Ned Lamont and legislative leaders pledged Thursday to maintain an emergency state fund to shield human services programs facing deep cuts from Washington. But once lawmakers reconvene on Feb. 4, they should decide which programs facing cutbacks get funding from the reserve, he said. “I understand the importance of offsetting federal cuts to vital services impacting vulnerable populations,” added Senate Minority Leader Stephen Harding, R-Brookfield. Looney’s home city was one of three urban districts, along with Hartford and Waterbury, that recently lost federal Full Service Community School Grants. $2 million to support community health workers who help residents understand federal changes to Medicaid and nutrition assistance programs.