The views stated here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors of this newspaper. We welcome supporting or opposing views on any published item. Received May 8, 2026.
The 2026 Connecticut legislative session has come to a close and with it comes both pride in the progress we’ve made for the people of our state and a moment of heartfelt reflection. This year’s Session ran from February 4, 2026 through May 6, 2026. We tackled many bills, had some late nights, and worked hard to pass legislation to help protect residents in our state.
This session, we got to work on issues that matter most to Connecticut families. We passed a responsible state budget that invests in our communities and protects vital services. We took meaningful steps to expand access to affordable health care. We tackled the growing role of artificial intelligence with common-sense guardrails to protect consumers and workers. We advanced immigration policies that reflect our values as a state. And we made real progress on affordable housing.
The legislature approved a budget adjustment for the 2026-2027 fiscal year that will deliver hundreds of millions of dollars of relief to the people of Connecticut, including $190 million in additional educational aid, $100 million in direct support to cities and towns, and a $300 million investment in early child care. The budget reflects concerns Senate Democrats heard this year from residents, mayors, first selectmen and school boards, providing meaningful relief that will support towns, schools and taxpayers alike. The new agreement invests $152 million in increased aid for local boards of education through Education Cost Sharing grants, an additional $20 million to ensure all school districts see a minimum ECS increase of 4%, an additional $18 million in aid for magnet schools, charter schools, vocational-technical schools and the Open Choice program, $100 million for towns and cities, $30 million for HUSKY health care, and $300 million to the Early Childhood Endowment, supporting families, educators and child care facilities.
I led the Senate’s final passage of legislation seeking to make renewable energy more affordable, simpler to access, and safer for Connecticut families. The bill will ensure renewable energy programs have renewed focus on affordability at a time when costs are placing pressure on households.
House Bill 5340 seeks to establish clear targets for megawatts and budgets each year to keep ratepayer costs predictable, allows for flexibility for solar programs avoiding rigid annual caps, and makes sure to target both megawatts procured and total incentives paid to customers when pursuing goals, looking at consumer and grid benefits alike. This legislation takes a detailed view of our solar outlook and makes significant adjustments preserving current programs and extending their availability and opportunities further across the state. I’m encouraged in its ability to reduce costs compared to current programs without impacting the benefits the electric grid and ratepayers receive.
This year’s session also brings a bittersweet farewell. Senate President Martin Looney has decided not to seek re-election. Marty has dedicated his adult life to public service, speaking up for working people and those who too often go unheard at the State Capitol. We have been colleagues, friends and advocates together and his legacy will be felt for generations to come. I wish Marty, his family, and all those who love him nothing but health, happiness, and a well-deserved rest in the years ahead.
