TAKE ACTION
State Budget
This week, the Connecticut legislature will propose their own versions of the state budget and bond package. In May, legislative leaders and the Governor will negotiate a final budget compromise, which will then go to the full General Assembly for a vote.
Once passed, the Governor can either sign the budget or veto it. If vetoed, legislators can attempt to override the veto with a two-thirds majority or return to negotiations. The legislative session ends on June 4.
There’s still time to influence decisions that affect you and your community. Take just 5 minutes to call or email your legislators and the Governor—voice your support for the Child Tax Credit, school meals for all, affordable childcare or other issues that matters most to you.
🗣️Visit UWCWC’s Advocacy page for quick links, talking points, and resources to help you take action. Find your legislators here.
Medicaid and Health Equity
Last week, we joined Congresswoman Jahana Hayes, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Congressman Jim Himes—alongside local and state elected officials and community leaders—for powerful conversations about Medicaid and the importance of equitable access to quality healthcare for all.
In Connecticut, Medicaid is known as HUSKY. It provides essential healthcare coverage to over 900,000 residents—22% of the state’s population. Of those:
- 38% (366,000+) are children
- 41% of all births in Connecticut are covered by HUSKY
- 66% of adults with Medicaid are working, the rest are caregivers, students and those with disabilities or illnesses that are unable to work
- 29% of older adults with Medicare receive help from HUSKY
- 67% of nursing home residents rely on Medicaid
- 49% of adults with disabilities depend on this vital coverage
HUSKY is not just a safety net—it’s a lifeline for the health, dignity, and economic stability of our communities.
Now, with $880 billion in proposed federal Medicaid cuts, we must act. It’s more important than ever to combat harmful myths and elevate real stories that show the life-changing impact of Medicaid in our state.
💬 Are you—or someone you know—a HUSKY participant? Share your story directly with your members of Congress. Find them HERE.
➡️ Scroll down to our News & Resources section for more details on HUSKY and what’s at stake.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Stamford Cradle to Career’s Annual Partner Convening
Wednesday, April 23rd 8:00 - 11:30 am
Register TODAY! This year’s theme reflects the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change for Stamford’s children and families. We can’t wait to see you, learn together, and strengthen the partnerships that drive our shared mission forward. Breakout sessions include an interactive workshop on civic engagement and advocacy!
Important: Please be sure to register in advance so we can submit your name to building security for gate check-in.
Nonprofit Alliance Day at the CT State Capitol
Wednesday, May 14th at 10:00 am
This event allows nonprofits to educate policymakers and the public about their vital, diverse work across our communities. With federal cuts on the horizon, it’s vital that the state budget prioritizes investment in nonprofits. Register in advance to secure your shirt and stickers. Homemade signs are encouraged. Register Here
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 21st
- Priority Legislation on Special Education Press Conference with Representatives Gadkar Wilcox and Khan, 10:15 am, LOB Rm. 1E
- Select Special Education Public Hearing, 11:00 am, LOB Rm. 2D: Agenda | YouTube | Submit Written Testimony
Tuesday, April 22nd
- Appropriations Committee Meeting, 10:00 am, LOB Rm. 2C: YouTube
Wednesday, April 23rd
- Connecticut Network for Children and Youth: After School, 9:00 am, Lobby-North of the State Capitol
- Appropriations Committee Public Hearing, followed by Committee Meeting, 10:00 am, LOB Rm. 2C: Agenda | YouTube
Thursday, April 24th
- Early Childhood Caucus Meeting, 9:30 am, LOB Rm. 1B
- Appropriations Committee Meeting, 10:00 am, LOB Rm. 2C: YouTube
RESOURCES
Medicaid
Connecticut Health Foundation Medicaid Resource Page: Includes key information on Medicaid in CT and an introduction to the basics
Connecticut Voices for Children – Federal Funding by Town Fact Sheets: Includes data on how much each town receives for SNAP, Medicaid and public education, and how many residents benefit from that funding.
Commonwealth Fund’s Medicaid and SNAP Cuts Economic Impact Report: Connecticut could lose 9,400 jobs, see a $1.16 billion drop in gross domestic product, and lose $123.8 million in state and local tax revenue. See Connecticut’s data HERE.
Fiscal Guardrails
Read CT Mirror’s “CT Senate leaders offer new plan to tax rich to mitigate federal cuts” on the state’s fiscal challenges ahead.
Read CT News Junkie’s “Legislators, Advocates Call For Tax Relief for Middle, Working Class” to learn more about the Tax Equity Caucus’ push for a permanent, refundable child tax credit, adjustments to the fiscal guardrails and a surcharge on capital gains.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.