Geraldo Reyes Jr

Students across Waterbury Public Schools returned to the classroom on Monday for the start of a truly exciting year. Commissioner for the Connecticut State Department of Education, Charlene Russell-Tucker, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and I were thrilled to welcome children at Chase Elementary School.

Our trains on the New Haven Line are getting some major upgrades because the Connecticut Department of Transportation is buying 60 new, fully customized rail cars.

The state is providing more than $4.5 million in summer mental health grants for schools and camps around the state over a three-year period. Waterbury will receive more than $350,000 in aid.

I am pleased to announce the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) delivered a one-time, back-to-school cash benefit to 7,500 children across the state. Eligible children received a $55 cash benefit.

Thousands of children in Waterbury and across the state are getting a much-needed boost before the start of the new school year. Kids under the age of 6 who have received SNAP benefits may receive a one-time additional benefit of $172.72.

It’s that time again where we start winding down the summer and begin back-to-school preparations. I want to share news and events that will ease the transition for the upcoming school year and tell you about mental health support coming to our students.

The state is celebrating the opening of four children’s urgent crisis centers including the Wellmore Behavioral Health in Waterbury. The facility will eventually offer 24/7 mental health care for children and teenagers who are in need.

There is a new direct flight connecting Southern Connecticut to Puerto Rico in an affordable and convenient way! Avelo Airlines announced it is offering nonstop service from Tweed-New Haven Airport to San Juan starting on November 15.