A dedicated group of advocates in Eastern Connecticut have created a unified platform for advocacy that we believe can positively impact our communities. By uniting various nonprofits, advocacy groups, and community members behind a common vision, we believe we can more effectively address these concerns and work towards positive, lasting change in Eastern Connecticut to end child poverty now.

Our Vision

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is a lead partner in a nonprofit advocacy collaborative that envisions a thriving and economically robust Connecticut, where no child experiences the debilitating effects of poverty. We believe that every child deserves access to basic necessities, quality education, and a nurturing environment that fosters their physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. We engage with lawmakers and policy influencers to promote and enact policies that address the root causes of child poverty, including income inequality, access to healthcare, safe and affordable homes, and quality education.

Our collective goal for the 2025 legislative session is to advance the following:

• Support permanent, refundable CT Child Tax Credit at $600 per child. (Find more information from United Way of CT here.)
• Support universal no-cost healthy school meals (breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack). (Find more information from End Hunger CT here.)
• Expand Care4Kids child care subsidies for families earning up to 85% of the State Median Income.
• Expand good cause eviction protections to support family housing stability. (Find more information from Partnership for Strong Communities here.)

Achievements from the 2024 legislative session

In 2024, we also lobbied for paid sick days which previously only covered 12% of workers in Connecticut. It was passed by the legislation, expanding paid sick leave to nearly all workers, including domestic workers who were previously excluded. The bill guarantees 40 hours of paid sick leave annually and introduces broader protections, marking a significant victory for domestic workers and setting a model for other states.

In addition, lobbying efforts around universal no-cost healthy meals resulted in partial coverage of children from families with lower incomes. We will continue efforts to make this a universal benefit for all students.

CFECT Testimonies in Support of Legislative Bills for 2024 Session:

1. Just Cause Evictions: S.B. 143
2. Adjusting the State Budget: H.B. 5048
3. Connecticut Paid Sick Days: S.B. 7
4. Child Tax Credit: S.B. 36 and H.B. 5113
5. Funding for School Meals: H.B. 5510

Additional Testimony from Trustees and Community Partners

Just Cause Evictions: S.B. 143 (Community Foundation Trustee Carol Williams)

If your organization would like to be part of this important effort to End Child Poverty in Connecticut, contact Lauren Lyons, Program Officer.