Jennifer Leeper

Monday is Memorial Day, which is always an important opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. However, this year as it is our 250th anniversary as a nation, it feels even more significant to recognize that America has been the world's beacon of freedom precisely because of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ideals of our nation, our democracy, and our freedom.

This weekend is not only about gathering with friends and family but also about making the time to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and the values we hold dear. We also recognize the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day.

As a community, let us come together to remember their service, support one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of courage, service, and patriotism that define our country.

It's been over a week since the legislature gaveled out of session, and it is great to get back to spending more time in our district than in Hartford!

Although we are technically a part-time legislature, please know that I am always available to assist. Never hesitate to call my office at 860-240-8585 or email me here!

If you'd like to learn more about what we passed this session and hear directly from your elected officials, I hope you will join the Fairfield delegation for a post-session legislative breakfast next Thursday, May 21 from 7:30-9:30am at the Fairfield University Dolan School of Business (1073 N. Benson Rd.).

This week, the House concluded its legislative session, wrapping up months of hard work to deliver for the people of Fairfield and Connecticut.

After months of negotiation, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern. In Fairfield, we received a funding increase of $940,799, for a total of $9,563,231.

Today, the legislature passed our state budget, providing billions for our municipalities.

In Fairfield, we welcomed key investments for Fairfield schools in the state budget, supporting school rebuilding efforts, HVAC upgrades, and an Education Equalization Grant increase.

The funding includes:

A 75% state reimbursement grant for the rebuild of Timothy Dwight Elementary School;

Reimbursement eligibility for the Tomlinson Middle School HVAC project; and

$1,253,712 in education funding

These funds will provide students with a long-awaited modernized Dwight Elementary School, necessary air quality improvements, and will deliver funding that better reflects Fairfield’s needs, all while easing the burden on local taxpayers. I was so proud to vote for it!

Connecticut House Democrats are making targeted, meaningful investments in the people who keep our communities strong — from first responders and veterans to nurses, teachers, and blue-collar workers.

We passed legislation backing those who serve by expanding support for police, firefighters, and veterans. That includes state-backed health insurance for families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals, mortgage assistance for first responders, and stronger recruitment and training efforts. We’re also building on successful partnerships between law enforcement and mental health professionals, improving access to jobs and benefits for veterans, and creating new tuition assistance opportunities for those serving here at home.

It was a busy week, as the State House of Representatives was in session Monday-Thursday. We passed a number of bills, and you can read about some of them here.

The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.

Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.

It was great to be back in the House chamber this week with my colleagues. In the coming weeks, the State House and Senate will be meeting much more frequently to give final passage to bills that advanced through committees. Bills that passed through the House and Senate will then be sent to the governor's desk to be signed into law. I will keep you updated on all of the important bills the legislature passes!