City, State Officials 'Celebrate' Millions in Additional State Funding, 2026 State Legislative Victories

NEW HAVEN, CT — Wednesday, no ribbons were cut, no toasts were made, but it was a celebration nonetheless as city and state leaders gathered to talk about the over $23 million in additional state funding secured for the city.

And to highlight "other significant legislative victories that were achieved during the 2026 state legislative session on behalf of the Elm City and its residents," Mayor Justin Elicker said.

Elicker, Senate President Martin Looney, fellow members of New Haven’s State Delegation, New Haven Public Schools' Superintendent Madeline Negrón, and other city leaders were on hand for a news briefing.

The additional revenue secured in the State's FY 2027 budget adjustment bill includes $14.4 million in additional municipal aid, $7.6 million in supplemental education funding, and $1.2 million to support the Elm City C.O.M.P.A.S.S. crisis response team and Foxon Boulevard Emergency Shelter serving the city’s most vulnerable residents.

Elicker and others also pointed to a number of "legislative victories."

Those include new accountability and enforcement tools to regulate under-aged Juice Bars, House Bill 5222; the extension of the city’s microtransit rideshare pilot program, Senate Bill 9; new funds and community improvements for the East Shore neighborhood related to the proposed new terminal at Tweed-New Haven Airport, Senate Bill 1; the strengthening of municipal zoning laws and fines to help ensure the proper use of propertie, House Bill 5391; and new protections for residents from illegal actions by ICE agents, Senate Bill 397; among other items.