ALICE Advocate - March 9, 2026 Edition
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No-Cost School Meals for All – Hearing: Monday, February 23
School Meals for All has been a major focus this legislative session, with strong bipartisan support for expanding access.
The Education Committee will hear HB 5214, which provides free breakfast for all students and free lunch for students eligible for reduced-price meals — a key step toward universal, no-cost school meals.
$2.6M Secured for 211
Families across our state are struggling to keep up with the cost of living. A refundable CT Child Tax Credit is a proven tool to help families meet basic needs and support children’s well-being—and it would reach 550,000 children across Connecticut. With the CT General Assembly’s short session beginning in early February, we urge state leaders to act now and deliver meaningful relief this session.
DHS proposed changing how “public charge” determinations are made for green card or visa applicants. Currently, federal nutrition program participation does not count.
If finalized, the rule could create fear, confusion, and barriers for millions of immigrant families seeking essential health, nutrition, and economic supports.
There are several tax-smart ways to give before December 31st that can help you support local families while saving on your taxes.
Immediately following the tragedy on 12/14, the Sandy Hook School Support Fund (SHSSF) was created by United Way Coastal and Western CT (UWCWC) and the Newtown Savings Bank (NSB). The Fund was established to receive primarily undesignated financial donations, with the intent that the money raised would support children and families impacted by the tragedy, first responders, teachers, and the Newtown community in both the short and long-term.