Connecticut faces unprecedented threats, but we are also witnessing an unprecedented coming together of 11 leading advocacy and service nonprofit organizations united by a single, powerful goal: protecting the people of our state from the damage caused by years of systemic inequities and the current erosion of our democracy.

Protect Connecticut is a coalition dedicated to passing critical legislation this session that will proactively safeguard our residents from the relentless harm of a hostile federal administration.

As a coalition, Protect Connecticut represents the majority of people in Connecticut, including immigrants, families struggling financially, LGBTQ+ communities, survivors of violence, and individuals seeking healthcare —particularly those directly threatened by federal policies. Together, we are urgently calling for meaningful and decisive action in three key areas:

First, protecting immigrants by securing personal information and ensuring Connecticut government does not cooperate with or aid ICE in their war on immigrant communities.

Second, ensuring robust access to healthcare, including reproductive and LGBTQ+ care.

Third, investing deeply in our social safety net policies and services that promote opportunity and economic security for all by guarding against challenges like housing insecurity and food insecurity.

It’s important to note that the three policy priority areas within our collective agenda are not the only issues of import. Many of us seek to advance other areas and policies that are not enumerated here and will continue to do so. However, this agenda focuses on that which is under assault by the federal administration and will have the biggest impact on Connecticut residents and the state’s finances.

If we fail to act, the consequences could be irreparable. The harm to families, healthcare access, and civil rights could become permanent. Connecticut is uniquely positioned to lead —not just because we have the resources, but because our state has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to justice, equity, and community. Despite that deep commitment, we still have many residents in every zip code across the state who are barely getting by and that number will continue to grow due to the impact of dismantling federal agencies and programs.

Protect Connecticut is more than an agenda. It is a roadmap for resilience and safety, a concrete plan to protect the lives and dignity of people in our state. But we cannot succeed alone. We invite you to join our push to pass these essential protections now. Connect with us and help protect Connecticut: instagram.com/protectctnow

The Protect CT Coalition is made up of the following organizations: ACLU of Connecticut, CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence, CT Students for a Dream, CT Voices for Children, Connecticut Alliance to End Sexual Violence, Equality CT, Partnership for Strong Communities, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, Reproductive Equity Now, She Leads Justice and United Way of Connecticut.