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millions of dollars in addiction and mental health services in the state, one of several threats that were ultimately rescinded.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
