ALICE Advocate - April 28, 2025 Edition

TAKE ACTION

 

With 5 weeks remaining in the session, there is still plenty of time to speak up as both the spending and revenue proposals are negotiated, and bills are heard on the floor. Inclusion in the proposals does not guarantee that it will pass in June. Your legislators and the Governor need to hear from you! Let’s keep the momentum going!  

Thank you for your support! 

Child Tax Credit 

The CT Child Tax Credit is in the legislative budget proposal!  

This child tax credit is for $150/child, which is less than what we know families need, but otherwise meets our other key priorities: 

Covers up to 3 children through age 17 → Supports 550,000 kids every year
Single filers earning up to $100k and joint filers earning up to $200k qualify → 75% of all households with children 
Fully refundable → Reaches the lowest-income families 


Take 1 minute to customize a thank you email to your state legislators and Governor Lamont  

Take 5 minutes to send them a short handwritten note → Find your state legislators and send mail to Rep./Sen. [last name], Legislative Office Building, Hartford, CT 06106-1591 

Early Childhood Education 

The legislative budget for the Office of Early Childhood (OEC) includes $300M for Universal Pre-K. However, there are opportunities to provide feedback to ensure that care is affordable for families, educators are paid a living wage with access to health benefits, investments are made across 0-5, facilities improvements are funded, and schools, centers and family childcare providers choices are expanded. 

Take 1 minute to customize CT Early Childhood Alliance’s form here and read their recent blog on the budget for talking points.  


UPCOMING EVENTS

Early Childhood Facilities: Increasing Access to Quality Spaces 

Thursday, May 1st 9:30-11 am, LOB Rm 2A, with Coffee Hour from 8:30-9:15 am at the 2nd Fl Atrium, RSVP Today!

In Connecticut, there is an estimated shortage of at least 17,000 infant and toddler slots, with much of the state designated a childcare desert. Additionally, many early care facilities are in disrepair and need health, safety, and quality updates. Sponsored by Rep. Farrar, Rep. Welander, and the Early Childhood Caucus. Speakers include Commissioner Beth Bye (OEC), Nicole Barcliff (Senior Policy Director, LISC), Cindy Larson (Early Childhood Facilities Consultant), and special guest Linda Smith, the Director of Policy at the Buffett Early Childhood Institute. 

*Schedule meetings with your legislators from 11 am – 12 pm, then join the CT Early Childhood Alliance Monthly Meeting and Lunch in the LOB Cafeteria at 12:15 pm RSVP HERE! Once you RSVP, you'll receive an email with easy instructions to invite your legislator to the presentation and a meeting afterward.

Morning Without Childcare 2025, May 7th (Locations Statewide) 

Wednesday, May 7th
Join Childcare for CT’s Morning Without Child Care 2025 to spotlight Connecticut’s urgent child care crisis. From scrambling parents to strained businesses, this day reveals why we need a system that’s reliable, affordable, and accessible for every child. 

SIGN UP FOR A RALLY NEAR YOU and help build a brighter future—one that prioritizes children, supports families, and boosts our economy. Every voice counts, and your presence at a rally helps spark the momentum we need for real, lasting solutions. 


UPDATES FROM HARTFORD

All hearings can be viewed on CT-N or each Committee’s YouTube channel. Full CT CGA calendar is available online here.
 

Monday, April 28th   

  • Federal Student Loan Decision Press Conference, 9:30 am, LOB Rm 1B 
  • House Session, 11 am, House Chambers: CT-N Live Stream and Recording   

Wednesday, April 30th 

  • House and Senate Sessions, 11 am, House and Senate Chambers: CT-N Live Stream and Recording 
  • Food Insecurity Day at the Capitol Press Conference, 11 am, Capitol Building Hall of Flags 

Thursday, May 1st  

  • Early Childhood Facilities Report Release Breakfast and Presentation, 8:30-11 am, LOB 2nd Fl Atrium and Rm 2A, RSVP Today   
  • House and Senate Sessions, 11 am, House and Senate Chambers: CT-N Live Stream and Recording    

Friday, May 2nd    

  • Commission on Racial Equity in Public Health, 10 am, State Capitol, Rm 310 

RESOURCES

State Budget (Spending Proposal) 

 

Read 📰: CT Mirror’s Overview: "Legislative committee’s budget aids CT schools, social services, but exceeds cap"

Hartford Courant's Overview: CT Democrats approve $55.5 billion, two-year budget: ‘A real budget for real people’

CT News Junkie Overview: Appropriations Passes Budget With More Money for Special Ed, But Over Spending Cap

School and State Finance Budget Analysis 

CT Early Childhood Alliance Analysis

State Revenue Proposal - Child Tax Credit  

Read 📰: CT Dems: Tax the rich more, give $150 child tax credit. GOP lawmaker says package makes him ‘sick’

CT Democrats advance child tax credit, but wealthy could pay more 

Lawmakers challenge Lamont to tax rich to pay for child tax credit 

CT lawmakers to vote on cutting electric bills by at least 20% along with other bills

State lawmakers advance tax proposals


Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.