Cristin McCarthy Vahey

The Fairfield House delegation is pleased to convene a panelists of local, regional, and state planning experts to discuss the recently passed HB 8002 - An Act Concerning Housing Growth. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 7-8:30pm at the BOE Conference Room (501 Kings Hwy E., Fairfield). You can join us either in person or online. I hope to see you there!

As we approach the Martin Luther King Day weekend, I am reminded of an MLK quote on a poster hanging in my office, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

In these days following the death of Renee Good in Minnesota, and the protests happening here at home, in Hartford, and throughout the country, I am struck by how these words challenge us to draw upon our better angels.

Light and love can be hard to choose in the face of violence, aggression, and uncertainty, and when we strongly disagree with one another's perspective. The truth remains that we are all neighbors living together with one another. May we choose light and love as we stand strong for the values we believe in.

As we end 2025 and begin the New Year, I wish health, safety, and joy for you and your families. The end of the year is a time for reflection on our personal and communal triumphs and tragedies, a time for assessment, and a time for resolutions.

As the holiday season approaches and we gather with family and friends, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding us that it is not too late to get your Flu Shot and updated COVID vaccine, both of which are recommended for all those who are 6 months and older. Adults over age 60 and pregnant women can also get an RSV vaccine.

Like my family, many people will travel in order to spend time together this Thanksgiving. Whether you are nestled at home, out on the road, or still searching for a place where you belong, I hope this Thanksgiving is an opportunity to experience and share gratitude. I am grateful for all of you, those who challenge me and those who support the work I do on your behalf. Thank you for caring, for engaging, and for working collectively to build community.

The legislature voted to address the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and to appropriate funds to offset reductions in federal programs that directly affect Connecticut residents.

House Bill 8003 represents the state’s $500 million response to recent federal funding cutbacks.

There has been a lot of activity this week in both state and local government. At the federal level, we saw Governor Lamont agree to fund SNAP benefits, with federal payments restored when the federal shutdown ended yesterday. This is welcome relief for families relying on these benefits.

With Election Day behind us and Veterans’ Day approaching, I would like to thank all who choose to serve our community as elected leaders, volunteers, and members of the military. Congratulations to all candidates on the ballot. Whether you achieved an electoral victory or not, I applaud your willingness to step up and serve. And thank you to our Veterans for helping to provide the framework of freedom that gives us access to the ballot box, or new tabulator machines as the case may be.