT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

“We welcome Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s signing Tuesday of a tough, bipartisan, and industry-supported artificial intelligence law that requires AI developers to assess the likelihood that their product could cause death or serious injury to more than 50 people or more than $1 million in property damage. Connecticut passed a solid AI regulation bill this year, but we can do more, and we should look to our fellow states for ideas and guidance on AI, just as they look to Connecticut for cutting-edge data privacy laws. With the do-nothing Republican Congress in Washington, D.C., and with big tech CEOs giving hundreds of millions of dollars in feudal tributes to Donald Trump, it is up to states to act to protect their own citizens from AI excesses. We encourage the 2027 General Assembly to follow the leads of New York, California, and Illinois and to enact stricter public safety requirements for AI developers.”

Statement of Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and State Senator James Maroney (D- Milford), a nationally recognized expert in Artificial Intelligence who is Senate Chair of the General Law Committee, which has cognizance over fair trade and sales practices, consumer protection, and other matters. Both Sen. Duff and Sen. Maroney are members of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

SENS. LOONEY, DUFF, AND MARONEY PRAISE ILLINOIS PASSAGE OF TOUGH A.I. LAW; SEEK SIMILAR ACTION IN 2027

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SENS. LOONEY, DUFF, AND MARONEY PRAISE ILLINOIS PASSAGE OF TOUGH A.I. LAW; SEEK SIMILAR ACTION IN 2027 CT GENERAL ASSEMBLY

“We welcome Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s signing Tuesday of a tough, bipartisan, and industry-supported artificial intelligence law that requires AI developers to assess the likelihood that their product could cause death or serious injury to more than 50 people or more than $1 million in property damage. Connecticut passed a solid AI regulation bill this year, but we can do more, and we should look to our fellow states for ideas and guidance on AI, just as they look to Connecticut for cutting-edge data privacy laws. With the do-nothing Republican Congress in Washington, D.C., and with big tech CEOs giving hundreds of millions of dollars in feudal tributes to Donald Trump, it is up to states to act to protect their own citizens from AI excesses. We encourage the 2027 General Assembly to follow the leads of New York, California, and Illinois and to enact stricter public safety requirements for AI developers.”

Statement of Senate President Martin Looney (D-New Haven), Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk), and State Senator James Maroney (D- Milford), a nationally recognized expert in Artificial Intelligence who is Senate Chair of the General Law Committee, which has cognizance over fair trade and sales practices, consumer protection, and other matters. Both Sen. Duff and Sen. Maroney are members of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Task Force on Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity and Privacy.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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