Author: Devin James

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $348,224 STATE GRANT FOR SIDEWALK EXTENSIONS IN MARLBOROUGH

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. OSTEN WELCOMES $348,224 STATE GRANT FOR SIDEWALK EXTENSIONS IN MARLBOROUGH

MARLBOROUGH – State Senator Cathy Osten (D-Sprague) today welcomed a $348,224 state grant for Marlborough to extend sidewalks in the center of town.

“Marlborough consistently ranks as one of the best communities to live in around Greater Hartford, so I’m pleased that with these new, extended sidewalks they’ll be able to see more connectivity in the center of town,” said Sen. Osten.

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced the Marlborough grant today as part of nearly $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities to improve transportation safety and mobility that are being awarded through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program.

Now in its seventh round of awards, this state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural centers.

SEN. CABRERA WELCOMES $789,000 STATE GRANT FOR SAFER TRANSPORTATION IN ANSONIA

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. CABRERA WELCOMES $789,000 STATE GRANT FOR SAFER TRANSPORTATION IN ANSONIA

ANSONIA – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) today welcomed a $789,000 state grant for Ansonia that will create a safer route for students, pedestrians and bicyclists near Ansonia Middle School and along the newest segment of the Ansonia Riverwalk.

“Ansonia Middle School is smack dab in the middle of a residential area that is right between Griffin Hospital and all the retail on Bridge Street and Clifton Avenue, so there’s a need for safer streets in that area, as there is with Riverwalk, which is several blocks away,” said Sen. Cabrera. “This is another example of all the great investments that Connecticut is making in its cities and towns to help them move forward, make them more livable, and keep the burden off of local taxpayers.”

Governor Ned Lamont and Connecticut Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto announced the Ansonia grant today as part of nearly $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities to improve transportation safety and mobility that are being awarded through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program.

Now in its seventh round of awards, this state-funded program provides financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer and more accommodating for pedestrians and bicyclists in urban, suburban, and rural centers.

SEN.  CABRERA, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL FOR STATE FUNDS TO COUNTERACT TRUMP CUTS, CREATE MORE HOUSING, FIGHT ICE ABUSE, ALLOW UCONN TO PURCHASE WATERBURY HOSPITAL, AND IMPROVE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on by Devin James

SEN.  CABRERA, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL FOR STATE FUNDS TO COUNTERACT TRUMP CUTS, CREATE MORE HOUSING, FIGHT ICE ABUSE, ALLOW UCONN TO PURCHASE WATERBURY HOSPITAL, AND IMPROVE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

HARTFORD – State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden) and Connecticut Senate Democrats today gave final approval to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are financially protected from the financial chaos of Republicans in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, rescue Waterbury Hospital from its bankruptcy under private ownership, and build more housing all across the state.

“Today, Connecticut stepped-up to fight for its people,” Sen. Cabrera said. “This series of bills answers the call and protects our residents from the immoral and devastating attacks on the people of Connecticut. There will be more work to do in the future, but today Connecticut took an important step in fighting for its residents.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund”  – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months  – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the state funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Senate Democrats today defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

Senate Democrats today passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

SEN. KUSHNER, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL FOR STATE FUNDS TO COUNTERACT TRUMP CUTS, CREATE MORE HOUSING, FIGHT ICE ABUSE,  AND IMPROVE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

Posted on by Devin James

SEN. KUSHNER, SENATE DEMOCRATS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL FOR STATE FUNDS TO COUNTERACT TRUMP CUTS, CREATE MORE HOUSING, FIGHT ICE ABUSE,  AND IMPROVE CHILDREN’S MENTAL HEALTH

HARTFORD – State Senator Julie Kushner (D-Danbury) and Connecticut Senate Democrats gave final approval today to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are financially protected from the harmful effects of the Republican federal budget, are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, and build more housing all across the state.

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund”  – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut or could be cut even further in the coming months  – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

“We’ve been living within the constraints of our own state’s fiscal guardrails for some time, and all of the complications they have caused with our inability to properly fund some very necessary social programs in Connecticut. Now, added on top of that, comes a Republican budget out of Washington, D.C. that made the lives of people in Connecticut so much worse when it comes to basic needs like food, health care, and home heating assistance,” said Sen. Kushner. “This Republican budget hurts so many people at so many levels – people living check to check, folks on Medicaid, people who get their health care through the Affordable Care Act – we’re actually going backwards now in America on the number of people who have health insurance. So, I’m glad that we’re able to use this $500 million to backfill some of those federal budget cuts; my only concern is it’s not going to be enough for us through next year.”

The State of Connecticut will use the $500 million in budget reserves to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Senate Democrats today defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

Sen. Cohen Gives Final Approval for State Funds to Counteract Trump Cuts, Create More Housing, Fight ICE Abuse, Purchase Waterbury Hospital and Improve Children’s Mental Health

Posted on by Devin James

Sen. Cohen Gives Final Approval for State Funds to Counteract Trump Cuts, Create More Housing, Fight ICE Abuse, Purchase Waterbury Hospital and Improve Children’s Mental Health

HARTFORD – Thursday and early Friday morning, State Senator Christine Cohen, alongside her senate colleagues, gave final approval to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are financially protected from the financial chaos of Republicans in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, rescue Waterbury Hospital from its bankruptcy under private ownership, and build more housing all across the state.

“There is absolute chaos coming out of Washington D.C. and today we made sure that we can properly respond to the cruel and senseless cuts heading our way,” said Sen. Cohen. “With healthcare, food assistance and home heating help on the chopping block, this fund will ensure that we can insulate our residents from the effects as best we can. While this vote brings some relief, no state can fully withstand the impacts of a hostile federal partner, the funding gaps are just too large.”

The Senate action comes one day after the House approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the state funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Legislators approved new housing legislation that will help towns and regional councils of government (COGs) plan for and adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts. The approach allows municipalities to assess their needs and establishes incentives for those who are acting to improve our housing crisis.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, senators defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Legislators passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

Lastly, legislators also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

Senator Honig Votes to Improve Children’s Mental Health, Set Aside Funds to Protect Connecticut From Washington’s Chaos

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Honig Votes to Improve Children’s Mental Health, Set Aside Funds to Protect Connecticut From Washington’s Chaos

HARTFORD – Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, voted Thursday to give final approval to a series of bills that will protect state residents through financial planning for the chaos of disrupted funding by Republicans in Washington while supporting mental health services for children across the state.

“My background in finance taught me that you plan for the worst and hope for the best. Right now, we’re facing unprecedented chaos from Washington, with federal funding for critical programs being cut or threatened on a daily basis,” Senator Honig said. “By setting aside $500 million, we’re protecting hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents from losing access to food assistance, heating help, and health care. We’re also taking important steps to strengthen children’s mental health services and expand coverage for those with autism spectrum disorder, ensuring our young people get the support they need.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Republicans in Washington.

The State of Connecticut will use the funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

Senator Hochadel Votes to Protect Residents from Trump Cuts, Bring Down Housing Costs, Improve Children’s Mental Health, and Rescue Waterbury Hospital from Private Equity

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Hochadel Votes to Protect Residents from Trump Cuts, Bring Down Housing Costs, Improve Children’s Mental Health, and Rescue Waterbury Hospital from Private Equity

HARTFORD – Senator Jan Hochadel, D-Meriden, voted Thursday to give final approval to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are protected from the financial chaos of Republicans in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, rescue Waterbury Hospital from its bankruptcy under private equity ownership, and build more housing all across the state.

“This legislative package is a reflection of Connecticut’s values: we look out for our neighbors, we support our workers, and we invest in our future,” Senator Hochadel said. “By setting aside $500 million, we’re protecting our seniors, families, and children from Washington’s reckless cuts to food, heating, and healthcare assistance. From rescuing Waterbury Hospital and its dedicated employees from the failures of private equity ownership, to ensuring our children get the mental health support they deserve, and bringing down housing costs, these bills prioritize Connecticut’s stability in the face of Washington’s chaos.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the state funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Senate Democrats today defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

Senator Rahman Votes to Create More Housing, Counteract Trump Cuts, Fight ICE Abuse, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Rahman Votes to Create More Housing, Counteract Trump Cuts, Fight ICE Abuse, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

HARTFORD – Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Thursday to give final approval to a series of bills that will build more housing across the state, ensure residents are financially protected from the financial chaos of Republicans in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, and rescue Waterbury Hospital from its bankruptcy under private ownership.

“The bills we passed today represent necessary answers to urgent needs facing Connecticut families, starting with our housing crisis,” Senator Rahman said. “We have put incentives in place to drive smart growth and bring down housing costs across the entire state. At the same time, we secured a $500 million backstop to protect our most vulnerable residents from harmful federal cuts to food and heating assistance. This legislative package also provides essential safeguards for law-abiding immigrants at our courthouses and makes critical investments in children’s mental health.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the state funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Senate Democrats today defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

Senator Miller Votes to Protect Residents from Trump Cuts, Bring Down Housing Costs, Fight ICE Abuse, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Miller Votes to Protect Residents from Trump Cuts, Bring Down Housing Costs, Fight ICE Abuse, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

HARTFORD – Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, voted Thursday to give final approval to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are protected from the financial chaos of Republicans in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health and build more housing all across the state.

“While Washington cuts programs that families depend on, Connecticut is stepping up,” Senator Miller said. “We’re protecting access to food assistance, heating support, and healthcare. We’re building more housing to bring down costs. We’re standing firm against ICE intimidation in our courthouses and preventing state agencies from sharing personal data to federal entities. And we’re strengthening mental health services for our children. This is what responsible governance looks like: protecting people, not punishing them.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

The highlight of the day was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the state funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), healthcare, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Connecticut Democrats defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today also passed a bill calling for a study of existing behavioral health services for children in the state, and how much demand there may be for such services in the near future. The study will examine how often children interact with The United Way of Connecticut 2-1-1 Infoline program, the 9-8-8 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, mobile crisis intervention services and urgent crisis centers, subacute crisis stabilization centers, and hospital emergency departments, and will examine state resources to these providers and what demands for children’s behavioral health services they might face in the future. The bill also raises the age, from under 21 to under 26, that applies to required coverage for behavioral therapy for people with autism spectrum disorder under private insurance plans.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.

Senator Maher Applauds Final Senate Approval for State Funds to Counteract Federal Cuts, Create More Housing, Fight Ice Abuse, Purchase Waterbury Hospital, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

Posted on by Devin James

Senator Maher Applauds Final Senate Approval for State Funds to Counteract Federal Cuts, Create More Housing, Fight Ice Abuse, Purchase Waterbury Hospital, and Improve Children’s Mental Health

Connecticut Senate Democrats gave final approval today to a series of bills that will ensure state residents are financially protected from the federal cuts in Washington, D C., are protected from ICE arrests in courthouse parking lots, support children’s mental health, rescue Waterbury Hospital from its bankruptcy under private ownership, and build more housing all across the state.

“Today’s actions are the result of months of collaboration that are intended to meet the moment for some of Connecticut’s most pressing issues,” said State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton). “We took action today to make sure our state is better prepared to weather serious federal funding cuts continually announced by the Trump administration, creating uncertainty and chaos. We’re also working to make sure behavioral health support for children remains a priority, and developing constructive, incentive-based support for sorely needed new housing. In addition to addressing immigration enforcement safety concerns and preserving a key piece of state healthcare, these efforts will deliver real benefits to state residents in coming years.”

“At the same time, we are moving forward on housing solutions that will make our communities stronger. This legislation encourages towns and regional councils to create more affordable housing for families in neighborhoods they love.

“And when federal funding falls short, Connecticut is stepping in to protect our residents, ensuring families and communities continue to receive the support they need. These bills reflect our commitment to protecting residents and building a Connecticut that is fair, safe, and inclusive for everyone.”

Today’s Senate action comes one day after Connecticut House Democrats approved the same series of bills; they now go to Governor Ned Lamont for his signature into law.

Keystone legislation was $500 million set aside in the state’s budget reserve – better known as “The Rainy Day Fund” – to make up for hundreds of millions of dollars in state funding that have already been cut, or could be cut even further in the coming months – by Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress.

The State of Connecticut will use the funds to make up for federal shortfalls and policy changes that would financially harm hundreds of thousands of Connecticut residents in every city and town with the loss of funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC), the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP, which provides low-cost heating fuel over the winter), health care, school meals, child care assistance, and housing assistance.

Senate Democrats today approved new housing legislation that will see towns and regional councils of government (COGs) adopt policies to create more housing – including market-rate and affordable housing. School construction grants from the state would increase by 5% in towns that implement housing growth plans, qualify as rapid transit or transit-adjacent communities, or adopt development districts.

Senate Democrats also advanced legislation to strengthen and expand access to children’s behavioral health care across the state. The bill directs a comprehensive assessment of service gaps in hotlines, mobile crisis units, urgent care centers, and hospitals to better meet the growing demand for youth mental health support. The Transforming Children’s Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee will lead a statewide study of current services and future needs, add new members representing substance use and youth advocacy, and report its findings by 2027. The Department of Social Services will evaluate evidence-based in-home psychiatric programs such as Yale’s Intensive In-Home Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Services (IICAPS) model. Additionally, the legislation extends private-insurance coverage for autism therapies from age 21 to 26 and establishes an advisory committee to modernize regulations for Applied Behavior Analysis providers. It also calls for a review of insurance coverage for treatment at urgent crisis centers, ensuring stronger access to timely, community-based care for children and families.

In order to prevent aggressive federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from arresting people on state property, Senate Democrats today defined “courthouse” to mean not only the interior of any facility, but also the “courthouse grounds” to include the courthouse and any garage or parking lot owned by the Judicial Branch, or under contract with the branch, for the purpose of serving the courthouse – along with any walkways or sidewalks on the grounds of the courthouse or connecting a garage to the courthouse. The bill provides a private right of action so aggrieved parties can sue ICE for any such violations, and it prohibits state agencies and towns from sharing non-public information with ICE about individuals.

Senate Democrats today passed legislation amending the bonding authority of the University of Connecticut 2000 Act (“UConn 2000”) to allow the university and its hospital to purchase and operate Waterbury Hospital, thereby saving the hospital, its 1,000 employees and 360,000 patients from Prospect Medical Holdings, the California-based private-sector operator that filed for bankruptcy protection in January.

All of the bills are effective from the date of passage, except for the housing provisions, which begin January 1, 2026.