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The 2026 Legislative Session Is a Wrap — And We’re Just Getting Started
Thank you to everyone who showed up, spoke out, and helped move our communities forward this legislative session. Together with advocates, nonprofit partners, community leaders, families, and lawmakers, we helped advance meaningful investments in children, working families, education, food access, and local communities across Connecticut.
This year’s progress reflects the power of partnership and persistent advocacy. While there is still more work ahead, these wins move us closer to a Connecticut where every child, family, and community has the opportunity to thrive.
As we look ahead to the 2027 legislative session, we remain committed to advancing equitable policies, strengthening community voice, and building on this momentum to ensure all families can be healthy, financially secure, and connected to opportunity.
2026 Legislative Session Highlights
Investments in Communities, Education & Families
- Municipal Aid: $100M
New municipal funding gives cities and towns flexibility to address local needs and help ease pressure from rising property taxes.
- Local Educational Aid: $190M
- Early Childhood Endowment: $300M
A transformational investment to expand affordable child care, stabilize providers, and support parents’ workforce participation. This funding moves Connecticut closer to the goal of providing free early childhood education through Early Start CT for families earning up to $100,000 per year.
One-time direct funding for K–12 education to help school districts manage rising education costs and support students and classrooms.
Through Cora’s Kids, UWCWC plays a key implementation role by helping family child care providers navigate Care 4 Kids, strengthen business capacity, and access infrastructure, accreditation, and quality supports needed to benefit from this historic investment.
- Free School Breakfast for All
Beginning this school year, all K–12 students in Connecticut will have access to free breakfast at school — a major win for ALICE families who are struggling to make ends meet but do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.
UWCWC has been a proud School Meals for All CT Coalition partner since its founding and served in a leadership role on the coalition steering committee this year.
We’re especially proud to uplift youth leaders like Ally Ford and Charlie Royster, who helped demonstrate the power of student voice and civic participation.
Youth Civic Engagement & Leadership
- Civic Seal Approved
A major CT Cradle to Career Coalition-led priority became law this session with the passage of a bill creating a statewide Seal of Civics Education and Engagement for students who demonstrate civic knowledge and community involvement — advancing civic readiness through strong cross-sector advocacy.
UWCWC Initiatives Funding
- Cora’s Kids
Secured $475,000 in state funding for Cora’s Kids — an immediate investment expected to support 1,000 children and 165 family child care providers in 2026. This funding will help keep providers open, protect child care slots for working families, and strengthen a proven support system for small providers.
We are grateful to the Danbury Delegation and state leadership for recognizing the urgency of this need and investing in children, families, and Connecticut’s care economy.
- CT Cradle to Career Coalition & Danbury Collective
Maintained $100,000 in funding and secured an additional $25,000 to expand opportunities for Danbury youth through workforce development, civic engagement, and leadership programming as we continue building strong pathways for student success.
EVENTS
Partnership for Strong Communities | 2026 Legislative Session Debrief
May 15, 10:00 AM
Post-session briefing on 2026 legislative outcomes, including key housing bills that passed or fell short and what they mean for renters, homeowners, and communities across Connecticut. Discussion will also cover next steps for housing advocacy and engagement. RSVP HERE.
CT United Ways | ALICE Advocacy in Action | 2026 Legislative Session Recap Webinar
May 21, 2026 | 1:00 PM
A recap of the 2026 legislative session focused on what it meant for ALICE families in Connecticut, where costs continue to rise faster than wages. Policy experts and advocates will break down key wins, missed opportunities, and what’s ahead for next year’s advocacy.
An interactive session to regroup, refocus, and prepare for continued work supporting working families across the state. Register TODAY!
Centers for Housing Opportunity | Housing & Healthcare Virtual Brown Bag Lunch
May 21, 12–1 PM
A virtual brown bag discussion on the connection between housing and healthcare, exploring how safe, affordable housing impacts health and well-being for individuals, families, and communities.
Speakers include Rep.Cristin McCarthy Vahey, Danya Keene, and Vincent Tufo. Moderated by Evonne Klein. Sign up HERE.
NEWS AND RESOURCES
Listen to Rooted in Impact, a United Way Podcast
Read:
- CT’s legislative session in numbers: How many bills passed?
- Advocates Divided About 2026 Legislative Session
- CT legislature adopts $28B budget with big aid for towns, childcare
- 🔎 Dig Deeper with School and State Finance Project’s “Budget Snapshot: K-12 Education Funding in Revised State Budget for FY 2027”
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.