While the status quo state budget plan approved by policymakers did not offer many bold new investments in children and families, other policy changes approved during this year’s legislative session mark the beginning of positive shifts toward a Connecticut where all children and families can thrive. These changes are the result of tireless advocacy by legislators, policymakers, partner organizations, and the team at Connecticut Voices for Children.
Our legislative session review report outlines the details of key successes for children and families, as well as continuing needs for reform. During this session, policymakers:
- Approved Paid Family and Medical Leave,
- Restored Medicaid eligibility to thousands of parents,
- Raised the minimum wage to $15 by 2023, and
- Increased reimbursement rates to Care 4 Kids childcare providers.
Policymakers also enacted policies that will benefit smaller, more vulnerable populations, including legislation that codifies and expands the Department of Children and Families’ Adolescent Bill of Rights. This will help ensure that youth in foster care are able to advocate for themselves when they do not receive the support they need to thrive.
While Connecticut Voices for Children celebrates these and other notable policy changes, we still have much work to do to ensure that every child grows up safe, healthy, and with a high-quality education.
