Early Childhood Makes Headlines on 2025 Legislative Session Opening Day
On Wednesday, January 8, Merrill and Vanessa joined ECA member organizations, strategic partners, and hundreds of other advocates and residents of Connecticut for the 2025 Legislative Session Opening Day at the Capitol Building in Hartford.
During the festivities and business of the day, early childhood received noteworthy attention. In his Opening Day Address, President Pro Tempore Senator Martin Looney (11th) highlighted early childhood causes.
“We must make a major interventional commitment to providing high quality, affordable early childhood education to every child in our state, to guarantee that children are prepared to thrive in kindergarten.” - Senator Martin Looney, 01/08/2025
Later in the day, Governor Ned Lamont gave his State of the State address to the General Assembly in the House chamber.
“Let’s build on the Blue Ribbon Child Care Commission. Let’s make a down payment on affordable, accessible, early childhood care for all our families. Let’s get that done. Let’s get that done for our kids, let’s get that done for our parents. Give these kids the very best opportunity in life.” - Governor Ned Lamont, 01/08/2025
We could not agree more!
Pictured:
House Swearing In
Senate Swearing In
Eva Bermudez-Zimmerman (Director, Childcare for CT) and Merrill Gay (Executive Director, CT Early Childhood Alliance) debrief after opening sessions
Merrill Gay and Vanessa Hawke (Manager of Membership & Advocacy, CT Early Childhood Alliance) wait to speak with legislators ahead of opening day sessions
