Rep. Gregg Haddad

Maddy summaryThis Senate Joint Resolution (SJ 37) proposes adding a new constitutional amendment to Connecticut's state constitution, establishing enforceable environmental rights for all residents. It would guarantee every person the right to clean air, water, soil, ecosystems, and a stable climate, requiring the state to protect these rights equitably regardless of race, gender, income, or location. The amendment also mandates the state to conserve natural resources and prohibits avoidable environmental harm or diversion of funds meant for environmental protection. If approved by voters in November 2026, this would become a permanent part of Connecticut's constitution, directly affecting all residents and future generations.

Maddy summaryHB 5158 prohibits colleges in the state from reducing a student's financial aid package simply because the student receives a scholarship from any source (private or public). It directly affects students receiving scholarships and public/private institutions of higher education. The bill defines "financial aid" to include scholarships, grants, and federal/state aid (but excludes student loans), and allows reductions only if total aid already covers the student's full cost of attendance or to comply with athletic aid rules for NCAA athletes. This takes effect July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryHB 5156 establishes a Climate Superfund Cost Recovery Program to fund climate adaptation projects by holding fossil fuel entities accountable for historical emissions. It targets fossil fuel companies (defined as entities extracting or refining fossil fuels during 1995-2024 that caused over 1 billion metric tons of emissions) to pay into a fund, rather than using taxpayer money. The fund finances specific climate adaptation projects, including coastal wetland restoration, stormwater system upgrades, urban heat mitigation, and protecting food systems from climate impacts, with priority for environmental justice communities. Projects must align with "nature-based solutions" like green infrastructure and energy-efficient retrofits for public buildings. The program is administered by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, starting October 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill creates a new Academic Research Funding Commission within the Executive Department to distribute research grants to faculty at Connecticut colleges and universities. The commission will include 13 members appointed by various state officials, including university leaders, legislative leaders, and industry representatives, with co-chairs from the vice presidents of research at UConn and Yale. Its primary function is to award grants that help offset research funding reductions caused by cuts from federal agencies like the National Institutes of Health and National Science Foundation. The commission will operate without compensation for its members, who will receive expense reimbursements, and will establish its own procedures through bylaws.

Maddy summaryThis bill authorizes the University of Connecticut to join the Association of Research Universities by mandating the hiring of at least ten top-tier research faculty members by June 2029. The legislation requires the university to submit annual progress reports to the state legislature and allocates $35 million in state funding for faculty salaries and benefits. Additionally, it grants the State Bond Commission authority to issue up to $20 million in state bonds to finance infrastructure improvements like laboratory space and equipment needed to support the new faculty. These provisions aim to enhance the university's research capabilities and competitive standing while establishing accountability through regular reporting requirements.

Maddy summaryHB 5144 appropriates funds to cover the cost difference between federal reimbursement rates for reduced-price school meals and full-price meals. It directly affects public school districts participating in federal meal programs by allowing them to provide free breakfasts to all students and free lunches to students already eligible for reduced-price meals. The bill’s key mechanism is reimbursing districts for the gap between what the federal government pays and the actual cost of serving these meals. This policy change ensures schools can maintain these meal programs without charging eligible students, as specified in the bill’s purpose statement.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes a refundable child tax credit for families with up to three children, starting at $150 per child in 2026 and increasing to $600 per child by 2028. It phases out for higher-income households: single filers over $100,000, heads of household over $160,000, and married couples filing jointly over $200,000 (reducing by 5% for every $1,000 over these thresholds). The credit is refundable, meaning eligible families receive it even if they owe no income tax. It directly affects low-to-moderate income families with children under age 18.

Maddy summarySB 130 allocates $20 million from the General Fund to the Department of Agriculture for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2027, specifically to support dairy farmer sustainability. This funding directly assists dairy farmers in the state by providing financial resources to address industry challenges. The bill is a straightforward funding measure with no additional policy provisions beyond the appropriation.

Maddy summarySB 128 appropriates $30 million from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for fiscal year 2027, specifically for grants to community action agencies. This funding directly supports local community action agencies that provide essential services like housing assistance, job training, and food programs to low-income residents. The bill’s key mechanism is a dedicated state funding allocation to ensure these agencies can continue serving vulnerable populations, as stated in its purpose to "protect the people the agencies serve." The legislation does not alter eligibility rules or create new programs, but provides critical financial support for existing agency operations.

Maddy summarySB 127 increases state funding for Connecticut's public higher education system by appropriating $91 million for the University of Connecticut, $76 million for the Board of Regents for Higher Education, and $72 million for Connecticut State Colleges and Universities and Connecticut State Community Colleges. The funding, allocated for the 2026-2027 fiscal year, directly supports these institutions' operations and programs. The bill's stated purpose is to provide additional resources to help more Connecticut students afford college. This represents a concrete policy change in state budget allocations for public higher education.