ALICE Advocate - February 10, 2026 Edition

Advancing Equity Through Policy
United Way’s 2026 Legislative Priorities

The CT General Assembly short session kicked off last week with the Governor’s budget proposal and 250+ bills introduced by the legislature. Together with local and statewide partners, UWCWC is driving policy and systems change to expand equitable opportunity for individuals and families.


2026 Policy Agenda | United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut

  • Strengthen early care and education
  • Establish the CT Child Tax Credit
  • Secure no-cost school meals  
  • Advance equitable school funding
  • Protect and fortify the social safety net


Click here to read the UWCWC 2026 Policy Agenda 

TAKE ACTION 

Action Alert: Support the CT Child Tax Credit 

As the 2026 legislative session begins, more than 581,000 Connecticut households still can’t afford basic needs. For families with children, the gap is even wider—a family of four now needs $116,000+ a year just to get by.

A refundable CT Child Tax Credit of $600 per child would provide reliable, direct support to help families cover essentials like food, housing, and child care—but we need your voice to make it happen. 

📣 Take Action: 
💌 Email your legislators (2 minutes) — personalized messages matter
💬 Share your story (5 minutes) — real examples move policy

EVENTS 

211 Day at the Capitol: Celebrating 50 Years of Answering the Call
Wednesday, February 11, 10:30–11:30 AM (LOB Rm. 1A) 

Join ALICE families, 211 contact center specialists, and community partners to celebrate 50 years of 211 and highlight the critical role it plays in supporting Connecticut communities.
📝 Register here to attend in person.
 

Partnership for Strong Communities: 2026 Budget & Housing Policy Briefing
Wednesday, February 11, 12:00 PM (Virtual)

Join Partnership for Strong Communities and Gallo & Robinson for a briefing on the Governor’s proposed budget, housing-related investments, and key policy proposals for the 2026 legislative session. Time for Q&A and discussion included. 📝 RSVP here.
 

Keith Phaneuf’s 2026 Budget Review 
Wednesday, February 11, 2026, 6 PM (Zoom)   

Join CT Mirror State Budget Reporter Keith Phaneuf with host John Dankosky for a discussion of the key budget battles in this legislative session. Submit your questions in advance to events@ctmirror.org. 📝 Free to attend – registration required.
 

CT Policy Talks: CT Medicaid at the Crossroads
Wednesday, February 18, 2026, 9-11 AM (In Person — CRCOG Offices, 350 Church Street)

Join state leaders and advocates for a panel discussion on how federal and state policy shifts are shaping Connecticut’s Medicaid program, focusing on coverage, access, equity, funding trade-offs, and policy options amid ongoing federal uncertainty. Moderated by UConn with Joshua Wojcik (OPM), Tiffany Donelson (CT Health Foundation), and Sen. Matt Lesser. 📝 Register Here.  
 

School and State Finance Project: 2026 Legislative Webinar Series
Feb 23 – April 6, 6 PM, (Virtual)

Join the School and State Finance Project for a series of webinars to learn what to expect during the legislative session, how to engage with legislators, and how to lead in your community. Selected portions will be recorded and shared. 📝 Sign up today.

 

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 11

  • Appropriations Committee Budget Presentations & Public Hearing, (Comptroller, OPM, DOT), 10 am-4 pm, LOB Rm. 2C | YouTube
  • Transforming Children's Behavioral Health Policy and Planning Committee Meeting, 2 pm, LOB Rm. 1E

Friday, February 13

  • Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, 1 pm, LOB Rm. 2E | YouTube

Tuesday, February 17

Wednesday, February 18

  • CT Child Tax Credit Press Conference, 10:30 am, LOB Rm. 1C | CTN
  • Appropriations Committee Budget Presentations 10 am and Public Hearing (DADS, DSS, DCF) 2 pm, LOB Rm. 2C | YouTube | Sign Up to Testify by 3 pm Tuesday, February 17th | Submit Written Testimony ASAP by 5 pm Tuesday, February 17th

Thursday, February 19

Friday, February 20

 

NEWS & RESOURCES 

Listen 🎧

Read 📰

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