Budget Update

Our friends at CT Association for Human Services (CAHS) took a closer look at the end of the session and what having no budget heading into the middle/end of June means. There is significant pressure on the General Assembly to pass a budget before July 1. CAHS explains WHY (scroll to the "What to Watch for in the Coming Months" section). 

One small bright spot for childcare providers - with no budget currently in place, the background fee increase from $50 to $75 that was part of all budget proposals won't take effect until a budget is signed. State Police will no longer waive the $50 fee as they have in the past.

CT Voices for Children to Host Budget Webinar

CT Voices for Children will host "A Better Approach for the State Budget," on Wednesday, June 21, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., on YouTube livestream. During this webinar, CT Voices will provide an overview of the state budget, solutions to avoid another "cuts only" approach and ways to take action. Click HERE to register.  

What Passed, What Didn't, in the 2017 Legislative Session

The session is over and while most of it focused on the budget, there was some legislation that passed and some that came close. Below you'll find what passed and what didn't during the 2017 legislative session. 

SB 912 - PASSED! This bill postpones the dates requirements take effect, expands degrees allowable to meet early childhood staff qualifications to regionally accredited institutions. This bill passed both chambers and awaits the Governor's signature.

SB 954 - PASSED! This bill requires SDE working with the OEC to develop a plan to implement universal preschool beginning in 2022. Approved by the Senate on May 17 and the House on May 19. 

SB 1 and HB 6212 - DIDN'T PASS These two bills would have established Paid Family Leave system in CT. Neither bill made it out of its prospective chamber by the end of the session.

SB 767 - DIDN'T PASS This bill aimed to reduce childhood obesity by prohibiting or limiting the serving of sweetened beverages, prohibiting or limiting children's access to cell phones, computers, video games and moving, and increasing participation in physical activity in child care settings.  

HB 7155 - DIDN'T PASS This bill would have required the Office of Early Childhood to create an early childhood educator compensation schedule based on degree, years of service and other factors, and to review current incentives, and analyze the costs to achieve the recommended compensation. It passed in the House on May 10, but was tabled in the Senate and not called for a vote.

HB 7314 - DIDN'T PASS This bill would would have implemented an excise tax on sugar sweetened beverages, and the funding would have been used to re-open Care4Kids and for anti-obesity education programs and campaigns. This bill did not progress past its public hearing in April.

PA Senator to Host Important AHCA Call

The National Women's Law Center urges advocates to participate in an important call with Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) on Wednesday, June 21, at 3:30 p.m. The call will center around what advocates can do to prevent the extraordinarily harmful changes to healthcare for children and families that the U.S. Senate seeks to enact. To register for this call, please click HERE. 

On Monday, CT's own Senator Richard Blumenthal held an emergency field meeting at the Capitol. The one hour and 45 minute hearing allowed residents to tell their healthcare stories. To watch the replay on CT-N, click HERE.   

Early Childhood Cabinet Meeting Postponed

The Early Childhood Cabinet meeting originally scheduled for Friday, June 23, has been postponed. It will be rescheduled to a later date. 

End Hunger CT! Summer Meal Blitzes Planned Around State

End Hunger CT! is seeking volunteers for its annual summer meal blitz events, starting June 20. Summer Meals Blitz Days are outreach events to promote the free Summer Meals programs. EHC! needs volunteer help 2-3 hours at any of the locations and through social media to spread the word about the Summer Meals program. Sign up to volunteer HERE. The blitz events are: