Patricia Dillon

This Wednesday is the Opening Day for the 2025 legislative session. My colleagues and I will officially be sworn in and we will begin our legislative work. I look forward to another successful and productive session.

A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect Wednesday, January 1.

From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.

Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions during the next several days, so Governor Lamont has activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol starting at 12 p.m. on Saturday, December 21, and effective through 12 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24.

Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

There are two upcoming holiday celebrations in our community! There will be a Christmas Tree Lighting tomorrow, December 7 at 5:30 PM, and a Menorah Lighting on Sunday, December 29 at 4:15 PM.

I want to wish you, your family, and your friends a Happy Thanksgiving! May the day be filled with warmth, great memories, and moments of gratitude surrounded by loved ones.

November is National Family Caregivers Month - a time to honor and support the caregivers who give so much to our families and communities. I'm sharing local resources to help lighten the load, from mental health support to financial assistance programs.