We envision a Connecticut that is thriving and equitable, and where all children achieve their full potential.
That’s why we provide trusted, quality research, recommendations and advocacy that advance public policy and investments to improve the well-being of Connecticut’s children and families, specifically those that have been historically disadvantaged.
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Today, so much of a child’s well-being is rooted in family economic security. Children cannot thrive unless families do, which is why CT Voices conducts research and analysis as well as partners with stakeholders to co-create policy recommendations and collectively advocate for systems changes that support affordable housing and health care, criminal and foster youth justice, fair employment with a focus on the early care sector, and tax reform.
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Budgets are a clear reflection of what and who we value. CT Voices identifies and advocates for investments in children and families and their financial security as well as the revenue policies that resource these investments as our primary budget priorities. However, we also conduct research and analysis as well as partner with stakeholders to co-create policy recommendations that advance systemic changes supporting inclusive economic growth all around, and income and wealth equity nationally.
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The world and state are changing rapidly and we recognize that to keep up with the pace of these changes, we must be nimble and adapt, and address issues and emergencies when they arise, which is why CT Voices leaves room to identify new, timely issues that are of the most emergent import to the well-being of the state’s children and families.
Connecticut Voices for Children released a new report, The State of Working Connecticut – 2026: Rising Unemployment, Higher Prices, and Federal Cuts to Public Benefits. This year’s annual SOWC finds that three new problems—rising unemployment, higher prices, and major federal cuts to public benefits—are compounding Connecticut’s longstanding economic challenges. The report examines how these new and long-term challenges are affecting Connecticut workers and households and outlines policy options to protect workers, make wages fairer, and make major household expenses more affordable.
2026 State of Working CT - Report 2026 State of Working CT - Executive Summary 2026 SOWC - Economic Growth 2026 SOWC - Labor Force and Unemployment 2026 SOWC - Prices and Wages 2026 SOWC - Options to Support CT's Workers and EconomyConnecticut Voices for Children released a new report, Shifting Costs, Eroding Access: The Early Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SNAP in Connecticut. This report examines the early impacts of H.R. 1, also known as OBBBA or the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in Connecticut and what those changes could signal as additional provisions, including Medicaid cuts, take effect. The analysis focuses on changes in state- and town-level participation, the administrative and fiscal pressures placed on the state, and the economic consequences of reduced federal food-assistance spending. It also identifies options for state action, including legislative and revenue policies to mitigate harm and sustainably finance Connecticut’s response, as well as administrative decisions that can reduce avoidable barriers as state agencies implement the new federal requirements.
The Early Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SNAP in CT - Report The Early Impacts of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on SNAP in CT - Executive SummaryConnecticut Voices for Children released a new report, 2026 Candidate Briefing Book. Designed to provide a snapshot of helpful research and data for Connecticut residents and candidates running for political office this election cycle, this document extends the issues undergirding our broad vision toward economic justice and our specific aim of advancing family economic security.
2026 Candidate Briefing BookConnecticut Voices for Children released a new report, Assessing Utilization and Measurement in Practice: An Analysis of Department of Children & Families Provider Survey Data. This report examines data collected under Special Act 24-24 (SA 24-24) to assess how Connecticut’s Department of Children and Families’ (DCF) contracted service array is functioning and where gaps in service availability persist. Special Act 24-24 outlines a broad set of metrics intended to illuminate where services are reaching children and families, where and why capacity is constrained, and where unmet need persists. In practice, however, the legislation presumes a level of data consistency and standardization across DCF’s diverse provider network that does not yet exist.
The report found that missing data limits system visibility and that apparent underutilization often signals structural strain rather than diminished demand. This analysis confirms that more visibility and transparency are needed around DCF-funded programs; providers are under-funded and under-staffed; and families are facing economic struggles, and financial and time pressures limit their access to available supports.
Special Act 24-24 DCF ReportConnecticut Voices for Children released a new report, The Case and Policy Options for Connecticut to Offset New Federal Cuts to Public Benefits. This report coincides with the 25th Tax & Budget Forum where we examine how the state’s fiscal controls and tax structure continue to limit sustained, meaningful investments, even when resources are available. Our research and policy recommendations are presented within the context of the Congressional megabill, One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was enacted July of 2025. The event’s discussion will focus on how Connecticut can move from temporary fixes to long-term policy choices that make affordability real and fully fund communities, particularly amid significant changes and uncertainty at the federal level.
25th Tax & Budget Forum - Report 25th Tax & Budget Forum - Executive SummaryDo you know how much Connecticut gets in federal funding for education, healthcare, and food assistance?
We’ve pulled together town-level data that includes important facts about federal funding to school districts, Medicaid, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Town-level data is linked below using the most recent data available. This means the education data comes from the U.S. Census Annual Survey of School System Finances (using 2022 year data) and the SNAP and Medicaid data is from the Connecticut Department of Social Services (using 2024 year data).
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