State Capitol Report

by Christie Carpino

State Representative

The 2026 legislative session kicked off on Feb. 4. Committees are busy raising bills, holding public hearings and debating proposals that touch nearly every aspect of life here in Connecticut.

Gov. Ned Lamont presented his budget adjustments and that proposal is moving through the legislative process. Over the coming weeks we’ll hear directly from state agencies and the public, review spending line by line, and work toward a final budget vote before adjournment on May 6.

As always, my focus remains on fiscal responsibility, public safety and making Connecticut a more affordable place to live and work.

This session, I formally requested that several proposals be raised for consideration, each aimed at strengthening our communities and addressing real concerns I hear from residents across Cromwell and Portland.

After hearing from many of you, I proposed legislation to provide much-needed relief to reduce the financial burden on Connecticut families. One proposal is to eliminate the sales tax on prepared food at grocery stores, as families are working longer hours and they deserve a break.

A second proposal would eliminate the higher sales and use taxes rate for motor vehicles with a sales price of less than $100,000. I also proposed removing the public benefits charge from electric bills, again. Families, people on fixed incomes and small businesses deserve some relief when it comes to our daily lives.

We owe a lasting debt of gratitude to the men and women who served our country. I am supporting efforts to acquire additional space so that Connecticut veterans will have a final resting place here at home. No veteran should be forgotten.

Not every successful career path requires a four-year degree. I am advocating for the coordination of workforce development, career pipeline and vocational training. By investing in workforce development and making programs available and accessible those who need them, we can help fill critical job shortages while opening doors to stable, good-paying careers.

Chatbots and e-bikes are new risks facing our children. I’ve proposed common-sense ideas to reduce the risk to our kids.

Animal cruelty is often a warning sign of broader public safety concerns. I proposed the establishment of a publicly accessible registry of convicted animal abusers to improve transparency, protect animals and help prevent repeat offenses.

I, along with my colleague state Rep. Kerry Wood, proposed a bipartisan bill to increase funding for farmland preservation across the state to encourage investment in these local businesses. 

There is still much work ahead. Between now and the close of session, countless proposals will be debated, amended and voted on. I encourage you to stay informed by visiting www.cga.ct.gov to track legislation and watching committee meetings live at https://ct-n.com.

As always, please don’t hesitate to reach out. CL

Representative Carpino can be reached at 800-842-1423 or christie.carpino@housegop.ct.gov.