URGENT: Written Testimony Needed & Transportation Committee Public Hearing!

Couldn't attend the recent public hearings? Submit written testimony on critical funding and policy bills TODAY!

We urgently need everyone to reach out and submit testimony in support of these key pieces of legislation. Written testimony will help to ensure that legislators understand the critical importance of our priorities. A strong volume of clear, consistent support is essential to advance these urgently needed funding investments and policy solutions.

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:

• Use the DOH template when submitting testimony for the Conservation & Development Subcommittee hearing on 2/20
• Use the DMHAS template when submitting testimony for the Health Subcommittee hearing on 2/23
• Testimony Templates
• Fact Sheets

Stand in Solidarity on Policy Priorities

• Testimony Templates
• Fact Sheets

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.

Transportation Committee Hearing

Join us on Monday to support 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.

Monday, March 2nd | 10:00 AM

Legislative Office Building, Room #2B

300 Capitol Ave, Hartford or via Zoom

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.

Your testimony can reinforce the need for collaboration between DOT, outreach providers, municipalities, and the state’s homelessness response system.

• Register to Testify by 3PM on Sunday, March 1st
• Talking Points
• Submit Written Testimony

Watch Committee meetings & public hearings

live and recorded on CT-Network (CT-N)

If you have any questions or you need help submitting testimony, please contact Katherine Whitney.

Order a Shirt and Show Your Support!

Our goal is to have advocates wear their t-shirts to in a bold statement for change, all session long!

If you haven't ordered and would like to, you can click here to email us and let us know how many of each size your organization would like for upcoming events. Shirts are $20.