Fiscal, Healthcare Priorities Pass in Special Session

Over the course of a two-day special legislative session, lawmakers advanced several measures to the governor’s desk. 

Aside from a compromise housing bill, heavily negotiated after it was vetoed by Gov. Ned Lamont during the regular session, the General Assembly passed new legislation aimed at addressing urgent fiscal and healthcare priorities. 

Emergency Funding  

Lawmakers approved an emergency funding package targeted to shield vulnerable residents from the impact of federal program cuts.

The measure allocates $500 million from the state’s budget reserve fund to maintain food assistance programs and other social supports.

It reflects a bipartisan commitment to safeguarding families during a period of economic uncertainty. 

Gov. Ned Lamont now has authority to appropriate up to $500 million with legislative leadership approval to cover any reductions in federal funding

Under the plan, Gov. Ned Lamont can allocate up to $500 million—with sign-off from legislative leadership—to cover any shortfalls caused by the recent federal shutdown and One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

That authority runs through Feb. 4, 2026, when the next legislative session begins. 

Majority party lawmakers previously advocated for using surplus volatile revenue, but lawmakers and Lamont ultimately agreed to draw from the budget reserve fund to avoid any concerns regarding bond covenants tied to the state’s fiscal guardrails system. 

Firefighter Cancer Fund Fee Adjustments 

The special session also drew attention to the firefighter cancer relief fund, which provides benefits to firefighters diagnosed with work-related cancers.

Legislators voted to modify the assessment structure that finances this program. 

CBIA member companies in the telecommunications industry advocated for the adjustment, which aims to stabilize the fund long-term without putting strain on municipalities.

UConn Health to Acquire Waterbury Hospital 

In a significant healthcare move, the General Assembly approved UCONN Health’s purchase of Waterbury Hospital.

The deal is expected to expand the state-run healthcare network and preserve jobs in the greater Waterbury region.

Waterbury Hospital’s current owner, Prospect Holdings, is navigating bankruptcy proceedings.  

Supporters highlighted the deal as a strategic investment in public health infrastructure. 

Supporters highlighted the deal as a strategic investment in public health infrastructure.

Critics raised questions about cost and oversight—issues likely to remain part of the conversation as the transition unfolds. 

The legislation also clears the way for UConn Health—which includes John Dempsey Hospital in Farmington and the university’s medical and dental schools—to purchase Bristol Hospital and Day Kimball Hospital in Putnam.  

Both are currently independent, nonprofit hospitals.

The sales are anticipated in the coming months.  

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For more information, contact CBIA’s CBIA’s Chris Davis (860.244.1931).