🔒CT Blue Collar Caucus’ 2026 legislative agenda targets affordability, workforce and AI regulation

The state legislature’s Blue-Collar Caucus has outlined a broad package of legislative priorities for the 2026 session, focusing on affordability, workforce development and worker protections, and regulating emerging technologies that include artificial intelligence. During a news conference at the state Capitol last week, co-chairs Rep. Rebecca Martinez (D-Plainville) and Rep. Kara Rochelle (D-Ansonia) said the caucus, a group of 40 Democratic legislators, developed its list of priorities after months of meetings with workers, unions and community advocates across the state. “Rising costs, workforce shortages and job conditions are putting real pressure on the people who keep our state running,” Martinez said, adding the agenda supports educators, health care workers, first responders and skilled trades workers while addressing affordability challenges. At the top of its platform is House Bill 5003, a broad measure on workforce development and working conditions. Lawmakers said the bill includes provisions tied to several related proposals, including HB 5403 on health insurance coverage for survivors of unpaid volunteer firefighters, correction officers and state marshals, HB 5409 establishing a “troops-to-trades” initiative and HB 5405 concerning crane and hoisting equipment operators. To address cost-of-living concerns, the caucus supports Senate Bill 103 and HB 5134, companion measures to establish a refundable child tax credit for working- and middle-class families. Caucus members also emphasized consumer protection and the need to respond to the growing role of AI. SB 4, a consumer privacy measure, includes provisions intended to ensure transparency and accountability in how data — particularly data used by AI systems — is collected and used. Rep. Hubert Delany (D-Stamford) said the state must ensure safeguards are in place as AI becomes more embedded in daily life. “Connecticut has a responsibility to ensure these systems are met with transparency, human oversight and accountability,” he said. Health care proposals include HB 5169, which would require an alert in the state’s health information exchange for patients with a history of violence toward providers, and HB 5561, which calls for Medicaid rate increases for certain providers. SB 498 would protect wages for personal care attendants and expand access to state programs. Additional proposals include SB 223, which would expand the paraeducator health care subsidy program, and SB 351, also linked to HB 5003, which would establish a “just cause” standard for teacher terminations and require hearings before a neutral arbitrator.