AARP Connecticut’s 2026 legislative session priorities have been to support and advocate on policies that keep more money in the pockets of residents and their families; address rising utility costs to ensure fair and affordable access to essential services such as electricity and highspeed internet; expand voting options for all residents; support family caregivers and access to affordable, highquality health care for those receiving home care and in longterm care settings; strengthen protections against consumer fraud; and create communities that help older adults live safely and independently as they age.

AARP Connecticut is proud to have worked with lawmakers across party lines in support of policies and legislation that put residents first, including lowering costs, supporting caregivers, strengthening consumer protections, and expanding access to care and services.

The state budget included legislation that creates a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $2,000 for income-eligible family caregivers who incur eligible expenditures to care for and support an eligible family member. Family caregivers are the backbone of a broken long-term care system. In Connecticut, an estimated 710,000 caregivers of adults make tremendous financial, physical, and emotional sacrifices so their loved ones can remain safely at home – and out of costly, taxpayer funded, nursing homes. According to AARP’s recent Valuing the Invaluable report, family caregivers in Connecticut provide 460 million hours of unpaid care each year — work that would be worth $10.7 billion annually if paid at the market rate of $23.45 per hour.

In 2024, Connecticut voters overwhelmingly supported removing the need for an excuse to vote by absentee ballot. New legislation will eliminate restrictions on absentee voting and reform the process to ensure it is easy, convenient, and without onerous requirements.

Criminals increasingly target older adults using gift cards. According to the FTC, in 2024 consumers paid $212 million to scams using gift cards with victims losing an average of more than $5,150 per incident. A new bill provides robust oversight and enforcement related to gift card fraud, including strengthening Connecticut’s response to organized retail theft, creating new larceny offenses, and equipping law enforcement agencies with modern tools to fight fraud.

In addition, AARP supported legislation requiring the Banking Committee chairpersons to set up a 19-member working group to study consumer fraud and how to protect against it. AARP Connecticut looks forward to contributing towards offering tips and ways for people to stay informed and safe from fraud.

These are just a few of the many highlights, and AARP Connecticut will continue working with policymakers to build on this momentum and ensure all residents can live with greater financial security and independence. Find a full recap of our 2026 legislative success at www.aarp.org/CT.

In addition to our advocacy work, we are committed to providing valuable information and resources through a wide variety of free educational, interactive, and fun events. We can’t do it without the dedicated and passionate volunteers who share an aspiration to make a difference and improve the quality of life for residents of all ages. People can explore our volunteering opportunities at www.aarp.org/volunteer. Learn about becoming an e-advocate volunteer at www.aarp.org/getinvolved.