Senator Hartley Welcomes UK Parliament Delegation to Connecticut for Friendship Caucus Roundtable
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Author: SDO Automation
MEDIA ADVISORY – TUESDAY, 2PM, CAPITOL LOBBY – “UNDER THE BRIDGE” HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS EXHIBITION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
MEDIA ADVISORY – TUESDAY, 2PM, CAPITOL LOBBY – “UNDER THE BRIDGE” HOMELESSNESS AWARENESS EXHIBITION
When: Tuesday, March 24, 2026, 2-5 p.m.
Where: State Capitol, North Lobby
Who: State Senator Saud Anwar, members of the Housing Committee, CT Coalition To End Homelessness CEO Sarah Fox, photographer Phil Farnsworth, individuals with stories of their experiences while homeless
On Tuesday, March 24, the Capitol’s North Lobby will host “Under The Bridge,” a homelessness awareness exhibition featuring the work of photographer Phil Farnsworth, a documentary photographer whose work examines homelessness, humanitarian crisis, conflict and the human cost of political and social decisions.
The exhibit will feature brief remarks from invited speakers and then will remain open to the public for the remainder of the day.
Sens. Looney, Duff, Lesser Applaud Advance of Affordable Healthcare Legislation
Sens. Looney, Duff, Lesser Applaud Advance of Affordable Healthcare Legislation
HARTFORD – Today, Senate President Martin Looney, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff and Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee State Senator Matt Lesser applaud committee passage of Senate Bill 3, a Senate Democrats priority piece of legislation designed to make healthcare affordable.
When Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress allowed federal premium tax credits to expire, Connecticut families insured through Access Health CT saw their premiums skyrocket overnight. Additionally, 100,000 residents are projected to lose their HUSKY Medicaid coverage this year due to passage of the federal Republican budget, which also threatens the financial underpinning of Connecticut hospitals. Senate Bill 3 takes a broad approach to ensure that Connecticut residents are not forced to choose between paying rent and staying insured.
“Addressing the astronomical cost of healthcare and barriers in care is a top priority for our caucus, and this legislation addresses this issue in several ways,” said Senate President Martin Looney. “One of the most challenging pieces of healthcare for patients is the benefits cliff – lower-income folks get a raise or a better-paying job, and then they find themselves ineligible for benefits but still unable to afford coverage. Our health care markets are untenable, especially after the draconian cuts from the Republicans in Washington, D.C, and this legislation provides targeted relief for thousands of families in Connecticut.”
“Plain and simple, this bill will make Connecticut more affordable,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Donald Trump and Republicans are jacking up the cost of health care to give tax breaks to billionaires, and we cannot sit by and do nothing. Connecticut Senate Democrats are stepping up to bring down costs, protect access to critical services, and ensure that folks do not spiral into medical debt simply because they sought care when they needed it.”
“We have a moral imperative to protect Connecticut residents from the cruelty coming from Washington D.C.,” said State Senator Matt Lesser. “Access Health CT premiums are skyrocketing, folks are being kicked off of Medicaid, and there are long term structural issues within the hospital systems that are being exacerbated due to these Republican policies. In Connecticut, we are using every tool available to us to protect our residents and expand access to quality healthcare.”
Creating the Connecticut Affordable Health Insurance Trust Fund
The bill transfers $200 million from Connecticut’s Emergency Federal Response Fund to make health care and health insurance more affordable for Connecticut residents.
The Connecticut Option
Thousands of Connecticut residents saw their Access Health CT premiums spike due to the Republicans in Congress and the White House. Connecticut quickly acted to provide full tax credits for families earning 100–200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and partial tax credits for middle class families between 400% and 500% of poverty. This proposal funds additional health care tax credits that will cover families earning up to 600% of the FPL, so middle class families aren’t left behind.
The proposal also begins the planning process for the Governor’s Proposed Connecticut Option, creating a state designed health plan that would provide affordable healthcare options for small business owners and their employees.
Basic Health Program
In addressing the benefits cliff experienced by many working families and individuals across the state, this legislation establishes a Basic Health Program (BHP) to cover low income residents. For those who earn too much to qualify for HUSKY, but cannot afford private healthcare on Access Health CT, this would create an affordable, reliable option that could replace the more limited Covered CT.
Addressing Medical Debt + Hospital Financial Assistance
This legislation prohibits hospitals from billing patients who earn under 200% of the FPL, or receive public benefits like SNAP or WIC, reducing the number of Connecticut residents who will be saddled with medical debt. It would also require hospitals to offer payment plans for patients who do not otherwise qualify for financial assistance.
The proposal creates a state funded program that would provide payments to support hospital financial health. The bill contemplates tapping into Disproportionate Share Medicaid payments to compensate hospitals for the cost of providing health care to uninsured and under-insured residents.
Prior Authorization
Senate Bill 3 makes improvements to prior authorization by shortening the timeframe for certain review determinations and decisions. Delays in prior authorization can restrict medically necessary care, increase emergency room wait times and crowding, increase the cost of care and negatively affect patient care and experience.
SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES MORE THAN $80,000 IN GRANTS FIGHTING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN LOCAL WATERS
SENATOR RAHMAN WELCOMES MORE THAN $80,000 IN GRANTS FIGHTING AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN LOCAL WATERS
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Today, State Senator MD Rahman (D-Manchester) welcomed more than $80,000 in grants awarded to the Connecticut River Watershed Council and the towns of Vernon and Bolton to fight aquatic invasive species.
The Connecticut River Watershed Council will receive a $46,205 grant to support the control and management of invasive water chestnuts in Keeney Cove and along the Connecticut River in Glastonbury, while the towns of Vernon and Bolton received a $35,135 grant for aquatic invasive plant management in Middle and Lower Bolton Lake.
“In recent years, aquatic invasive species have posed a serious threat to Connecticut waterways, as they can harm plant and marine life and even make boating and swimming difficult or impossible,” said Sen. Rahman. “That takes away natural beauty from our region, harms businesses in the area and sets our communities back. I’m grateful DEEP is taking this issue seriously and investing in our region.”
The grants come from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, which each year invests funds into projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut waters.
These species, like hydrilla and zebra mussels, can cause severe damage to water ecosystems. They can harm and kill native plants and animals and can make boating, fishing and swimming difficult or impossible, interfering with businesses and recreation alike.
The AIS program was established in 2019 through the state legislature to better protect state waters.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES GRANTS FOR EAST HADDAM, PORTLAND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES CLEANUP, OUTREACH
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES GRANTS FOR EAST HADDAM, PORTLAND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES CLEANUP, OUTREACH
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed a $30,880 grant awarded to the Bashan Lake Association, Inc. in East Haddam with the intent of improving regional education on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Additionally, the Jonah Center in Middletown received a $75,000 grant to remove invasive water chestnuts from bodies of water in the region, including Pecausett Pond in Portland.
“Aquatic invasive species pose a continued threat to our lakes, rivers and ponds, and I’m grateful to know our local communities will be better supported by these grant through new cleanup opportunities and increased education and public outreach,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to the state for its continued investment in our region.”
The Bashan Lake Association will receive this grant with the purpose of improving outreach and education in the area, which includes monitoring boat launches and teaching the public how to prevent aquatic invasive species’ spread. The plants can quickly reproduce and spread and are often carried from body of water to body of water on boat hulls, reinforcing the need for education.
The Jonah Center will remove water chestnuts from the Pecausett Pond as well as the Mattabessett River and Connecticut River, with focus on Cromwell and Middletown.
The grant comes from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, which each year invests funds into projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut waters.
These species, like hydrilla and zebra mussels, can cause severe damage to water ecosystems. They can harm and kill native plants and animals and can make boating, fishing and swimming difficult or impossible, interfering with businesses and recreation alike.
The AIS program was established in 2019 through the state legislature to better protect state waters.
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES GRANTS FOR EAST HADDAM, PORTLAND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES CLEANUP, OUTREACH
SENATOR NEEDLEMAN WELCOMES GRANTS FOR EAST HADDAM, PORTLAND AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES CLEANUP, OUTREACH
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) welcomed a $30,880 grant awarded to the Bashan Lake Association, Inc. in East Haddam with the intent of improving regional education on preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Additionally, the Jonah Center in Middletown received a $75,000 grant to remove invasive water chestnuts from bodies of water in the region, including Pecausett Pond in Portland.
“Aquatic invasive species pose a continued threat to our lakes, rivers and ponds, and I’m grateful to know our local communities will be better supported by these grant through new cleanup opportunities and increased education and public outreach,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m grateful to the state for its continued investment in our region.”
The Bashan Lake Association will receive this grant with the purpose of improving outreach and education in the area, which includes monitoring boat launches and teaching the public how to prevent aquatic invasive species’ spread. The plants can quickly reproduce and spread and are often carried from body of water to body of water on boat hulls, reinforcing the need for education.
The Jonah Center will remove water chestnuts from the Pecausett Pond as well as the Mattabessett River and Connecticut River, with focus on Cromwell and Middletown.
The grant comes from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection’s Aquatic Invasive Species Grant Program, which each year invests funds into projects focused on reducing the impacts of aquatic invasive species in Connecticut waters.
These species, like hydrilla and zebra mussels, can cause severe damage to water ecosystems. They can harm and kill native plants and animals and can make boating, fishing and swimming difficult or impossible, interfering with businesses and recreation alike.
The AIS program was established in 2019 through the state legislature to better protect state waters.
HADDAM LEADERS WELCOME $800,000 IN SIDEWALK CONNECTION GRANTS
HADDAM LEADERS WELCOME $800,000 IN SIDEWALK CONNECTION GRANTS
Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex), State Representative Christine Palm (D-Haddam) and Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry welcomed the state’s announcement that the Department of Transportation and Governor Ned Lamont will release $800,000 in grant funding through the Community Connectivity Grant Program to support sidewalk repairs in Haddam. Specifically, those funds will go toward Higganum Center connections, seeking to connect the Village Center to town landmarks.
“It’s excellent to know our community will receive this key support from the state to support Higganum Center, an economic centerpiece for Haddam, and will help connect it to town for pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Sen. Needleman. “I’m excited to see how this work benefits our communities. I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Department of Transportation for their support.”
“As the people of Higganum seek to make their village more walkable, this grant will be a vital step in increasing both aesthetics and safety,” said Rep. Palm. “We talk a lot about how government funds are apportioned; this is a great example of state funds being used in a creative, efficient, and targeted way for our community.”
“We’re thrilled to be awarded this grant,” said First Selectman McGarry. “We’re working hard to revitalize Higganum Center. The sidewalks this grant funds will make a major improvement to the area.”
“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”
ADVISORY: Sens. Duff, Lesser, Advocates Call to Advance Affordable Healthcare Bill
Sens. Duff, Lesser, Advocates Call to Advance Affordable Healthcare Bill
HARTFORD – Today, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, State Senator Matt Lesser, advocates, residents and faith leaders will hold a press conference ahead of the committee vote on Senate Bill 3, a Senate Democrats priority piece of legislation designed to make health care affordable.
When Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress allowed federal premium tax credits to expire, Connecticut families insured through Access Health CT saw their premiums skyrocket overnight. Additionally, 100,000 residents are projected to lose their HUSKY Medicaid coverage this year due to passage of HR.1 the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which also threatens the financial underpinning of Connecticut hospitals. Senate Bill 3 takes a broad approach to ensure that Connecticut residents are not forced to choose between paying rent and staying insured.
Senate Bill 3 will be voted on in the Human Services Committee at 11 a.m. in Hearing Room 2A.
Creating the Connecticut Affordable Health Insurance Trust Fund
The bill transfers $200 million from Connecticut’s Emergency Federal Response Fund to make health care and health insurance more affordable for Connecticut residents.
The Connecticut Option
Thousands of Connecticut residents saw their Access Health CT premiums spike due to the Republicans in Congress and the White House. Connecticut quickly acted to provide full tax credits for families earning 100–200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and partial tax credits for middle class families between 400% and 500% of poverty. This proposal funds additional health care tax credits that will cover families earning up to 600% of the FPL, so middle class families aren’t left behind.
The proposal also begins the planning process for the Governor’s Proposed Connecticut Option, creating a state designed health plan that would provide affordable healthcare options for small business owners and their employees.
Basic Health Program
In addressing the benefits cliff experienced by many working families and individuals across the state, this legislation establishes a Basic Health Program (BHP) to cover low-income residents. For those who earn too much to qualify for HUSKY, but cannot afford private healthcare on Access Health CT, this would create an affordable, reliable option that could replace the more limited Covered CT.
Addressing Medical Debt + Hospital Financial Assistance
This legislation prohibits hospitals from billing patients who earn under 200% of the FPL, or receive public benefits like SNAP or WIC, reducing the number of Connecticut residents who will be saddled with medical debt. It would also require hospitals to offer payment plans for patients who do not otherwise qualify for financial assistance.
The proposal creates a state funded program that would provide payments to support hospital financial health. The bill contemplates tapping into Disproportionate Share Medicaid payments to compensate hospitals for the cost of providing health care to uninsured and under-insured residents.
Prior Authorization
Senate Bill 3 makes improvements to prior authorization by shortening the timeframe for certain review determinations and decisions. Delays in prior authorization can restrict medically necessary care, increase emergency room wait times and crowding, increase the cost of care and negatively affect patient care and experience.
Who:
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee
State Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senate Chair of the Insurance Committee
Ayesha Clarke, Health Equity Solutions
Muna Abbas, Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health
Constanza Segovia, Connecticut for All
Terrell Williams, PCA, SEIU District 1199ne member
Dr. Bill Begg, Chair of Emergency Medicine Department for Nuvance Health
What: Press Conference on Senate Bill 3
Where: Hearing Room 2D
When: Today – Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m.
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION MAINTAINING CURRENT VACCINATION STANDARDS AND PROTECTIONS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Joe O’Leary | Joe.OLeary@cga.ct.gov | 508-479-4969
March 18, 2026
PUBLIC HEALTH COMMITTEE ADVANCES LEGISLATION MAINTAINING CURRENT VACCINATION STANDARDS AND PROTECTIONS
Today, the Public Health Committee advanced legislation seeking to maintain and reconfirm Connecticut’s current standards for vaccination, which have contributed to its nation-leading vaccination rates at a time when vaccination-preventable diseases are spreading in the United States.
Senate Bill 450, “An Act Concerning The Standard Of Care For Immunization,” would see the state’s Commissioner of Public Health utilize approved vaccination schedules published by national bodies including the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Academy of Family Physicians in developing the state’s standard of care for immunization. In doing so, the state would seek to reconfirm access to vaccines in the state for those seeking them.
“Connecticut has the highest vaccination rate for kindergarteners in the country. As a result, where states around the country are seeing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease, vaccination rates are dropping and one person is upending decades of commonly accepted science at federal levels and impacting the well-being of the entire nation, Connecticut needs to continue protecting its residents,” said State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor), Senate Chair of the Public Health Committee. “The CDC’s rapidly changing recommendations could disconnect people from access to vaccination and even remove vaccines from public access. We’ve passed this legislation to make sure our state utilizes information from medical organizations and retains vaccination access for all, especially concerning insurance coverage. There’s no mandate in this bill – we’re trying to make sure we retain protections for the public.”
In public testimony regarding the bill, a number of physicians testified in support, seeking to maintain the status quo where children are protected from preventable illnesses. While the United States saw more than 1,000 cases of measles in 2025 and more than 2,000 already in just the winter of 2026, including outbreaks in states like Texas, Utah and South Carolina that each spawned hundreds of cases, Connecticut has seen just one case of measles since 2021. The state’s current vaccination rate for measles, mumps and rubella is 98.2%.
Dr. Laura Haynes, an immunology professor at the UConn School of Medicine, testified that high levels of vaccination correlate to better community protection against illness.
Dr. Emily Hodeland, a pediatrician working in Hartford, and Miriam Cohen, president-elect of the Connecticut American Academy of Pediatrics, both testified about their experiences caring for children who contracted vaccine-preventable diseases.
Hogeland said she worked in a state with vaccine exemptions and cared for a young girl who was not vaccinated against tetanus, watching her condition deteriorate until she needed a ventilator to breathe; Cohen said her medical career started before widespread availability of pediatric vaccines and saw children who contracted illnesses die or experience long-term health consequences from them. Those deaths and disabilities stopped after vaccinations became widely available.
Ellen Andrews, executive director of the Connecticut Health Policy Project, testified that the federal government firing experienced members of federal advisory committees with individuals who, for instance, publicly stated the polio vaccine is no longer necessary. Under that context, she said, Connecticut should take steps to preserve public health.
With its passage through the Public Health Committee today, the bill heads next to the Senate floor for further consideration.
ADVISORY: Sens. Duff, Lesser, Advocates Call to Advance Affordable Healthcare Bill
Sens. Duff, Lesser, Advocates Call to Advance Affordable Healthcare Bill
HARTFORD – Tomorrow, Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, State Senator Matt Lesser, advocates, residents and faith leaders will hold a press conference ahead of the committee vote on Senate Bill 3, a Senate Democrats priority piece of legislation designed to make health care affordable.
When Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress allowed federal premium tax credits to expire, Connecticut families insured through Access Health CT saw their premiums skyrocket overnight. Additionally, 100,000 residents are projected to lose their HUSKY Medicaid coverage this year due to passage of HR.1 the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” which also threatens the financial underpinning of Connecticut hospitals. Senate Bill 3 takes a broad approach to ensure that Connecticut residents are not forced to choose between paying rent and staying insured.
Senate Bill 3 will be voted on in the Human Services Committee at 11 a.m. in Hearing Room 2A.
Creating the Connecticut Affordable Health Insurance Trust Fund
The bill transfers $200 million from Connecticut’s Emergency Federal Response Fund to make health care and health insurance more affordable for Connecticut residents.
The Connecticut Option
Thousands of Connecticut residents saw their Access Health CT premiums spike due to the Republicans in Congress and the White House. Connecticut quickly acted to provide full tax credits for families earning 100–200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and partial tax credits for middle class families between 400% and 500% of poverty. This proposal funds additional health care tax credits that will cover families earning up to 600% of the FPL, so middle class families aren’t left behind.
The proposal also begins the planning process for the Governor’s Proposed Connecticut Option, creating a state designed health plan that would provide affordable healthcare options for small business owners and their employees.
Basic Health Program
In addressing the benefits cliff experienced by many working families and individuals across the state, this legislation establishes a Basic Health Program (BHP) to cover low-income residents. For those who earn too much to qualify for HUSKY, but cannot afford private healthcare on Access Health CT, this would create an affordable, reliable option that could replace the more limited Covered CT.
Addressing Medical Debt + Hospital Financial Assistance
This legislation prohibits hospitals from billing patients who earn under 200% of the FPL, or receive public benefits like SNAP or WIC, reducing the number of Connecticut residents who will be saddled with medical debt. It would also require hospitals to offer payment plans for patients who do not otherwise qualify for financial assistance.
The proposal creates a state funded program that would provide payments to support hospital financial health. The bill contemplates tapping into Disproportionate Share Medicaid payments to compensate hospitals for the cost of providing health care to uninsured and under-insured residents.
Prior Authorization
Senate Bill 3 makes improvements to prior authorization by shortening the timeframe for certain review determinations and decisions. Delays in prior authorization can restrict medically necessary care, increase emergency room wait times and crowding, increase the cost of care and negatively affect patient care and experience.
Who:
Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff
State Senator Matt Lesser, Senate Chair of the Human Services Committee
State Senator Jorge Cabrera, Senate Chair of the Insurance Committee
Ayesha Clarke, Health Equity Solutions
Muna Abbas, Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health
Costanza Segovia, Connecticut for All
What: Press Conference on Senate Bill 3
Where: Hearing Room 2D
When: Thursday, March 19 at 10 a.m.