Rep. Mary Mushinsky

Maddy summaryHB 5816 appropriates $150,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Social Services for two fiscal years (ending June 2026 and 2027). This funding provides a grant-in-aid directly to the Spanish Community of Wallingford. The bill enables the organization to deliver public health, education, job search, and other community services to residents in the Wallingford area. The funds are specifically designated for these service programs and do not alter existing laws or create new regulations.

Maddy summaryHB 5848 allocates unspecified funds from the General Fund to the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority for nonprofit community access television providers during fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This bill directly supports these nonprofit organizations, enabling them to maintain operations while a permanent funding model is developed. The key provision is a two-year appropriation to prevent service disruptions for community TV channels that serve local programming and public access needs. The bill does not change existing regulations but provides temporary financial assistance until a revised funding structure is established.

Maddy summaryHB 5815 appropriates $500,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Public Health for the 2026 fiscal year. The funding directly supports dental care services for low-income residents who cannot afford dental treatment. The bill establishes a specific allocation to cover these services through the existing public health infrastructure. It does not create new programs but provides dedicated funding for an existing need.

Maddy summaryHB 5872 prevents state reductions to the annual reimbursement rate for school districts' special education costs, locking the rate at the previous year's level. This directly affects all Connecticut school districts receiving state funding for special education, ensuring they can better predict their annual budget needs. The bill prohibits the state from lowering the reimbursement percentage each year, providing financial stability for local education budgets. It does not change existing funding levels or create new programs.

Maddy summaryHB 5933 requires electric distribution companies to install advanced conductors that are at least 15% more efficient than standard steel core conductors in both new and existing transmission lines. This applies to all electric distribution companies operating within the state. The bill mandates this efficiency upgrade for any transmission line work, whether new construction or modifications to current infrastructure. The goal is to improve grid efficiency without specifying cost impacts or timelines for implementation.

Maddy summaryHB 5949 allows cable television subscribers to choose which programming packages they want, rather than receiving bundled channels. It requires cable companies to clearly break down all costs on consumer bills, showing each component separately. The bill directly affects all Connecticut cable subscribers and the cable companies providing service in the state. This law aims to increase consumer choice and billing clarity without changing service fees or channel availability.

Maddy summaryHB 5940 appropriates $8 million from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to fund the Residential Energy Preparation Services Program under the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. This bill directly provides ongoing financial support for the program, which assists residential households with energy-related preparation services (such as weatherization or efficiency upgrades). The funding ensures the program can continue operating without interruption through the 2025-2026 fiscal year. The bill contains no new policy requirements or eligibility changes - it solely allocates existing funds for the program’s continued implementation.

Maddy summaryThis bill requires utilities to identify residential properties using inefficient electric resistance heating systems and boost marketing efforts and financial incentives to encourage homeowners to replace them. It directly affects Connecticut homeowners with outdated electric heating systems, particularly in older homes. The key mechanism mandates utilities to proactively reach out to eligible households and expand available incentives, rather than creating new funding. The policy aims to accelerate the adoption of more efficient heating solutions through targeted outreach and support.

Maddy summaryHB 5980 allocates $67,500 from bond proceeds to cover the costs of a federal planning grant awarded to Wallingford in 2024. The grant specifically supports planning for extending the Quinnipiac River Linear Trail (Phase IV) to the town line of North Haven. This funding directly enables Wallingford to utilize the federal grant for trail planning without using local funds. The bill provides no new policy changes but facilitates an existing federal project.

Maddy summaryHB 5813 appropriates funds from the General Fund for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, to provide a grant-in-aid to Survivors of Homicide, Inc. This funding supports the organization's mental health and supportive counseling services for families who have lost loved ones to homicide. The bill specifically aims to maintain these critical services by preventing a potential funding gap. It directly affects homicide survivors' families by ensuring continued access to trauma support and mental health resources through this designated nonprofit.