ALICE Advocate - January 27, 2026 Edition

Empowering families, driving policy, and advancing equity—UWCWC is making a real impact for Connecticut communities in 2026.

$2.6M Secured for 211
United Ways of Connecticut secured $2.6 million (FY26–27) from the state’s emergency fund to expand the 211 Information & Referral team, strengthening this critical lifeline for Connecticut residents. Join us for 211 Day at the Capitol to celebrate the essential role 211 plays for ALICE families and our communities. 

2026 Connecticut General Assembly Short Session (Feb–May) 
The short session begins February 4 with the Governor’s budget proposal. Working with local and statewide partners, UWCWC will advance equitable opportunities for individuals and families through investments in early care and education, a CT Child Tax Credit, no-cost school meals, benefits cliff mitigation, and solutions to offset HR 1 impacts. 
 

TAKE ACTION 

CT Child Tax Credit 

Families across Connecticut are feeling the squeeze from the rising cost of living, making it harder to cover basics like food, housing, and child care. A refundable CT Child Tax Credit could help 550,000 children meet essential needs and support their well-being. With the short legislative session starting in February, act now! 

📣 Take Action: Use the CT CTC Coalition form to email your legislators—customize your message and include your contact info to make an impact. 

More ways to get involved are coming soon, from easy social actions to visits to the Capitol—stay tuned!
 

EVENTS 

ICYMI: CT Child Tax Credit Coalition x CWCSEO’s Affordable Future for Connecticut Families: Child Tax Credit Forum.
See the CT Mirror coverage here. 

CT Mirror Presents: 2026 Legislative Session Preview with Mark Pazniokas
Tuesday, January 27, 6:00–7:00 pm (In Person — Hartford)  
Join CT Mirror Capitol Bureau Chief Mark Pazniokas and host John Dankosky for a preview of Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session. They’ll unpack key issues likely to arise—including energy, housing, safety net, and fiscal policy—and discuss what they could mean for residents across the state. 📝 Register here to attend in person.

Healthcare Consolidation and Health Equity with AG Tong and Senate President Pro Tempore Looney 
Thursday, January 29, 9:00 am–3:00 pm (In Person — Lyceum, Hartford)  

Join AG William Tong and Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney, with FTC Chair Lina Khan for a lunchtime chat on antitrust and healthcare mergers. 📝 Register here. 

🗣️ Pre-Session Town Halls 
Stratford – Legislative Town Hall 
Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 6:00 PM | The Baldwin Center 
Join the Stratford House delegation to share priorities and hear updates before the session. ACLU of Connecticut and Alliance for Community Engagement will address civil rights protections. Open to all Stratford residents. 

Trumbull – Conversation with Your Legislators 
Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 12:30 PM | Trumbull Library 
Meet your legislators, discuss community priorities, and hear updates before the session begins. Open to all Trumbull residents. 

Fairfield – Legislative Town Hall 
Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 6:30–8:00 PM | Fairfield University, Egan School of Nursing, 2nd Floor 
Join the Fairfield House delegation to discuss session priorities and share questions. Open to all Fairfield residents. 

UWCWC Immigration Pathways: Navigating Benefits & Policy Implications 
Monday, February 10, 12:00–1:00 pm (Zoom)   

The second session in the Immigration Pathways series focuses on how immigration status impacts access to social service benefits. Participants will learn eligibility rules for housing, food assistance, healthcare, and education, while exploring common challenges immigrant households face. The webinar includes practical guidance to strengthen support for immigrant families in Connecticut. 📝 Register here.

UPDATES FROM HARTFORD

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

Wednesday, February 4  

  • House & Senate Sessions – Opening Day, 10:00 am, House and Senate Chambers 
  • Office of Policy & Management – Secretary Joshua Wojcik Media Briefing, 10:30 am, LOB, Room 2C 

Thursday, February 5  

  • Children’s Committee Meeting, 11:30 am, LOB, Room 1C and YouTube Live KID 
  • Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee Meeting, 11:30 am, LOB, Room 1B and YouTube Live HED 
  • Office of the Treasurer – Legislative Forum, 12:00 pm, State Capitol, Room 310 
  • Appropriations Committee – OPM Briefing with Secretary Joshua Wojcik on the Governor's Midterm Budget Adjustments, 2:00 pm, LOB, Room 2C and YouTube Live APP

NEWS & RESOURCES 

Listen 🎧

Read 📰

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