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Bill

SB 401

AN ACT CONCERNING A BRIDGE PROGRAM TO ALLOW ACCESS TO FOOD, HOUSING AND HEALTH CARE BENEFITS.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Saud Anwar and 12 co-sponsors

Connecticut proposes a bridge program providing temporary food, housing, and health care benefits to individuals ineligible for standard assistance programs.

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Bill Summary · SB 401

Legislative bill overview

SB 401 proposes establishing a "bridge program" in Connecticut designed to provide transitional access to food, housing, and health care benefits for individuals who may not currently qualify for standard assistance programs. The bill aims to fill gaps in the existing social safety net by creating a temporary pathway to essential services.

Why is this important

Many low-income individuals and families fall through cracks in Connecticut's benefit systems due to income thresholds, citizenship status, or other eligibility barriers. A bridge program could reduce food insecurity, homelessness, and untreated health conditions by providing immediate support while people navigate longer-term solutions or work toward eligibility for permanent programs.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: The bill is currently referred to the Appropriations Committee, indicating significant cost concerns about funding and budgeting requirements for expanded benefit programs
  • Eligibility criteria: Questions remain about who qualifies, how to prevent overlap with existing programs, and whether standards should vary by benefit type (food vs. housing vs. healthcare)
  • Sustainability and duration: Unclear whether the "bridge" is truly temporary, how long benefits last, and whether it creates permanent new spending obligations or time-limited pilot initiatives

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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