Worker Bee: Public Hearing Date for UI for Striking Workers
Public Hearing Date Confirmed for UI for Striking Workers
The public hearing for Unemployment Insurance for Striking workers will take place on Thursday, February 13th in the Labor & Public Employees Committee and will start at 2:30PM.
The deadline to sign up to testify is Wednesday, February 12th at 3:00 PM. To register to testify in person or via Zoom, click here. To submit written testimony click here.
See the Connecticut AFL-CIO's fact sheet on SB 8 and HB 6904 here.
Governor’s FY 2026-FY2027 Biennial Budget Address: Does Lamont Meet the Moment?
On Wednesday, Governor Lamont gave his biennial budget address, proposing a $55.2 billion plan that takes small steps to address unmet needs but falls short in uncertain times. While he shows some willingness to ease "fiscal roadblocks," his budget extends spending caps through 2038 and does not account for potential federal funding cuts that could impact $14 billion in grants and programs. With federal threats to union contracts, reproductive rights, and working people, minor fiscal adjustments may not be enough to protect civil rights and working families. The General Assembly’s Appropriations and Finance Committees will review the proposal, release their own version in mid-April, and likely revisit the budget in special sessions to respond to federal actions. See the full address here and read the budget bill, HB 6864, here.
Joint Chamber Democratic Leader Press Conference on Priority Legislation
On January 13th, House and Senate Democratic leaders announced housing and education as priorities for the session, focusing on easing the financial strain of special education (SB 1, HB 5001) and addressing Connecticut's housing crisis through zoning reforms and expanded development (HB 5002). They emphasized the need for bold action due to disparities in student outcomes and a housing shortage. Watch the full press conference here. Read the press release from Senate Democrats here.
Press Conference on Labor Priority Bills
At a January 15 press conference, Senate leaders unveiled key worker protection bills, including SB 8, which safeguards warehouse workers and extends unemployment insurance to striking workers—a top Connecticut AFL-CIO priority.
Connecticut AFL-CIO President Ed Hawthorne urged Governor Lamont to listen to workers, emphasizing their frustration with big business and the need for a level playing field. "If Ned Lamont wants to connect with working families, he should listen to working families."
Comptroller Scanlon Press Conference on Prevailing Wage
On January 27, 2025, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, joined by labor leaders and lawmakers, introduced a bill to combat wage theft in state contracts. The proposal would let the Comptroller halt payments to contractors under investigation until violations are resolved, ensuring workers receive their owed wages. Read the press release from the Comptroller's office here.
Solidarity Recap: Statewide Solidarity at a Glance
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Connecticut For All Equity Agenda Launch
On January 14th, nearly 200 people joined the Connecticut For All coalition to unveil the 2025 Equity Agenda, advocating fair taxes on the wealthy and investments in education, housing, and healthcare. Rooted in years of grassroots advocacy, the agenda is more than policy—it's a movement for lasting change. Read the full agenda here. If you’d like to watch the full event, click here.
New Haven Rising Solidarity Summit: Our Jobs, Our City, Our Future
On Thursday, February 4th, New Haven Rising and UNITE HERE unions held a Solidarity Summit with over a thousand attendees. Speakers, including Rev. Scott Marks, called for greater support from New Haven and Yale on issues like wage theft, affordable housing, and immigration. The summit celebrated union victories and urged action on legislation like SB 8 to protect striking workers, emphasizing the need for continued collective action and solidarity.
Protect Our Students, Protect Our Schools Press Conference
On Tuesday, advocates from Connecticut For All, the New Haven Federation of Teachers, Connecticut Students For A Dream, Equality Connecticut, and Hartford Deportation Defense spoke out against Trump administration policies harming LGBTQ+ and immigrant students. They called for increased federal resources for education and urged state leaders to invest more in schools, housing, and healthcare to support students. Click here to read Connecticut Public Radio's coverage of the event.