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Submit Written Testimony!
Stand in Solidarity on Policy Priorities
Today, the Transportation Committee is hearing testimony on H.B. 5235, An Act Concerning a Plan and Coordinated Response to Persons Experiencing Homelessness on Property Under the Control of The Department of Transportation.
Why It's Important: This bill calls for a coordinated, humane, and housing-focused response when individuals are living on DOT property. We must ensure Connecticut leads with outreach, case management, and housing solutions, not displacement without alternatives.
H.B. 5259, An Act Concerning the Education of Homeless Children and Youth
Why It's Important: More than 5,000 Connecticut students are experiencing homelessness, and the federal protections that keep them enrolled, transported, and supported are increasingly uncertain. H.B. 5259 safeguards educational stability by codifying McKinney-Vento rights in state law so students can stay connected to school no matter what happens federally.
H.B. 5260, An Act Prohibiting a Municipality from Imposing a Penalty for the Performance of Certain Activities of Daily Living
Why It's Important: H.B. 5260 would correct the harm done by the Supreme Court in Johnson v. Grants Pass, a decision in 2024 which allows state and municipalities to arrest, ticket, or fine people sheltering in public spaces while unhoused -- even when there is no other option.
S.B. 257 An Act Concerning Evictions for Cause
Why It's Important: In Connecticut, landlords can evict renters by refusing to renew a lease, even if the tenant pays rent on time and does everything else “right”. Broadening Just Cause is a no-cost, effective policy to reduce evictions and provide greater security to tenants which in turn reduces homelessness.
H.B. 5257 An Act Prohibiting a Landlord from Requiring a Security Deposit in Excess of One Month's Rent from Any Tenant.
Why It's Important: H.B. 5257 would make housing more accessible to everyone, including people who have experienced homelessness trying who are facing cost barriers to renting.
Make the Request for Increased Funding
H.B. 5032, An Act Adjusting the State Budget for the State Budget for the Biennium Ending June 30, 2027
Why It's Important: This bill concerns the Governor's proposed budget and was heard in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health for the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services budget, as well as in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Conservation & Development for the Department of Housing budget.
In both cases, while we are glad to see the Governor include funding that supports our work, we are requesting that legislators increase the total amount to $123.9 million annually.
These dollars fund outreach, case management, supportive housing, and crisis response across Connecticut. At a time of rising homelessness and federal uncertainty, we need resources to bring people inside and keep them housed.
IMPORTANT:
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