SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $49,999 FOR WOODBRIDGE FARM TO ENHANCE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

Posted on March 16, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR CABRERA WELCOMES $49,999 FOR WOODBRIDGE FARM TO ENHANCE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION

As part of the state Department of Agriculture’s latest round of Agricultural Enhancement Grant awards, distributing more than $500,000 around the state to support farm viability, Woodbridge’s Massaro Community Farm received a $49,999 grant supporting “Hands In The Soil,” an immersive agricultural education for local youth.

According to its website, the Massaro Community Farm’s “Hands In The Soil” program sees volunteer groups work directly in its farmlands to help grow vegetables while they learn about the impacts of local farmwork and how they serve the local community.

“This investment means local students and organizations will have more opportunities to learn directly about the hard work that takes place on our farms every day, and the impact that work delivers into our local communities,” said State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-Hamden). “It’s a valuable resource that will continue to deliver dividends for our residents and I’m grateful to the Department of Agriculture for their local support.”

The Agricultural Enhancement Grant Program strengthens local farm opportunities through supporting projects designed to improve or expand agricultural activity and promote long-term viability.

TODAY, 11:30 A.M., LOB SECOND FLOOR ATRIUM – RARE DISEASE DAY BRINGS ADVOCATES TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS, NEW MAPPING PROJECT

Posted on March 16, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

TODAY, 11:30 A.M., LOB SECOND FLOOR ATRIUM – RARE DISEASE DAY BRINGS ADVOCATES TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS, NEW MAPPING PROJECT

Who:

State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor)
State Representative Cristin McCarthy-Vahey
Members of the Connecticut Rare Disease Advisory Board

Where: Legislative Office Building, Second Floor Atrium

When: Monday, March 16, 2026; Press conference scheduled for 11:30 a.m., advocacy, RDAC meeting, forum featuring individuals with rare diseases, medical professionals, research professionals starting at 9 a.m.

On Monday, March 16, advocates will call for awareness regarding rare diseases in Connecticut and discuss a new mapping project through the Rare Disease Advisory Board intended to improve the research, diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. Rare diseases are defined as those impacting fewer than 200,000 Americans; more than 300,000 state residents live with rare diseases today.

MONDAY – RARE DISEASE DAY BRINGS ADVOCATES TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS, NEW MAPPING PROJECT

Posted on March 15, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

MONDAY – RARE DISEASE DAY BRINGS ADVOCATES TO DISCUSS SOLUTIONS, NEW MAPPING PROJECT

Who: State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor)
State Representative Cristin McCarthy-Vahey
Members of the Connecticut Rare Disease Advisory Board

Where: Legislative Office Building, Second Floor Atrium

On Monday, March 16, advocates will call for awareness regarding rare diseases in Connecticut and discuss a new mapping project through the Rare Disease Advisory Board intended to improve the research, diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases. Rare diseases are defined as those impacting fewer than 200,000 Americans; more than 300,000 state residents live with rare diseases today.

$4.3 Million Passes at CIF Board Meeting for New Haven

Posted on March 13, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

$4.3 Million Passes at CIF Board Meeting for New Haven

Funding to support recreation, child care, community health, and green space across the city

HARTFORD—Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, Senator Gary Winfield, and State Representatives Pat Dillon, Roland Lemar, Juan Candelaria, Al Paolillo, Steve Winter, and Toni Walker today announced that five New Haven projects received a combined $4.3 million in state funding through Round 8 of the Community Investment Fund 2030 at the recent CIF board meeting.

Senator Looney serves as co-chair of the 21-member CIF Board which was created by the Connecticut General Assembly to direct state bond funding to municipalities and nonprofits for community development, housing, health services, and economic revitalization projects.

The funded projects are:

Albertus Magnus College will receive $500,000 to modernize its Recreation and Swimming Center, upgrading facilities that serve students and the surrounding New Haven community.
The City of New Haven will receive $250,000 for planning of Mill River Park at Ball Island, advancing green space and waterfront access in the city.
Friends Center for Children, Inc. will receive $2 million to expand its Flint Street Campus, supporting the organization’s early childhood education and child care programs serving New Haven families.
Leadership, Education, and Athletics in Partnership, Inc. (LEAP) will receive $1.3 million to renovate the Roslyn M. Meyer Community Center, a cornerstone youth development facility in the city.
Leeway, Inc. will receive $250,000 for planning to advance integrated care and housing for individuals with disabilities in New Haven.

“These investments reflect the exact mission that the Community Investment Fund was created to address,” said Senator Looney. “These meaningful resources will support organizations and institutions that anchor our neighborhoods and serve our most vulnerable residents. From early childhood education at the Friends Center to youth development at LEAP to expanded housing and care options through Leeway, these projects strengthen the fabric of New Haven. I am proud to lead passage of these items as co-Chair and grateful to my colleagues on the CIF Board for their partnership in delivering this funding.”

“The Community Investment Fund exists to direct resources to the places and people who need them most, and this round of funding does exactly that,” said Senator Gary Winfield. “Early childhood education, youth development, green space, expanded care for individuals with disabilities: these are not abstractions. They are the foundations on which families build their lives and on which communities sustain themselves. I am proud to support these investments in New Haven and grateful to my colleagues on the CIF Board for their commitment to this work.”

“These funds make significant improvements for our students and childcare providers, help provide housing for those that need it most, and upgrade our local parks,” Rep. Juan Candelaria said. “Thank you to the CIF for their approval of these funds, and to my legislative colleagues for their continued advocacy for New Haven.”

“Investing in New Haven means investing in the heart of our community. These funds will empower critical projects in housing, health services, and economic revitalization, ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive. I’m proud to support initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods and create a brighter, more equitable future for all,” said Rep. Roland Lemar.

“Thank you to the Community Investment Fund, Senator Looney, and the New Haven delegation for believing in these projects, including the funding to expand the Friends Center for Children’s Flint Street campus, the modernization of the recreation and swimming center at Albertus Magnus, and the funds to renovate the Roslyn M. Meyer Community Center,” said Rep. Paolillo. “These projects will directly benefit the children, youth, and families of New Haven, as well as other projects approved that will benefit open space at Mill River Park and Integrated Care and Housing for individuals with disabilities with Leeway, Inc.”

“I would like to thank Senator Looney and the CIF Board for their continued leadership and commitment to funding important priorities in New Haven. Their support for initiatives that strengthen our community, particularly those focused on childcare and youth development, is critical to ensuring that families have the resources they need and that young people have opportunities to learn, grow, and succeed,” Rep. Winter said.

Senator Duff Sends Letter Warning Congress Not to Strip States of Authority to Protect Kids Online

Posted on March 12, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Duff Sends Letter Warning Congress Not to Strip States of Authority to Protect Kids Online

As VP of NCSL, Duff Raises Alarm Over Federal Preemption in House Children’s Online Safety Package

HARTFORD — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) sent a letter from the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as NCSL Vice President, urging Congress to address serious concerns with the Kids Internet and Digital Safety (KIDS) Act, a package of children’s online safety bills advanced by the House Energy and Commerce Committee on a party-line vote last week.

The NCSL letter, addressed to Committee Chairman Brett Guthrie and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, acknowledges the importance of protecting children from the harms of social media, online platforms, and digital content — while warning that the House package’s broad federal preemption language would strip states of the authority to enact stronger protections for kids.

“Washington Republicans are handing Big Tech exactly what it wants,” said Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff. “Connecticut has been out in front on protecting children online. We’re already moving legislation this session to safeguard kids from the harms of social media and AI. The last thing we need is Congress locking in weaker standards that shield these companies from accountability. If Congressional Republicans aren’t going to protect kids online the least they can do is let the states do their job for them.”

The KIDS Act, advanced 28-24 along party lines, packages together a dozen bills including the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) — but removes a key “duty of care” provision that would have required platforms to act in the best interests of children. The bill also includes preemption language that would override existing state laws and block states from enacting stronger protections. Multiple technology safety organizations, parent advocacy groups, and civil society coalitions have raised alarms about the package, arguing it prioritizes industry interests over child safety.

Connecticut is currently advancing Senate Bill 5, which addresses artificial intelligence-driven threats to mental health and youth safety online.

The NCSL is a bipartisan organization representing state legislatures across the country. Its letter reflects a broad, cross-partisan consensus among state lawmakers that federal preemption of children’s online safety standards would undermine the progress states have made.

The full letter can be found here or below.

Dear Chairman Guthrie and Ranking Member Pallone:

On behalf of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the bipartisan organization representing the legislatures of our nation’s states, territories and commonwealths, we write to express our appreciation for the House Energy and Commerce Committee’s leadership and continued attention to protecting children from the harms associated with unfettered access to social media platforms, online services and digital content. At the state level, we see firsthand how these technologies can impact the health, safety and well-being of children and families, and we welcome Congress’s engagement on these critical issues.

We commend the committee for recognizing the urgency of strengthening protections for children online and for advancing serious, bipartisan discussions on online safety, privacy and accountability. These challenges are complex and evolving, and we value the committee’s efforts to develop solutions that reflect the importance of child safety in the digital age.

At the same time, we write to express concern and disappointment that several bills under consideration, including proposals such as the Kids Online Safety Act and the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act, would broadly preempt stronger or more protective state laws. From our perspective as state policymakers, this approach raises significant concerns.

States have long played a central role in responding to emerging harms, particularly where new technologies outpace federal action. Many states have enacted online safety and privacy laws based on the specific experiences of children, parents, educators and health professionals in their communities. Broad federal preemption risks undermining these existing protections and limiting states’ ability to respond quickly and effectively to new or unforeseen risks as technology continues to evolve.

We are particularly concerned that federal legislation could preempt existing state online safety and privacy laws, as well as constrain states’ authority to protect children from future harms that may not yet be fully understood. Given the rapid pace of technological change, preserving state flexibility is essential to ensuring that children remain protected as new platforms, features and business models emerge.

As state legislators, we strongly believe that protecting children, respecting states’ rights and supporting innovation are not mutually exclusive goals. A federal framework can provide important national standards while still preserving the ability of states to enact and enforce stronger protections where necessary. Maintaining this balance is critical to upholding the principles of federalism while ensuring meaningful safeguards for children and families.

We remain committed to working collaboratively with members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee to develop bipartisan legislation that protects children online, respects state authority, preserves existing state laws and allows states to continue serving as partners and innovators in addressing emerging harms without compromising innovation or economic growth.

Thank you for your leadership and for considering the perspectives of state policymakers. We look forward to continued dialogue and collaboration as this important work moves forward. For further discussion or information, please contact any one of us or NCSL Senior Legislative Director, Barrie Tabin.

Sincerely,
Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.
NCSL President
Illinois House of Representatives

Sen. Barry Usher, Utah
NCSL President-Elect
Montana State Senate

Sen. Bob Duff, Connecticut
NCSL Vice President
Connecticut State Senate

Sen. Wayne Harper
NCSL President Emeritus
Utah State Senate

Rep. Cindy Ryu
NCSL Co-Chair Standing Committee on Technology and Communications
Washington House of Representatives

Rep. Paul Cutler
NCSL Co-Chair Standing Committee on Technology and Communications
Utah House of Representatives

Duff Passes $5 Million in State Investment for Norwalk at CIF Meeting

Posted on March 12, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Duff Passes $5 Million in State Investment for Norwalk at CIF Meeting

Round 8 awards include $3 million for affordable housing on South Main Street and $2 million for mental health services on East Avenue

HARTFORD — Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff (D-Norwalk) today announced that two Norwalk projects received a combined $5 million in state funding through Round 8 of the Community Investment Fund 2030 at the CIF board meeting.

As the Majority Leader in the Senate, Senator Duff serves on the 21-member CIF Board.

Sound Communities, Inc. will receive $3 million for its affordable senior housing project at 79 South Main Street and the Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will receive $2 million to acquire a facility at 98 East Avenue.

Sound Communities, Inc. is redeveloping a half-acre transit-oriented site at 79 South Main Street and 6-8 Chestnut Street in South Norwalk, adjacent to the Metro-North station, to build 68 new affordable one- and two-bedroom units for seniors 62 and older. The project will replace outdated public housing at Leroy Downs on Monroe Street, relocating all 49 existing households while adding 19 new affordable senior units to the neighborhood.

Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will use its $2 million award to purchase its longtime home at 98 East Avenue, where it currently rents and serves more than 2,500 children, adolescents, young adults, and caregivers each year through behavioral health services including therapy, psychiatric evaluation, crisis stabilization, and school-based mental health programs in Norwalk Public Schools. More than 70 percent of Mid-Fairfield’s clients are covered by Medicaid or are uninsured. Acquiring the property will provide the organization with long-term operational stability and remove annual rental costs that can be redirected toward expanded services.

“The need for low-income senior housing is critical in Norwalk and across Connecticut as we see a rising number of seniors facing homelessness,” said Adam Bovilsky, Norwalk Housing Executive Director. “This funding will help us build a new affordable housing development that directly addresses the growing shortage of safe, affordable homes for low-income seniors.”

“Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center (Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center) is grateful to Senator Bob Duff and the Community Investment Fund for supporting our successful application to acquire the 98 East Avenue Buildings,” said Gail Melanson, Ph.D., Executive Director, Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center. “This investment strengthens the long-term stability of our organization and helps us meet the growing demand for behavioral health services for children, families, and adults across our region. Each year, more than 2,500 people turn to Mid-Fairfield for care, guidance, and support, and this investment helps ensure those services remain strong and accessible to the communities we serve. Senator Duff’s partnership plays an important role in helping us continue that work for children and families throughout the communities we serve.”

“This is $5 million going directly into Norwalk to support housing and mental health services for kids and families,” said Senator Duff. “These are two great organizations in our community. Sound Communities puts roofs over people’s heads on South Main Streets, and the Child Guidance Center is one of the most important resources we have for young people in this city. I’ve been fighting for both of these projects, and I’m glad to see them get across the finish line today.”

“Senior housing and behavioral health services for younger residents are a vital part of a thriving community. These projects will ensure that Norwalk residents have better access to the best care and supports possible across the lifespan. Thank you to the CIF board, including House Speaker Ritter and House Majority Leader Rojas, for your consideration,” said Rep. Dominque Johnson.

“These state investments reflect our commitment to meeting urgent community needs,” said Rep. Lucy Dathan. “Affordable housing on South Main Street will help create safe and stable homes for families, while the funding for mental health services on East Avenue expands access to critical care. Together, these projects strengthen the foundation for a healthier and more resilient community.”

“This $5 million investment through the Community Investment Fund directly addresses two urgent needs in Norwalk: affordable housing and access to mental health care,” said Rep. Travis Simms. “The South Main Street project will create 68 modern affordable apartments for seniors while replacing aging public housing, allowing longtime residents to remain in our community. At the same time, the funding for Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center will help secure a permanent home for services that support more than 2,500 children and families each year. This is a meaningful investment in housing stability, youth mental health, and the long-term strength of our community.”

“Sound Communities and Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance Center have both provided invaluable services to our community, and I am thrilled that they will receive much needed funding to maintain and expand upon their excellent work. Thank you to the CIF board for their continued investment in Norwalk,” said Rep. Kadeem Roberts.

“We are so grateful to Senator Duff and his advocacy for this funding for Norwalk,” said Norwalk Mayor Smyth. “Affordable housing, especially for seniors, is crucial and the $3 million for Sound Communities, Inc. will go a long way to help build 68 new affordable units for those 62 and older. And I’m so glad that Mid Fairfield Care Community Center will have a permanent home at 98 East Avenue. Mid Fairfield is a crucial resource for our youth and families here in Norwalk and this will help them continue to provide much needed services while giving them long-term operational stability by removing annual rental costs.”

The Community Investment Fund 2030 was created by the Connecticut General Assembly to direct state bond funding to municipalities and nonprofits for community development, housing, health services, and economic revitalization projects. Round 8 awarded $62.9 million to 38 projects statewide.

Stamford Delegation Applauds $13.25 Million Recommendation for Community Projects

Posted on March 11, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Stamford Delegation Applauds $13.25 Million Recommendation for Community Projects

Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation this week applauded the Community Investment Fund Board’s recommendation of $13.25 million in funding for three Stamford projects that would strengthen early childhood education, advance affordable housing development, and expand substance use treatment services.

The recommendations now await final approval from the State Bond Commission which will meet in the next few months to review the CIF Board’s proposals.

“These three projects represent thoughtful investments in the future of our community,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “They seek to give our youngest children the strongest start possible, create pathways to affordable housing, while also planning for an expanded treatment facility to meet the needs of women in recovery. I want to thank the Community Investment Fund Board for recognizing the importance of these projects. I look forward to the Bond Commission’s approval so we can move forward with this critical work in Stamford.”

“This funding will bring significant benefits to our region, adding hundreds of new affordable housing units to our community, adding new resources and space for treatment of women working to overcome addiction and providing new environments for learning in Fairfield County,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Community Investment Fund for their investments in Stamford.”

“Public dollars should deliver public good, and these investments do exactly that by strengthening opportunities for children and families across Stamford,” Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “For more than 120 years, the Children’s Learning Centers have been a cornerstone of early childhood education in our community, with nearly 40 percent of Stamford Public Schools students beginning their educational journey through CLC programs. Investments in facilities like the Grove Head Start center ensure our youngest learners have safe, high-quality environments to grow and succeed.

“I’m grateful the Community Investment Fund also recognized the need to expand affordable housing and support women in recovery through Liberation House, and I look forward to the State Bond Commission’s final approval.”

“These investments represent a meaningful commitment to Stamford’s future and the well-being of our residents,” Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “From expanding early childhood education opportunities to preparing sites for affordable housing and strengthening substance use treatment services, these projects will have a lasting impact on families across our community. I am grateful to the Connecticut Community Investment Fund and Ned Lamont for believing in these initiatives and for continuing to invest in the people and promise of Stamford.”

“This funding represents important investments in Stamford’s future,” Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford, said. “From strengthening early childhood education to advancing affordable housing and supporting treatment services for women in recovery, these projects address real needs in our community. I am particularly encouraged to see support for the renovation and modernization of Liberation House. “I thank the Community Investment Fund for recognizing the importance of these initiatives and look forward to final approval from the State Bond Commission.”

“I am grateful to the Community Investment Fund Board for investing in these important projects across Stamford,” Rep. Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford, said. “This funding will support critical services that many residents rely on. Projects including advancing affordable housing development at St. John Towers, strengthening early learning at Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, and investing in services at Liberation Programs Inc., will help meet the needs of our community and allow Stamford to continue to grow and thrive.”

“The Stamford Delegation knows how important it is to bring real resources home to our community. This funding will expand early childhood education through the Grove Head Start project, prepare the St. John Towers for future affordable housing, and support recovery services for women through Liberation Programs. These investments strengthen families, create opportunity, and help ensure Stamford continues to grow in a way that supports the people who live here,” Rep. Hubert Delany, D-Stamford, said.

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $1.65 MILLION IN MONTVILLE, NEW LONDON COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT

Posted on March 11, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MARX WELCOMES $1.65 MILLION IN MONTVILLE, NEW LONDON COMMUNITY PROJECT SUPPORT

March 11, 2026

On Tuesday, with the Community Investment Fund’s approval of its eighth round of projects, State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London) welcomed a total of $1.65 million in state funding set to be released for Montville and New London.

Upon the State Bond Commission’s final approval of the funds’ release, Montville will receive $1.15 million to support improvements to the Camp Oakdale complex and New London will receive two $250,000 allocations, which will respectively support planning for a new living system supporting people with certain conditions at Mitchell College and the New London Public Market. Sen. Marx wrote letters of support for all three projects.

“It’s incredible for our communities to again receive support through the Community Investment Fund, which is working to ensure the state’s underserved communities can receive new focus on economic development,” said Sen. Marx. “Modernizing Montville’s recreational centerpiece, working to provide better resources for those in need in New London and providing a year-round market for local businesses all stand to benefit our community, and I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the CIF Board for considering these projects.”

With today’s CIF approvals, the following projects will move forward:

Montville will receive $1.15 million to support nearly $4 million in capital improvement programming at the town’s Camp Oakdale complex, its recreational open-space and athletic resource. The project will include new amenities as well as upgrades, repairs and improvements to the complex’s aging facilities to make sure they can continue meeting community needs.
New London’s Mitchell College will receive $250,000 for a planning study of its Living/Learning Ecosystem, designed for adults with neurodivergences, intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, physical disabilities or other conditions that can represent barriers to employment. They will receive structured support to achieve independent living and meaningful employment.
The New London Public Market Corporation will receive $250,000 to assist with planning for a year-round offering of owner-operated shops, stalls and tables in a public market setting, to be located on the ground floor and basement of the Cronin Building at 80-88 State Street.

HOUSING COMMITTEE ADVANCES ‘JUST CAUSE’ LEGISLATION, SEEKING TO PROVIDE MORE PROTECTIONS TO RENTERS

Posted on March 11, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

HOUSING COMMITTEE ADVANCES ‘JUST CAUSE’ LEGISLATION, SEEKING TO PROVIDE MORE PROTECTIONS TO RENTERS

March 11, 2026

On Tuesday, the Housing Committee passed legislation requiring a “Just Cause” for evictions after a certain amount of time a tenant rents a location, expanding those protections to meet the needs of more Connecticut residents.

Current eviction laws in Connecticut allow a landlord to evict a tenant at the end of a lease at their own discretion save for certain situations where that tenant is elderly, blind or disabled. That leaves many more renters without protections, and they can suddenly find themselves thrust into housing insecurity or homelessness with little warning or recourse.

“If struggling households working to pay their bills didn’t already have enough issues, the threat of an eviction hanging over their heads only makes the affordability crisis worse for them,” said State Senator Martha Marx (D-New London), Senate Chair of the Housing Committee. “Expanding ‘Just Cause’ to cover more state residents eases the worst of that stress without harming property owners’ ability to evict in situations calling for it. Evictions still take place today for reasons beyond missing rent payments or committing crimes in a unit. We all know it. This bill helps protect tenants when their rights are at risk, and I’m excited to bring it out on the Senate floor.”

Senate Bill 257, “An Act Concerning Evictions For Cause,” would require a reason for eviction for tenants who have lived in a complex with five or more units for tenants who have rented for a year and who are in good standing. Reasons for eviction can include nonpayment of rent, nuisance behavior, noncompliance with leases or illegal activities, and the expiration of a rental agreement could also lead to eviction in certain circumstances.

The bill effectively provides residents with security in response to landlords having the ability to evict for no reason at the end of a lease period.

The new protections are not valid if a landlord didn’t issue a notice to quit during the first year of a lease or has a summary process enacted against them within 90 days of the lease ending.

Among the most important protections “Just Cause” would enact for Connecticut residents include prevention against retaliation if a renter files a complaint about living conditions in their home or a landlord sells a property to another owner.

The bill received more than 200 testimonials in support, including by Ed Hawthorne, the President of the Connecticut AFL-CIO, who testified the bill would protect tenants from “retaliatory no-fault evictions” in an environment where no-fault evictions have nearly doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic. About 11% of all eviction filings are no-fault evictions, which Hawthorne said can come after requests for repairs, reports of unsafe conditions or neighbors organizing for better living conditions.

“Requiring justification for eviction, rather than placing the burden on renters to prove discrimination or retaliation, is a commonsense measure that protects families from housing instability,” Hawthorne said.

Kathleen Flaherty, executive director of the Connecticut Legal Rights Project, testified that protections currently available to some tenants should be expanded, especially as the bill does not target small landlords with fewer than five units.

“Expanding just cause protections to more renters will result in increased housing stability,” said Flaherty, who said the new policy could lead to a 10% drop in evictions.

The Open Communities Alliance testified that the need for Just Cause has grown in recent years and it is uniquely positioned to address the state’s continuing housing crisis, especially as other states have similar policies in place, proving the concept can find success.

With its passage through the Housing Committee today, the bill next heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.

Sen. Honig Leads Veterans’ Committee in Advancing Troops-to-Trades Initiative, Tax Relief for Veterans’ Organizations

Posted on March 10, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Sen. Honig Leads Veterans’ Committee in Advancing Troops-to-Trades Initiative, Tax Relief for Veterans’ Organizations

Senator Paul Honig, D-Harwinton, Senate Chair of the Veterans’ and Military Affairs Committee, today led the committee in advancing two bills to support Connecticut’s veterans and military community: one to strengthen pathways from military service into the trades and skilled workforce, and one to extend sales tax exemptions to veterans’ organizations.

H.B. 5409 — Troops-to-Trades

The bill directs the Labor Department to consolidate and expand a central online resource connecting veterans and transitioning servicemembers with job training, career information, and veteran-friendly employers. It includes a new $2,500 tax credit, administered by the Department of Economic and Community Development, for businesses that hire veterans into new full-time positions.

“Free college tuition is one of the National Guard’s most important recruitment tools, but many servicemembers leave the military with valuable trade skills they’re ready to build on,” Senator Honig said. “The opportunities are there, and they lead to real, high-paying careers, but the pathways aren’t always visible or easy to navigate. This bill makes sure veterans can find the resources they need, and gives employers even more incentive to hire them.”

The bill drew broad support at public hearing from Connecticut’s building trades unions and manufacturers, who noted strong demand for veteran hires across the state’s skilled industries.

H.B. 5292 — Sales Tax Exemption for Veterans’ Organizations

The bill extends Connecticut’s existing sales and use tax exemption to military and veterans-related organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(19) of the Internal Revenue Code.

“Veterans’ organizations do essential work in every community across our state. Every dollar they spend on sales taxes is a dollar that could go toward supporting the servicemembers and families they serve,” Senator Honig said. “This bill makes sure those resources go where they’re needed most, and I’m grateful the committee was able to advance it to the full legislature.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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