Author: Devin James

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE’S FINAL PASSAGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUNDING LEGISLATION

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER LEADS SENATE’S FINAL PASSAGE OF EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE AND EDUCATION FUNDING LEGISLATION

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) led the Senate’s final passage of legislation that will benefit early childhood care and education funding in Connecticut, with focuses including development of a prospective payment system based on enrollment rather than attendance for the Care 4 Kids program, reviews and developments to improve childcare financial issues and improved delivery of information on childcare programs to members of the public.

“This bill has a transformative potential to rapidly improve and increase the information available to young families and streamline a number of processes in early childcare,” said Sen. Maher.” It’s a remarkable step forward in how we support our childcare centers.”

House Bill 5003, “An Act Concerning The Early Child Care and Education Fund,” improves and enhances early childcare and education laws in multiple ways including:

 

     -Developing an online portal through a mobile app and the Office of Early Childhood’s website providing information on availability of early childhood program slots, which would allow parents to submit information for referral and enrollment, a means to manage payments, information on slot availability in early childhood programs and opportunities for families to apply for childcare subsidies or other assistance

     -Implementing a prospective payment system based on enrollment for the Care 4 Kids program, which receives federal support from the federal Department of Health and Human Services

     -Expanding childcare provider information to maintain Care 4 Kids eligibility including provider business entity type and provider leadership names

     -Requiring OEC to enter a data-sharing agreement with the Children’s Funding Project to create a fiscal map of state funding and spending for children in Connecticut

     -Pursuing the OEC studying liability insurance for childcare centers and family childcare homes reviewing prevalence, appropriateness, affordability and liability insurance costs

     -Reporting on background checks for early childhood educators and how to improve their efficiency and processing time

     -Expanding family childcare homes to accept up to12 children, from nine; homes operated by one individual see numbers change from six to nine children

     -Developing and administering a one-year pilot program to provide information on childcare services and assistance programs to expectant mothers

Manchester Could Rebrand as a City Under Bill Led to Passage by Senator Rahman

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Manchester Could Rebrand as a City Under Bill Led to Passage by Senator Rahman

Senator MD Rahman, Senate chair of the Planning and Development Committee, led passage Monday of legislation that will enable large municipalities like Manchester to officially designate themselves as cities rather than towns, better reflecting the communities’ identity.

The Senate sent H.B. 6957 to Gov. Ned Lamont’s desk on a unanimous vote, following a similar approval by the House earlier this month.

The bill includes a provision, championed by Senator Rahman, which gives municipalities a mechanism to designate themselves as cities under their charters. The change has been explored by Manchester, a community of around 60,000 residents, which has long referred to itself as the “city of village charm.”

Recently, Manchester residents have considered changing their charter to make the “city” moniker official. Since state statute does not contain any population or geographic thresholds to dictate when a community constitutes a city, Senator Rahman proposed H.B. 6957 to ensure residents have the ability to make the determination for themselves.

“This bill gives municipalities the freedom to define themselves on their own terms,” Senator Rahman said. “Manchester has grown significantly over the years and it deserves the right to reflect that evolution in its identity. This legislation empowers local communities to make that decision for themselves. It puts the question of who we are and how we present ourselves in the hands of the people who know and care about this place the most: the residents of Manchester.”

Senator Rahman Votes for Ratepayers First Act, Cutting Millions from Electric Bills Over Next Three Years

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes for Ratepayers First Act, Cutting Millions from Electric Bills Over Next Three Years

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Monday to advance the Ratepayers First Act, energy legislation that will deliver long-sought financial relief to residents. The legislation will cut consumer electric costs by nearly $800 million in the next three years, increase consumer protections, and control future fluctuations in energy costs.

Connecticut’s energy costs have sparked controversy in recent years due to fluctuations in the state’s power grid, record-high summer temperatures, global pressures including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the state’s reliance on a volatile natural gas market.

The Ratepayers First Act aims to provide relief by saving electric ratepayers hundreds of millions in coming years. It is also designed to recommit state utilities to transparency and accessibility, review the state’s energy policies and work toward reforms supporting consumers and the long-term reliability of the electric grid.

“Residents in my district made it clear that the cost of electricity was too high, and something had to be done,” Senator Rahman said. “The Ratepayers First Act answers that call by delivering real savings and putting the needs of families and small businesses first. This is a responsible, forward-thinking bill that brings both immediate relief and long-term stability to our energy system.”

Senate Bill 4 takes a variety of steps including cost savings with short- and long-term achievement goals and reviews of current policies.

 

Short-Term Cost Savings

The bill authorizes $250 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support hardship payment recovery, intended to reduce consumer debt accumulated due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike that all ratepayers incurred as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. Shifting that debt to bonding will enable direct savings for consumers.

It authorizes another $50 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support state electric vehicle charging programs, while also placing limitations on that program to further rein in costs.

The bill also lowers required percentages of electric power generation through renewable resources through 2030 to save customers money without sacrificing long-term investment on environmental goals. Lowering this percentage can represent $75 million in cost savings by omitting generating resources like landfill gas, biomass and some aspects of fuel cells.

By updating definitions used for rate reduction bonds, the state’s bonding process can support certain storm repair recovery costs, representing savings of just over $100 million.

 

Long-Term Cost Savings

In a long-term approach to energy efficiency, Senate Bill 4 also updates rate reduction bonds to support additional initiatives such as smart meters. Covering smart metering via bonding allows state utilities to pursue investment of up to $1 billion in future upgrades without applying those costs to consumer electric bills.

A new provision adjusts the state’s energy procurement strategies, with electric purchasing direction focused on lowering costs, keeping customers’ delivery stable and electric companies being required to purchase some energy themselves based on market prices, delivering savings by protecting against a volatile energy market.

The bill also seeks to improve state collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, allowing it to select third-party entities to implement clean or renewable energy programs, expanding the market in which it can operate for maximum efficiency. PURA will also evaluate time-varying electric rates to incentivize improved efficiency, seeing if such a model works in Connecticut.

Additionally, PURA will study renewable tariffs and the state’s low-income discount rate program for means of savings, with further study of time-varying rates and grid-enhancement technologies seeking further improvements.

Reviewing and Improving Current Practices

Under this legislation, the Office of Consumer Counsel will prepare an explanatory report about public benefits charges for consumers, while electric distribution companies will work alongside it to design an education and engagement program aimed toward the public.

The low-income discount rate program will also undergo review at the end of a three-year period starting July 1, 2025 when its new form is enacted for the first time for Eversource and United Illuminating customers.

Senate Bill 4 also protects lineworkers, who perform important tasks to keep the grid operational, and addresses direct concerns they raised with legislators. Lineworkers will be made part of an emergency service restoration planning committee that delineates training, safety and health measures, and electric distribution companies will be prohibited from requiring crews to work in unsafe conditions.
Among additional elements of the bill, there is a review of possibilities for new nuclear capabilities in the state and a reduction of required use of renewable energy in some instances, specifically where renewable sources are more costly than efficient for state needs.

SEN. CABRERA VOTES FOR $800 MILLION IN ELECTRICITY RATE CUTS

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. CABRERA VOTES FOR $800 MILLION IN ELECTRICITY RATE CUTS

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) voted this evening for the “Ratepayers First Act”, a detailed energy bill that seeks to enact short- and long-term improvements to consumer electric bills, delivering long-sought savings that can provide financial relief to residents.

In the short term, the bill cuts consumer electric costs by nearly $800 million over the next three years by shifting charges and changing current investments while improving long-term review and reforms to increase consumer protections to control future fluctuations in energy costs.

The bill passed the Senate on a bipartisan 34-1 vote and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“I’m happy to vote for rate relief for Connecticut electricity consumers and to make some long-term, structural changes that will result in more savings in the future,” said Sen. Cabrera.

“Senate Bill 4 listens to the people of Connecticut and makes a concerted effort to find reductions and savings for electric ratepayers,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “I applaud the efforts of my colleagues to identify hundreds of millions of dollars in efficiency and cost improvements that will add to recently lowered rates and relieve the state’s ratepayers.”

Senate Bill 4 takes a variety of steps, including cost savings with short- and long-term achievement goals and review and improvement to current policies.

The bill authorizes $250 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support hardship payment recovery, intended to reduce consumer debt accumulated due to hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic and the spike that all ratepayers incurred as a result of the invasion of Ukraine. The bill also authorizes another $50 million in general obligation bonds in the next two years to support state electric vehicle charging programs, while also placing limitations on that program to further rein in costs.

In a long-term approach to energy efficiency, Senate Bill 4 also updates rate reduction bonds to support additional means such as smart meters. Smart metering being covered via bonding allows state utilities to pursue investment of up to $1 billion in future upgrades without those costs being applied to consumer electric bills, especially important as those investments would be recoverable if enacted by distribution companies.

The bill also seeks to improve state collaboration with the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, allowing it to select third-party entities to implement clean or renewable energy programs, expanding the market in which it can operate for maximum efficiency. PURA will also evaluate time-varying electric rates to incentivize improved efficiency, seeing if such a model works in Connecticut.

Under the bill, the Office of Consumer Counsel will prepare an explanatory report about public benefits charges for consumers, while electric distribution companies will work alongside it to design an education and engagement program aimed toward the public.

Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

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Sen. Cohen, Rep. Rader Welcome Final Passage of Bill to Enhance Katie Beckett Waiver Program

HARTFORD – Early Friday morning the state senate voted for the unanimous passage of legislation implementing the recommendations of the Katie Beckett Working Group, ensuring families of terminally ill children are better served by the program. State Senator Christine Cohen and State Representative Moira Rader worked closely with constituents, the Negron family, to develop these important recommendations.

The Katie Beckett Waiver program is administered by the Department of Social Services (DSS), and provides Medicaid healthcare services and supports to individuals 21 years of age and younger with a physical disability who may or may not have a co-occurring developmental disability. These services are for young adults and children who would normally not qualify for Medicaid due to family income. The purpose of the waiver is to provide home and community-based services to individuals who would prefer to reside in their home or in the community instead of an alternative institution.

Unfortunately, Connecticut is the only state in New England with a cap on the number of qualified individuals accepted into the Katie Beckett Waiver program. The way the waitlist is structured leaves some families on a waiting list longer than the child’s life expectancy.

This legislation to improve the waiver program came from the advocacy of Chloe Negron’s family. Chloe was a Guilford girl diagnosed with Tay-Sachs, a rare genetic disorder. Chloe tragically passed away earlier this year from complications of the disease. Last year, Sen. Cohen and Rep. Rader testified along with her father, David, before the Human Services Committee on the need to improve the program. He later served on the Katie Beckett Working Group to develop the recommendations implemented in this legislation.

The legislation passed requires DSS to develop a five-year plan to eliminate the waiting list for the Katie Beckett Waiver Program and add home modification coverage, as well as report to the Appropriations and Human Services Committee their recommendations on state appropriations needed to implement the plan. According to DSS, 331 people are currently on the waitlist which currently equates to many years.

Additionally, the bill lowers the maximum age for Katie Beckett participants from 21 to 18.

The bill also requires the DSS commissioner to include information on eligibility criteria and provider reimbursement rates for the waiver program in its Medicaid provider bulletins and to post certain information on the website.

Lastly, the bill requires DSS to annually administer a survey, via mail or e-mail, to applicants on the program’s waiting list, asking applicants to confirm or update demographic information and whether they wish to remain on the waiting list. Applicants who do not respond must remain on the waiting list.

“My heart is with every family whose child faces a terminal illness, and I have deep respect for David and Rennie’s strength and the love for their daughter that has guided this legislation,” said Sen. Cohen. “Chloe’s legacy lives on through the power of advocacy and public policy and because of this legislation, other Connecticut families will be better served by this program. I am hopeful that with these recommendations, every child, regardless of diagnosis, has access to the care they need.”

“This legislation holds deep significance, particularly for the Guilford community. It was inspired by the Negron Family and their beloved daughter, Chloe, whose strength and light touched everyone who knew her,” said Rep. Rader. “Although Chloe tragically passed away this past year, her legacy lives on through this work. In her memory, we are building a more compassionate and responsive system that will help countless children and families for years to come.”

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Pass Comprehensive Bill to Build Housing and Lower Costs

Sen. MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted early Saturday to give final passage to legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

“Housing is a basic need, and right now too many Connecticut families are being priced out or pushed out,” Senator Rahman said. “We have an obligation to change this and H.B. 5002 represents a major step forward. It supports working families, protects renters, and gives our towns the tools they need to plan smart growth. By expanding housing options across the state, we’re investing in our economy and our communities.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:

Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.

SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

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SENATOR MARX LEADS FINAL SENATE PASSAGE OF COMPREHENSIVE BILL TO BUILD HOUSING AND LOWER COSTS

Early this morning, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee, led the Senate’s final passage of legislation which will increase the state’s supply of housing units, reduce housing costs in communities statewide, and address Connecticut’s housing shortage.

The bill’s extensive updates to state housing policy come as groups ranging from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to the Connecticut Business and Industry Association have drawn attention to the state’s lack of housing to meet the demands of its population. Shortages of affordable housing units for rent tally anywhere from 90,000 to more than 110,000, according to the organizations. The NLIHC stated that this shortage financially harms struggling households, while the CBIA noted the growing deficit is creating challenges for Connecticut businesses in recruiting and retaining employees.

Acknowledging this need, House Bill 5002, “An Act Concerning Housing And The Needs Of Homeless Persons,” seeks to address the issue in a variety of ways, utilizing new strategies to encourage new construction and new housing development statewide.

The bill passed the Senate by a 20-15 vote and now heads to Governor Lamont’s desk to be signed into law.

“The people of our state can’t wait any longer. We need to address the housing crisis, and we need genuine, impactful progress,” said Sen. Marx. “I’m so proud of all the work my colleagues and I sunk into this bill. We know it will deliver real beneficial change in communities across the state. Through this bill, we’re addressing private housing, public housing, affordable housing, and most importantly, MORE housing. That’s the answer to this crisis, and I’m excited to join Governor Lamont when he signs this bill into law for that purpose.”

“Connecticut’s housing shortage isn’t a matter of numbers – it impacts families, businesses and our economy at large,” said Senate President Martin M. Looney (D-New Haven). “Families face the financial pressure of rising costs, holding back their ability to save and limiting their contributions to the state economy. Businesses struggle to find workers when those workers can’t find stable or affordable housing, harming their productivity and sending qualified, skilled workers elsewhere for employment. This bill is Connecticut’s strongest effort to support new housing in years, and its impacts will provide relief in communities in every county – making life easier for working families and bolstering our economy in the process.”

“As the housing crisis deepens, more of our residents feel the squeeze as rents and prices increase,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk). “With this bill, we’re taking strong, meaningful action to bolster our state’s housing supply, create jobs, provide new support for renters, homeowners and prospective property buyers alike. More units in our communities relieves pressure and provides a strong foundation to build upon at a time when we need it more than ever.”

House Bill 5002 has a number of updates to state policies, focused on a variety of improvement strategies, including:
Increasing Housing Supply And Reducing Costs

-Building more housing near transit through the new Towns Take The Lead program to prioritize transit-oriented development

-Drastically increasing middle housing development, up to nine units, by cutting red tape in commercially zoned areas

-Creating a first-time homebuyer savings program to allow individuals and employers to contribute into special savings accounts supporting homebuying expenses

-Funding affordable housing development projects while creating employment opportunities in the construction industry, both creating well-paying union jobs and creating housing units

-Requiring town-by-town plans to meet 25% of suggested affordable housing allocations

Protections For Renters

-Expanding fair rent commissions to all towns with populations over 15,000, including flexibility for joint or regional commissions

-Increasing direct rental assistance programs over the next three years by allowing grants for nonprofit providers

-Encouraging projects constructed by the housing authorities of multiple neighboring towns

-Re-establishing the Open Choice Voucher pilot program for summer 2026, expanding rental opportunities

Reducing Homelessness

-Providing portable showers and laundry facilities to people experiencing homelessness through a new pilot program

-Prohibiting municipalities from installing “hostile infrastructure” on publicly accessible areas – this is defined as architecture preventing a person experiencing homelessness from sitting or lying in or on a building or structure

This bill is designed to drastically improve the state’s response to housing needs, supporting vulnerable residents and empowering communities to find new means of development for long-term support. Municipalities will gain access to funding to aid planning ahead to effectively develop housing and increase supply for those struggling the most.

SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE TO EXPAND CHILD CARE ACCESS, SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

Posted on by Devin James


SENATOR ANWAR JOINS SENATE TO EXPAND CHILD CARE ACCESS, SPECIAL EDUCATION FUNDING

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) joined the Senate on Friday in a vote to expand access to childcare and addresses a special education crisis faced by municipalities across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care and takes steps to address critical special education needs experienced by towns and cities across the state.

“Families across the state face increasing strains over the cost of child care, while schools struggle under special education costs that continue to grow,” said Sen. Anwar. “This legislation directly addresses both issues, providing relief that will provide aid for years to come. It’s legislation I couldn’t be more proud to support.”

Child Care

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded child care with greater access. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by the unappropriated general fund surplus, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care in the Early Start program at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that within the next three years, at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall  in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill also includes several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

Special Education

Senate Bill 1, along with its companion proposal House Bill 5001, responds to feedback from communities across Connecticut, which have wrestled with the soaring and unpredictable costs associated with special education programing.

Recognizing the high cost of private, out-of-district special education services, the bill creates a $10 million grant to incentivize the development of in-district programming.

The proposal seeks to address the costs associated with transporting students to and from special education programs. It creates a Request For Information (RFI) intended to determine the most efficient transportation routes, ensuring the municipalities are not spending limited funds on redundant trips.

The bill calls for districts to establish Instructional Support Partners who will work closely with teachers, parents, and school teams to streamline processes like IEP development, facilitate meaningful professional learning, and advance effective strategies that support student growth and inclusion. By requiring at least 50% of their time to be spent on these specialized responsibilities, this new position represents a bold step forward in promoting support for educators and student success—particularly for those who need it most.

The legislation responds to parents’ concerns about frequent staff changes in out-of-district special education programs. It requires these programs to notify parents, school boards, and the state Department of Education if any staffing change lasts more than 10 school days.

Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Sweeping Education Legislation

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Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox Passes Sweeping Education Legislation

HARTFORD – On Friday, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, co-chair of the newly formed Special Education Committee, voted to pass sweeping education legislation, which puts Connecticut on track to achieve universal childcare and addresses a special education crisis faced by municipalities across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — passed on a 32-4 vote and directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care and takes steps to address critical special education needs experienced by towns and cities across the state.

State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, as co-chair of the Special Education Committee, held a series of listening sessions across the state to hear from students, parents, teachers, administrators, town officials and advocates on the challenges they face providing and accessing adequate special education.

The final proposals of the Special Education Committee are included in Senate Bill 1, along with its companion proposal House Bill 5001, and responds to feedback from communities across Connecticut, which have wrestled with the soaring and unpredictable costs associated with special education programing.

“Education has to be a priority for Connecticut and this bill looks at education as a continuum,” said Sen. Gadkar-Wilcox. “We are making a significant investment into our students, ensuring they can receive the services that they need to thrive while also relieving the burden on local taxpayers. I am so proud of the collaboration that went into this legislation, the additional resources we are securing for students and most of all – the lasting impact that this will have on our students, families and communities.”

Special Education

Recognizing the high cost of private, out-of-district special education services, the bill creates a $10 million grant to incentivize the development of in-district programming.

The proposal seeks to address the costs associated with transporting students to and from special education programs. It creates a Request For Information (RFI) intended to determine the most efficient transportation routes, ensuring the municipalities are not spending limited funds on redundant trips.

The bill shifts the administrative burden of time-consuming Individualized Education Programs (IEP) and Planning and Placement Team (PPT) meetings from teachers to new instructional support partners, which the legislation requires in each Connecticut school.  It allows current education professionals, such as paraeducators, to take on these roles and gradually make these administrative duties their primary responsibility.

The legislation responds to parents’ concerns about frequent staff changes in out-of-district special education programs. It requires these programs to notify parents, school boards, and the state Department of Education if any staffing change lasts more than 10 school days.

Child Care

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded access to child care. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by expected surplus funding, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall  in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill will include several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.

SENATOR MAHER CO-LEADS SENATE IN EXPANDING CHILD CARE ACCESS

Posted on by Devin James

SENATOR MAHER CO-LEADS SENATE IN EXPANDING CHILD CARE ACCESS

State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) joined her Senate colleagues on Friday to co-lead the passage of legislation to expand access to childcare across the state.

Senate Bill 1 — 2025’s flagship proposal from the state Senate’s Democratic majority — directly responds to some of the most pressing issues faced by Connecticut families and municipalities. It will provide relief for parents struggling to pay for costly child care, alleviating pressures continuing to impact their households.

“This legislation represents expansion of child care access across Connecticut in the next five years, helping countless families and easing the financial pressures caused by child care shortages,” said Sen. Maher. “I could not be more proud to join my colleagues in advancing these key priorities, which will benefit children and parents across the state.”

The bill creates a first-in-the-nation, independent investment vehicle to support expanded childcare with greater access. The Early Childhood Education Endowment will be supported by the unappropriated general fund surplus, capped at $300 million this year and utilizing the total expected surplus in subsequent years.

The endowment will eventually support the creation of an estimated 16,000 additional preschool and infant toddler child care spaces by 2030. These new slots will be free or reduced cost, depending on the income of the households enrolling their children in qualifying programs. Families earning less than $100,000 will receive free child care, while households earning more will have access to child care in the Early Start program at a cost that will not exceed 7% of their income.

The proposal requires that within the next three years, at least 35% of new child care slots serve infants and toddlers, directly addressing a critical shortfall in Connecticut’s child care system.

The bill also includes several provisions designed to support the child care and pre-kindergarten workforce. It features a health insurance subsidy program for child care workers, addressing a pervasive barrier to workforce retention in the industry. Senate Bill 1 also allows for more competitive and sustainable educator wages through rates established by the Office of Early Childhood.