Connecticut legislature discusses child care, election security

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Proposals addressing child care and election security topped the docket on Friday in Connecticut’s legislature.

On Friday afternoon, the Connecticut House of Representatives unanimously approved a measure intended to strengthen election security. The measure was drafted largely in response to the absentee ballot scandal in Bridgeport.

In 2023, Bridgeport’s mayoral election was upended after evidence emerged of absentee ballot mishandling by partisan operatives in the city’s Democratic primary.

A superior court judge invalidated the results of the September primary and ordered two new elections, which were subsequently won by incumbent Democratic Mayor Joe Ganim.

House Bill 5498 would strengthen tracking of absentee ballots and require video surveillance of absentee ballot drop boxes. The bill also includes mandatory deadlines for state elections officials and prosecutors to examine election-related crimes.

“It’s viral that everyone have public trust that our elections are being run safely and securely,” Rep. Matt Blumenthal (D-District 147) said. “This bill not in any way effect a proper voter’s ability to vote. But, it should increase their trust that no impropriety has occurred related to the election.”

Republicans joined Democrats in supporting the bill, but also pushed for additional election security measures such as mandatory jail time for those found guilty of election-related crimes.

“There was nothing in this bill that was harmful — that is going to impact our elections in a negative way,” Rep. Gale Mastrofrancesco (R-District 80) said. “There were positive things in there, and that’s why I supported it.”

The House also passed a bill intended to expand child care access and affordability.

House Bill 5004 would establish a pilot program to study a concept called Tri-Share, which brings employers together with government and parents in an effort to lower costs and deliver more effective services.

The bill also provides for one-time, $1,800 payments for qualifying preschool teachers. Lawmakers said those payments will bolster efforts to recruit and retain child care workers.

“We hear the parents,” Rep. Michelle Cook (D-District 65) said. “We understand that it’s expensive. We hear the businesses. We understand that they need workers. And we also hear our child care providers and we know that they need the money.”

Both bills now head for the State Senate, where they must win approval in order to be sent to the governor for a final decision.

The current legislative session ends on May 8.

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