SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR NEEDLEMAN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

$300+ Million Response Fund Shielding Connecticut From Federal Chaos

Today, State Senator Norm Needleman (D-Essex) voted to establish a Federal Cuts Response Fund, continuing an effort started in late 2025 to ensure Connecticut lawmakers are well-positioned to respond to rapid changes to funding and programs made by the federal government.

Today’s vote carries over about $313 million into the new reserve following $186.6 million in investments in November 2025 and January 2026 from a $500 million pool established in 2025. It makes sure those funds remain a vital resource as Connecticut continues to face threats of stripped funding from the federal government.

“When the federal government makes decisions that increase the cost of health care and decrease the quality of education in Connecticut, it’s our state’s responsibility to respond,” said Sen. Needleman. “This fund represents our leaders recognizing they need to act to protect and preserve programs and supports that benefit and bolster our state and our residents.”

Since the start of the second Trump presidency, myriad funding cuts and cancellations have been threatened and enacted, with a specific focus on programs in blue states. The Republican-led federal budget passed in July 2025 saw significant cuts to a number of programs, with billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare expected in coming years as just one consequence.

Further cuts to public health, education, clean energy and housing valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars have roiled the state in the last year. Abrupt changes to federal policies for health care, food assistance and housing support potentially disconnect numerous state residents from important and needed aid.

In addition to confirmed cuts, the administration also continues to threaten others, adding increased uncertainty for proposed responses. Most recently, in January 2026, the Trump administration threatened to wipe out millions of dollars in addiction and mental health services in the state, one of several threats that were ultimately rescinded but motivated lawmakers to make proactive responses in an increasingly volatile political environment.

The fund has already been used to support investments in response to federal changes and funding cuts including:

$115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
$24.6 million to support food banks and food pantries’ capacities to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
$11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to successfully implement eligibility changes and constituent support
$8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
$6.88 million to support expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
$4.7 million to increase call volume at 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
$4.513 million to replace Community School grants for New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford public schools providing health care and childcare services to children and families
$2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
$830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

$300+ Million Response Fund Shielding Connecticut From Federal Chaos

February 4, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) voted to establish a Federal Cuts Response Fund, continuing an effort started in late 2025 to ensure Connecticut lawmakers are well-positioned to respond to rapid changes to funding and programs made by the federal government.

Today’s vote allows for a carry-over of approximately $313 million into an ongoing reserve, following $186.6 million in social investments in November 2025 and January 2026 from a $500 million fund established in 2025. It makes certain the funds will be a vital resource as Connecticut continues to face threats of lost funding from the federal government.

“Random budget cuts, program cancellations and grant recissions have left Connecticut organizations, towns, cities and residents confused and uncertain during the last year. We don’t know if we can trust or rely on the federal government to continue to fund important programs,” said Sen. Maher. “This fund ensures that Connecticut can quickly and effectively respond to any and all future cuts that may come, and we are able to protect our residents from the worst impacts of federal cuts.”

Since the start of the second Trump presidency, myriad funding cuts and cancellations have been threatened, with a specific focus on programs in blue states. The Republican-led federal budget passed in July 2025 saw significant cuts to a number of programs, with billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid and Medicare expected in coming years.

Cuts to public health, education, clean energy and housing valued in the hundreds of millions of dollars have roiled the state in the last year. Abrupt changes to federal policies for health care, food assistance and housing support disconnect numerous state residents from important and needed aid.

In addition to confirmed cuts, the administration also continues to threaten others, adding increased uncertainty for proposed responses. Most recently, in January 2026, the Trump administration threatened to wipe out millions of dollars in addiction and mental health services in the state, one of several threats that were ultimately rescinded. Lawmakers are motivated proactively to respond in an increasingly volatile political environment.

The funds’ use to date supported:

$115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
$24.6 million to support food banks and food pantries’ capacities to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
$11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to successfully implement eligibility changes and constituent support
$8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
$6.88 million to support expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
$4.7 million to increase call volume at 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
$4.513 million to replace Community School grants for New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford public schools providing health care and childcare services to children and families
$2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
$830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

Senator Rahman Votes to Shield Connecticut from Trump Cuts Through Reserve Fund

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Votes to Protect Connecticut from Trump Cuts Through Reserve Fund

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, voted Wednesday to preserve access to emergency response resources, set aside by the state legislature to offset significant funding cuts enacted or threatened by the Trump administration, through June 2027.

Wednesday’s vote ensures that a reserve fund, which contains $313 million, will be an accessible resource as Connecticut continues to face funding cuts by the federal government.

“Connecticut families should not have to bear the consequences of reckless federal budget cuts that strip away essential services,” Senator Rahman said. “By retaining this emergency fund through 2027, we are giving our state critical resources to help protect our residents from the devastating impacts of Washington’s failures. Reserve funding has already helped Connecticut families maintain access to healthcare, food assistance, and housing support, and we need to ensure it remains available as federal threats continue.”

The Republican federal budget, passed in July, included significant programming cuts with billions stripped from Medicaid and Medicare in the coming years. Other cuts have included the discontinuation of grants helping millions of families afford health insurance and reductions to programs supporting public health, education, clean energy and housing.

These cuts and the administration’s ongoing threats to enact more serious funding reductions, prompted state legislators to create a similar response fund during a special legislative session late last year. That fund has already been used to support investments in response to federal changes and funding cuts including:

$115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
$24.6 million for food banks and food pantries to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
$11.4 million for system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to implement eligibility changes and constituent support
$8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
$6.88 million to offset expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
$4.7 million for 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
$4.513 million to replace Community School grants in New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford providing health care and childcare services to children and families
$2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
$830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

Senator Rahman Applauds State Aid for Glastonbury Sidewalk Project

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Rahman Applauds State Aid for Glastonbury Sidewalk Project

Senator MD Rahman, D-Manchester, welcomed a nearly $800,000 Department of Transportation grant this week for Glastonbury to construct a sidewalk along a stretch of Manchester Road between Shoddy Mill Road and Hebron Avenue.

The town will receive $796,700 through the DOT’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, which provides financial support for local initiatives to create safer and more accommodating roads for bicyclists and pedestrians.

“These grants represent an important step in our ongoing efforts to make Connecticut roads safer for pedestrians,” Senator Rahman said. “This funding will ensure that Manchester Road is fully accessible, encouraging more residents to enjoy walking along our scenic roads. I am grateful for the Department of Transportation’s commitment to these vital improvements that enhance both safety and quality of life.”

Glastonbury was one of 17 towns and cities to receive a total of more than $12 million in grants under the sixth round of awards under the Community Connectivity Grant Program.

“Our main streets and community centers serve as vital social, economic, and transportation hubs,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “Improving local infrastructure for all users in community centers is a win for our whole state and opens the door to further economic growth.”

“From sidewalks and multi-use trails to ADA compliant ramps, these 17 projects focus on providing safety enhancements and mobility options to schools, jobs, public transit, and local economic centers,” Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto said. “Thank you to Governor Lamont and the General Assembly for supporting these important capital improvements across the state.”

SENATOR COHEN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR COHEN VOTES TO PROTECT CONNECTICUT FROM TRUMP CUTS WITH RESERVE FUND

$300+ Million Response Fund Shielding Connecticut From Federal Chaos

HARTFORD – Today, State Senator Christine Cohen voted to establish a Federal Cuts Response Fund, continuing an effort started in late 2025 to ensure Connecticut is well-positioned to respond to rapid changes to funding and programs made by the federal government.

Today’s vote carries over $313 million into a new reserve. It follows $186.6 million in investments in December 2025 and January 2026 from a $500 million pool established in November 2025 and makes sure the remaining funds are available to respond to funding cuts from the federal government.

“Connecticut residents, state and community leaders, service providers and more have found themselves caught in the crosshairs of an unstable and hostile federal government,” said Sen. Cohen. “This administration haphazardly cuts funding then changes its mind. It uses food assistance as a political bargaining chip and raises American’s healthcare premiums to pay for tax cuts for billionaires. With this vote, Connecticut residents can rest assured that we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from the cruelty and chaos coming from Washington D.C.”

Since the start of the second Trump presidency, Connecticut has been among several blue states that have seen billions of dollars in cuts to previously approved funding for programs ranging from education, to healthcare, clean energy, public health, mental health supports and more. Some programs have been reinstated, while others have not, creating chaos and uncertainty for providers and those who use these programs. The Republican Federal Budget passed in July of last year also cut funding to Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, home heating assistance and more.

The fund has already been used to support investments in response to federal changes and funding cuts including:

$115 million to replace expiring federal health care subsidies for Connecticut residents with plans through Access Health CT, its Affordable Care Act exchange, which will take effect in March
$24.6 million to support food banks and food pantries’ capacities to serve the public after eligibility changes to SNAP ended benefits for thousands of residents
$11.4 million to support system upgrades at the Department of Social Services to successfully implement eligibility changes and constituent support
$8.5 million to replace lost federal reimbursement for Planned Parenthood of Southern New England and $1.9 million to replace funding for its frozen Title X family planning and preventive health services grant
$6.88 million to support expiring Continuum of Care grants for homelessness prevention and housing vouchers formerly funded by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development
$4.7 million to increase call volume at 211, Community Action Agencies to help the public better understand and meet new SNAP eligibility requirements
$4.513 million to replace Community School grants for New Haven, Waterbury and Hartford public schools providing health care and childcare services to children and families
$2 million to expand community health workers’ ability to help the public meet changes to SNAP and Medicaid eligibility
$830,000 to replace funding for mental health counselors to schools in the Northwest region of Connecticut

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SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL BREAKFAST

February 4, 2026

Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton), Senate Chair of the Committee on Children, released the following statement in response to Governor Ned Lamont’s budget proposal released February 4. That proposal includes a $12.5 million investment to include universal school breakfasts in state schools and eliminate reduced-price meal costs for students:

“After years of advocating for universal no-cost school meals for students in Connecticut, I’m heartened to hear Governor Lamont knows how important this priority is for our youth,” said Sen. Maher. “Children who have access to food in schools can learn and focus better, and it is directly tied to better outcomes as they grow up. I can’t help but notice that the Governor’s proposal could go further, however. If our state funds universal school breakfasts, it’s not a huge leap from there to do the same with school lunches, creating a universal school meals program. The benefits from such an expansion would be measurable.

Note: headline corrected

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL LUNCHES

Posted on February 4, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

SENATOR MAHER RELEASES STATEMENT AFTER GOVERNOR’S PROPOSED BUDGET INCLUDES UNIVERSAL SCHOOL LUNCHES

February 4, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS UCONN HEALTH CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR WATERBURY HOSPITAL ACQUISITION APPROVED

Posted on February 2, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

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

February 2, 2026

SENATOR ANWAR ISSUES STATEMENT AS UCONN HEALTH CERTIFICATE OF NEED FOR WATERBURY HOSPITAL ACQUISITION APPROVED

Today, State Senator Saud Anwar (D-South Windsor) issued the following statement after UConn Health’s emergency certificate of need was approved by the state Office of Health Strategy, allowing the health system’s acquisition of Waterbury Hospital to move forward. The health system’s acquisition of Waterbury Hospital for $13 million helps ensure its long-term ability to provide care following the bankruptcy of the hospital’s prior owner, Prospect Medical Holdings.

“Health care in Connecticut is in much better shape following this acquisition than it was beforehand, and the people of Waterbury who rely on Waterbury Hospital can rest assured that quality of care will not be impacted,” said Sen. Anwar. “UConn Health’s dedication to service and medical care will infuse Waterbury Hospital with new resources and importantly protects Connecticut from seeing a significant care desert, especially important given prior concerns about Prospect properties’ long-term viability. I’m grateful to state leaders for ensuring rapid action preserved this vital health care resource.”

Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Posted on January 30, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Senator Gaston Issues Statement on Federal Civil Rights Charges Following Minnesota Church Protest

Today, state Senator Herron Keyon Gaston (D-Bridgeport), Chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, is issuing a statement following a journalist being charged with federal rights civil crimes in connection with an anti-immigration enforcement protest in Minnesota.

“People are being arrested for exercising rights explicitly guaranteed by the United States Constitution. This is not speculation—this is happening.

“When journalists and citizens alike are detained for speaking out, including the arrest of Don Lemon, it signals a deeply troubling moment for our democracy. These are frightening times. Freedom of speech is not a privilege granted by those in power; it is the foundation of our republic.

“It is our collective voice. It is what gives the people the ability to speak freely, to dissent, and to peacefully assemble without fear of retaliation. If we allow this erosion of constitutional rights to continue, if we remain silent in the face of injustice, we are not maintaining order; we are surrendering liberty. Silence becomes consent. And consent, in this moment, empowers a dangerous expansion of executive authority.

“Unchecked, this path leads away from democracy and toward authoritarian rule. History shows us that the loss of freedom does not happen overnight, it happens when people are intimidated into compliance and convinced that resistance is futile. We cannot allow that to happen here.

“The Constitution demands vigilance. Democracy demands courage. And this moment demands that we speak—clearly, loudly, and without fear.”

Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

Posted on January 28, 2026 by sdozapier@senatedems.ct.gov

Sen. Slap Applauds Yale Decision to Provide Free Tuition to Families Earning Under $200k

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, applauded news that Yale University will provide free tuition for students whose families’ income and certain assets are under $200,000. Additionally, the university will cover all costs of attendance for families with incomes below $100,000.

“Yale understands that to truly fulfill their mission, cost cannot be a barrier. This is also true for other schools that are not as well resourced. That’s why I am pushing for a significant expansion in scholarship support for Connecticut students attending schools in the state. Connecticut ranks among the worst states when it comes to providing public scholarships and the result is that many of our students go out of state for college – and never return. Alternatively, other students simply opt out of college altogether due to cost. Debt-free community college has been a great success in our state, but we must do more for students pursuing a four year degree. It’s wonderful that Yale is expanding their institutional aid, but they are in a very different financial place than our other universities and colleges. Let’s celebrate Yale’s decision while acknowledging state government has a role to play to make this kind of move a reality at our other schools.”

Over the last several years Democrat led legislation has expanded access to higher education through increased investment in scholarships, debt-free community college, Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) and expanding access to lower interest CHESLA loans.