WEEKLY UPDATE: 01/29/26
Next Wednesday, February 4, marks the start of the 2026 Connecticut Legislative Session. The General Assembly is expected to focus on adjustments to the second year of the existing biennial state budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, as well as addressing affordability issues and the challenges created by federal policy changes. On opening day, Governor Ned Lamont will deliver a State of the State address that details his proposed budget adjustments and 2026 policy priorities.
As an even-numbered year, the upcoming legislative session is “short,” commencing on Wednesday, February 4, and concluding on Wednesday, May 6. During short session years, the state constitution and legislative rules limit individual lawmakers to the introduction of bills related to budgetary, revenue, and financial matters. Policy-oriented bills must be introduced by one of the General Assembly’s joint committees.
The Connecticut Hospital Association (CHA) will continue to advocate for policies that enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for all. Ahead of the session, CHA has been engaging with lawmakers and state officials on the importance of raising Medicaid reimbursement rates to keep pace with the rising cost of care, ensuring the hospital tax strengthens hospitals and care delivery, and mitigating the impact of harmful federal policies — particularly Medicaid cuts and lapsed enhanced health insurance exchange subsidies.
The 2026 session follows a two-day special legislative session in November 2025, during which lawmakers debated multiple bills focused on healthcare, housing, immigration, and state funding to offset pressures from the federal government shutdown and expiring subsidies. Notably, state lawmakers approved legislation to establish a $500 million Emergency State Response Reserve to safeguard essential healthcare and social services endangered by federal cuts, to be allocated at the governor’s discretion.
As of January 29, the governor has earmarked a total of about $187 million of the $500 million reserve to support health and human services. Any emergency fund dollars that aren’t allocated by the start of the 2026 Legislative Session on February 4 will return to the Budget Reserve Fund.
Any emergency fund dollars that aren’t allocated by the start of the 2026 Legislative Session on February 4 will return to the Budget Reserve Fund.
CHA also looks forward to working with legislators to support and grow the healthcare workforce, invest in behavioral health services, preserve the 340B Drug Program, and deter unfair and burdensome health insurance company practices.
Before the session ends, both chambers of the legislature must pass the same version of the fiscal year 2027 budget adjustments before sending it to the governor’s desk for his signature.
The 2026 Legislative Session takes place ahead of the November 2026 midterm elections for Connecticut’s congressional delegation and state elections for the General Assembly, governor and lieutenant governor, and other constitutional officers — including state comptroller, state treasurer, secretary of the state, and attorney general.
Related News:
Congress Unveils Bipartisan Healthcare Deal Tied to Government Funding Package
Connecticut Health Insurance Marketplace Extends Open Enrollment to January 31
