Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's office released a review of the week of July 19, 2026, highlighting efforts to protect American democracy, expand the paraeducator workforce, and secure significant federal funding for farmers. State officials, including Governor Lamont, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, convened at the Old State House in Hartford to discuss new voting tabulators, expanded early in-person voting, and increased access to absentee ballots aimed at safeguarding voter rights.
In education, Governor Lamont and Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced the Paraeducator Preparation Academy, a free six-week program designed to prepare aspiring paraeducators for employment. The inaugural session is set to run from August 17 to September 23, 2026, in East Hartford, with plans for additional sessions statewide. The Governor also received the Champion of New Americans Award from IRIS, a nonprofit assisting refugees, with Lamont saying, "Immigrants and refugees make Connecticut great, and I'm proud to stand up for and celebrate them."
Furthermore, Governor Lamont joined the Connecticut Tenants Union to advocate for stronger renter protections, stating, "You deserve a place to be. You deserve a place you can call home. You deserve a place where the landlord treats you with respect." A collaborative effort with Connecticut's Congressional delegation secured $52.9 million in federal recovery funds for farmers impacted by severe weather in 2023 and 2024. Farmers with documented losses can apply, with the first round anticipated in September and a second in late fall, covering up to 95% of losses.
The state also announced safety and security upgrades for CTfastrak, including new private security, improved shelters, new lighting, and an expanded State Police partnership. "Every rider deserves peace of mind when they step onto a bus or wait at a transit station," Governor Lamont said. Economically, Connecticut reached a new all-time high of 1,726,500 payroll jobs in June 2026, with construction jobs at an 18-year high.
Connecticut received high national rankings, placing fifth best state to live by CNBC, with the third lowest violent crime rate. WalletHub ranked Connecticut's public schools second best in the nation, citing strong ACT scores, quality of education, and low dropout rates. Finally, Governor Lamont approved $10 million in state grants through the Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP) to enhance roads in nine rural towns, supporting smaller communities ineligible for many federal programs.