Sen. Slap Approves $10M for Security at Houses of Worship

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Devin James

Sen. Slap Approves $10M for Security at Houses of Worship

HARTFORD – On the last day of the 2025 Legislative Session, State Senator Derek Slap voted to bond another $10 million into the Connecticut Nonprofit Security Grant Program (CT-NSGP) to help protect houses of worship.

In 2019, Sen. Slap and State Senator Saud Anwar introduced a bill that created the grant program through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP). Since then, the state has allocated $10 million in grants, and applications continue to flood the program. This program was created amid a rise of hate crimes and violent incidents in houses of worship in recent years.

CT-NSGP provides reimbursement for nonprofits, including houses of worship, that have undergone security enhancements. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) organizations that are at heightened risk of being the target of a terrorist attack, hate crime, or violent act.

“No one should be afraid to attend services and I am pleased that this funding will help ensure everyone can practice their faith freely, comfortably and safely,” said Sen. Slap. “Our Jewish friends and neighbors have faced a frightening increase in antisemitism, particularly in the last several months, and I am proud to stand alongside them and denounce hate of all kinds.”

The $10 million bond allocation must next be approved by the State Bond Commission.

Sen. Lesser Passes Prescription Drug Task Force Recommendations

Posted on June 9, 2025 by Devin James

Sen. Lesser Passes Prescription Drug Task Force Recommendations

HARTFORD – In the final hours of the legislative session, State Senator Matt Lesser (D-Middletown) led passage of legislation implementing several recommendations of the bipartisan, bicameral Prescription Drug Task Force.

The task force was chaired by Sen. Lesser, State Representative Jillian Gilchrest (D-West Hartford), State Senator Jeff Gordon (R-Woodstock) and State Representative Tracy Marra (R-Darien) and brought together a bipartisan coalition of legislators, doctors, nurses, pharmacists, experts from the pharmaceutical industry, advocates and patients to determine a legislative solution to protecting and expanding patient care.

The provisions in the bill include:

-Establishing a program to import safe, low cost drugs from Canada

-Establishing a duty of good faith and fair dealing for Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) to act in the best interest of the health carrier or other health benefit plan sponsor, and requires disclosure to the insurance department of pricing and profits when one parent company owns a PBM, insurer and/or pharmacy

-Disclosing any conflict of interest to a plan sponsor that might keep a PBM from fulfilling its duty of good faith and fair dealing

-Directing the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to to address supply chain issues by moving production to Connecticut

-Ensuring that drug costs be credited against a patient’s deductible, even if the drug is outside of the plan’s preferred drug list or purchased for cash

-Directing the state to engage in bulk purchasing of drugs and piggyback off federal Medicare negotiated prices in purchasing

-Requiring PBMs to offer plan sponsors the option of participating in a pass-through pricing model that prevents the PBM from charging more for a prescription than was paid to the dispensing pharmacy, protecting community pharmacies from monopolistic market pressure

-Directing the Department of Social Services to work with federal partners to seek generic production of name-brand GLP-1 weight loss drugs like Mounjaro and Wegovy

-Creating a task force to study drug shortages, strengthening the supply chain and producing vital medication in Connecticut

The report in its entirety can be found here.

“This is landmark legislation,” said Sen. Lesser. “It’s remarkable for anything to be bipartisan these days. But Connecticut has now passed the strongest, most forward-thinking prescription drug legislation in the country with overwhelming bipartisan support. I’m deeply grateful to my colleagues, particularly to my co-chairs on the task force Sen. Gordon, Rep. Gilchrist & Rep. Marra. I look forward to Governor Lamont signing this bill into law.

STATEMENT OF SENATOR JORGE CABRERA (D-HAMDEN) ON GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNING INTO LAW HOUSE BILL 5008, “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT-PUERTO RICO TRADE COMMISSION”

Posted on June 6, 2025June 9, 2025 by Devin James

STATEMENT OF SENATOR JORGE CABRERA (D-HAMDEN) ON GOVERNOR LAMONT SIGNING INTO LAW HOUSE BILL 5008, “AN ACT ESTABLISHING THE CONNECTICUT-PUERTO RICO TRADE COMMISSION”

The new law establishes a 23-member Connecticut-Puerto Rico Trade Commission to advance bilateral trade and investment, initiate joint action on policy issues of mutual interest, promote business and academic exchanges, and encourage mutual economic support and infrastructure Investment between Connecticut and Puerto Rico.

“I want to thank Governor Lamont for acting so quickly by singing into law a bill that was passed with unanimous and bipartisan support in the General Assembly. In all of America, Connecticut has three of the Top 20 cities with highest concentrations of Puerto Rican citizens: Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport. My own father was born in Puerto Rico and emigrated to the United States in the 1960’s, seeking the promise of economic opportunity in America. He taught me the value of hard work and commitment to one’s family and others. I have high hopes that this new trade commission will bring economic opportunity and prosperity to both Connecticut and Puerto Rico, and that we will learn and benefit from each other.”

Senator Miller Leads Passage of $6.68 Billion Bond Package

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Senator Miller Leads Passage of $6.68 Billion Bond Package

Senator Pat Billie Miller, Senate Chair of the legislature’s General Obligation Bonding Subcommittee, led passage Wednesday of a $6.68 billion bonding package designed to meet Connecticut’s capital needs including funding for municipal roads, school construction, brownfield mitigation, and economic development.

The Senate approved the bonding bill on a 35-1 vote, sending the package to the governor for his signature. The bill includes new general obligation bond authorizations in the amounts of $3.28 billion for fiscal year ‘26 and $3.4 billion for FY ‘27.

“This bonding package is a thoughtful, strategic investment in Connecticut’s future,” Senator Miller, D-Stamford, said. “It strengthens our towns and cities through increased local aid, supports school repairs and construction, expands affordable housing, invests in clean water and brownfield cleanup, and funds priorities like child care, and workforce development. These authorizations reflect our commitment to addressing real needs in communities across the state.”

The bill will fund important priorities including:

Support for Towns and Cities

H.B. 7288 contains significant funding for Connecticut municipalities amounting to a total of $980 million in FY ‘26 and more than $950 million in FY ‘27. The bill includes an additional $40 million for the Town Aid Road program and an increase of $10 million for the Small Town Economic Assistance Program. The bill authorizes $550 million for school construction and creates a new, $30 million District Repair and Improvement Project program to help districts fund other school-related projects.

Economic Development

The bill includes major funding for brownfield remediation projects including $40 million in new authorizations in each year of the two-year budget. It also continues Connecticut’s investment in high poverty, low opportunity census tracts with $100 million over two years.

Bond authorizations will support Connecticut manufacturers through $100 million for the Manufacturers Assistance Act in both years of the biennium and $20 million in FY ‘26 and $25 million in FY ‘25 for the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund.

Housing

The bond bill follows through on the legislature’s commitment to expanding the availability of housing in Connecticut. It sets aside $498.5 million in housing-related authorizations in FY ‘26 and $593.5 million in FY ‘27. These bonds will support initiatives like the Flexible Housing Program, the Housing Trust Fund, and the Time to Own assistance program for first-time homebuyers.

Environment

The bill also contains more than $1 billion in bond authorizations over two years to support a variety of environmental initiatives including funding to support solar installations, the Clean Water Fund, bikeways, municipal open space, state parks, and grants to mitigate toxic PFAS chemicals.

Other Initiatives

Bond authorizations will support a variety of other programs including a total of $20 million for the Nonprofit Security Project, which provides grant funding for security infrastructure improvements at nonprofit organizations including houses of worship across Connecticut

SENATOR MAHER CHEERS FINAL APPROVAL OF BILLS INSPIRED BY CONSTITUENTS

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER CHEERS FINAL APPROVAL OF BILLS INSPIRED BY CONSTITUENTS

On the final day of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) cheered the House’s final passage of two bills spurred by her constituents. The bills, which respectively allow for school emergency response communications systems to be installed to improve student safety, and adds Connecticut to other states allowing for alternative legal dispute resolution, now head to the Governor’s desk to become law.

Senate Bill 1216 expands state school security grant programs to allow for the purchase of systems that allow for rapid response in emergency situations.

Staples High School students Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, both from Westport, raised the rapid response concept to Sen. Maher after learning of a similar system that quickened emergency response to a Georgia high school shooting in September 2024, likely saving lives. Falkenstein and Bauer were leaders of Staples High’s “Make Our Schools Safe” program. With the bill’s approval, $20 million of bond funds can now be accessed for a grant to install enhanced safety systems.

Senate Bill 1283, “An Act Concerning The Adoption of the Connecticut Uniform Collaborative Law Act,” allows for collaborative dispute resolution in instances like divorce or parentage, allowing for alternative dispute resolution by participating parties.

This legislation, which aims to allow better collaboration and prevent unnecessary conflict or case complications, was introduced to the legislature by Sen. Maher after her constituent Jill Bicks of Westport informed her of the issue. Bicks testified to the Judiciary Committee that the bill would expand access to the family court system by streamlining legal processes and freeing up resources. It will also boost public awareness and increase usage.

“These bills display the best of government collaboration, where everyday residents – some not even old enough to vote –engage in the civic process and deliver positive change for their communities,” said Sen. Maher. “Elijah and Zander, wanting to keep their fellow students safe, have delivered opportunities to improve school security statewide. Jill raised the Uniform Collaborative Law Act concept to me knowing it could make life easier for many, cutting through complicated legal systems to support families during stressful life transitions. I’m proud that our work together is delivering statewide change.”

Senator Maher Joins Passage Of Bill To Protect Environment, Expand Renewable Energy and Boost Green Jobs

Posted on June 4, 2025June 9, 2025 by Devin James

Senator Maher Joins Passage Of Bill To Protect Environment, Expand Renewable Energy and Boost Green Jobs

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined the Senate’s final passage of a comprehensive bill that aims to protect the state’s environment while providing for the development of renewable energy sources and related job sectors in a manner that reduces costs connected with such protections and development.

House Bill 5004, ‘An Act Concerning The Protection Of The Environment and Development of Renewable Energy Sources And Associate Job Sectors,’ includes a list of policies that will support sustainable development, advance clean energy, invest in green jobs, and help both state agencies and local communities transition toward a carbon-free future.

“Record floods destroying infrastructure, rising tides threatening our coasts, heat waves spiking energy bills and putting vulnerable people at risk – now more than ever, we are seeing and living the impacts of our changing climate,” said Sen. Maher. “With these pressures in mind, achieving progress in protecting our environment is more important than ever, and this legislation helps our state advance. Increased focus on sustainability, energy efficiency, renewable energy and creating clean energy jobs is a pathway to setting our state up for long-term success.”

The bill passed the Senate 26-10 after previously passing the House. It now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Key components of the legislation include:

-Sets new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers.

– Supports clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, benefit corporation fee vouchers, and a council to guide workforce transitions.

-Expands access to and develops strategic plans for clean technologies.

– Encourages heat pump deployment through strategic planning and school construction.

-Improves state and local sustainability planning with model purchasing policies, energy efficiency requirements, and climate strategy reports.

– Expands loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensure funds benefit low-income residents and renters.

– Encourages solar through the study of solar canopy expansion.

– Encourages nature-based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals.

-Develops plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience.

West Hartford State Delegation: New Budget Expected to Deliver Additional $7M to Town

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

West Hartford State Delegation: New Budget Expected to Deliver Additional $7M to Town

In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, the West Hartford Delegation, State Senator Derek Slap and State Representatives Jillian Gilchrest, Tammy Exum, Kate Farrar, James Sánchez and Bobby Gibson, gave final approval to a budget that provides an additional nearly $4 million in municipal aid for West Hartford, and could provide $3 million more in special education reimbursements.

“West Hartford has some of the greatest schools and services in Connecticut, and the new state budget will help ensure that they can be maintained without breaking the bank,” said the delegation in a joint statement. “We regularly hear from residents that they love living in West Hartford, but they’re concerned about affordability. We get it. West Hartford is now set to receive one of the largest increases to special education funding among all the municipalities in the state. The additional investments help students, educators, and of course taxpayers.”

West Hartford Aid – By the Numbers:
The state budget provides an additional total increase of $3,723,174 in state funding for West Hartford over the next two years, including an additional $314,782 in each FY 26 and FY 27 for the newly developed Estimated Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) Grant.

The town will receive:

-$25,567,128 in Education Cost Sharing (ECS), a 1.92% increase from the previous budget

-$6,691,291 each year in motor vehicle reimbursement rates, an increase of 13.91%. In 2022 legislators passed a cap on the amount that a municipality can levy a motor vehicle tax, and the state provides a reimbursement for a portion of that lost revenue.

-$921,373 in each year for Town Aid Road (TAR), a 33.33% increase from the previous budget

-$805,784 in Municipal Grants-in-Aid, no change from the previous budget

-$677,699 in Local Capital Improvements (LoCIP), no change from the previous budget

-An additional $400,000 each year from the Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant

-$155,785 in Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) in each year of the budget

-$27,820 in each year from the Mashantucket Pequot & Mohegan Fund Grant, no change from the previous budget

Earlier this session, the West Hartford delegation worked with their colleagues and the Governor to secure an immediate, additional $40 million allocation for special education reimbursement costs for municipalities for the current fiscal year.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year. Of the additional $40 million allocated for the current fiscal year, West Hartford was approved for over $1.5 million in excess cost reimbursement.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs. Considering West Hartford’s significant special education programming and based upon estimates from previous allocations, local taxpayers could expect another $3 million in relief.

“I want to thank our delegation for their hard work and advocacy throughout the budget process. The aid provided to West Hartford will serve our residents well, supporting vital services and helping us invest in the future of our community,” said Mayor Shari Cantor. “I am especially grateful for the state’s commitment to special education funding. These resources will go a long way in supporting our students, families, and teachers, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to succeed.”

“We are grateful for the leadership of Mayor Cantor, the entire town council, and the board of education,” said the West Hartford delegation. “Their partnership is critical as we coordinate priorities and deliver much-deserved resources to our special town.”

Investing in Connecticut’s Future
The budget also invests in early childhood education, targeted tax relief and more while remaining under the spending cap and projects state surpluses.

-A $250 tax refund for lower-income working families Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households

-Up to $300 million into a newly created fund for birth to five early childhood education to create additional slots, cap costs for families and pay educators more

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

-Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: Budget Delivers Additional $1.4M for Trumbull and Monroe

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: Budget Delivers Additional $1.4M for Trumbull and Monroe

HARTFORD – In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox voted to pass a budget that delivers an additional $1.44 million for town aid and special education grants to Trumbull and Monroe.

-Trumbull will receive an additional $749,484 in town aid over the next two years, plus an additional $75,696 in SEED grants.

-Monroe will receive an additional $537,093 in town aid over the next two years, plus an additional $81,490 in SEED grants.

Earlier this session, as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox led passage of an immediate, additional $40 million allocation for special education reimbursement costs for municipalities for the current fiscal year.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs, providing additional relief for local property taxpayers each year.

“This session as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, we spent hours listening to the stories of students, parents, teachers, administrators, town leaders and advocates and the resounding takeaway was that they needed more funding for services,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “This is my first budget vote and I am so proud that it includes a historic increase for special education funding that I helped deliver, establishes a transformative early childhood education program, puts more money in the pockets of working families and more.”

Investing in Connecticut’s Future
The budget also invests in early childhood education, targeted tax relief and more while remaining under the spending cap and projects state surpluses.

-A $250 tax refund for lower-income working families Earned Income Tax Credit program, which will benefit as many as 195,000 households

-$200 million into a newly created fund for birth to 5 early childcare education, creating additional slots and capping costs for families

-Projected state surpluses and continued investment in the state’s Rainy Day Fund

-Investing $76 million in nonprofits in the second year of the budget to support worker wages

-Tax credits supporting refundable personal income tax credits for home daycare owners and farm investments

-Fully funding Medicaid, with more than $400 million in increased funding to support the program 900,000 Connecticut residents rely on

-Investing $7 million in Connecticut Foodshare, helping feed hungry Connecticut families

Investing $3 million in heating assistance as federal programs may see funding reductions

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: State Budget Delivers Additional $42M for Bridgeport

Posted on June 4, 2025 by Devin James

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox: State Budget Delivers Additional $42M for Bridgeport

HARTFORD – In the final days of the 2025 legislative session, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox voted for a budget that delivers an additional $42.2 million for town aid and special education grants to Bridgeport.

-Bridgeport will receive an additional $37 million in town aid over the next two years, which includes $11 million each year in increased Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funds.

-Additionally, Bridgeport will receive $5.2 million in the newly developed Special Education and Expansion Development (SEED) grants.

At the end of each school year, municipalities can request a reimbursement from the state to cover the additional, unpredictable special education costs incurred throughout the year.

This budget allocates an additional $40 million in FY 26 and FY 27 for special education reimbursement costs, providing additional relief for local property taxpayers each year.

“This session as Senate Chair of the Special Education Committee, we spent hours listening to the stories of students, parents, teachers, administrators, town leaders and advocates and the resounding takeaway was that they needed more funding for services,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “Today I take my first vote on a state budget and I am so proud that it includes a historic increase for special education funding that I helped deliver. This budget strengthens the partnership between the state and municipalities and I am thrilled to have helped to craft this critical investment that supports our students, parents, teachers and provides relief to local taxpayers.”