By Mary Welander
State Rep., D-114
Mary Welander
I’ve learned that one of the more difficult aspects of legislative work is trying to predict the final result of proposed policies. Even the most supported proposal might not make it to the governor’s desk, and some that seem like long shots go sailing through. Now that the session is over, let’s look at some of this year’s results.
First, what made it: after a lot of discussions, challenges and revisions, the special education bill (HB 5001) passed unanimously in the House and Senate and has been signed by the governor. While we couldn’t do everything that I wanted, or our schools needed, we were able to make some significant changes that will improve the process of delivering special education services for everyone. I was proud to be part of that select committee.
As the chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I was especially invested in bills addressing child care policies, namely HB 5003 and SB 1. Ultimately, the contents of those bills merged and shifted, but still resulted in transformative pieces of legislation. Over the next few years, the state will be creating more slots for child care, capping costs (free for families making under $100,000 per year and maxing out payments at 7 percent per year for those making more than $100,000), and supporting the child care profession through access to health care and business loans for infrastructure improvements.
Two of my own bills also became law: one protecting the identity of all gaming and lottery winners (an idea shared by a constituent), and another reforming the process of the appointment of the child advocate to be more transparent and have clearer communications between all parties involved.
We also passed broadly supported environmental reforms, benefits for veterans and first responders, reformed predatory towing practices, increased funding for nonprofits and strengthened supports for working families – all without raising taxes. These and many more wins resulted in good progress for Connecticut.
It’s important to understand that our state constitution requires a set deadline for the session each year. Towards the end, the clock is in control. If a bill isn’t called and voted on in both chambers by midnight on the deadline, usually it’s done for the year and you start over next session.
Unfortunately – for reasons that were technical, or political, or simply unknowable – the clock ran out once again before some important bills could get through both chambers. Bills that addressed education and school safety, and children’s mental health services were among them. I share the frustration and disappointment with everyone who spent time and effort advocating for these policies throughout the session. But there may be a path forward. We knew that the federal funding cuts would require a special session to address them; I am fighting for a handful of these good policies to be called during the special session so we can fulfill some of our responsibilities to our districts and the state.
I will continue to keep you updated on these outcomes and more. Please reach out any time with any questions or concerns at mary.welander@cga.ct.gov.