Andre Baker Jr

Nominations for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame

Connecticut residents are encouraged to recognize veterans who continue to make lasting contributions in their communities by nominating them for the 2025 Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. This honor celebrates veterans who, after their military service, have shown exceptional leadership and community service. 

Nominations for the Class of 2025 are now open and must be submitted by September 25th, 2025. To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or resided in the state for a minimum of five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces. The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level, and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.

To download the nomination package, visit: portal.ct.gov/dva/pages/ct-veterans-hall-of-fame.

Completed nomination packages must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15th, 2025. They should be delivered either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to:

Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067

Detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria can be found within the nomination package. 

Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund
 

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

• $300M initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
• Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
• $36M in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
• 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
• Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
• Facility improvements funded for providers
• Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

• By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
• Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
• More spaces and programs through a competitive process
• Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children
• This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners

Hate Crimes Investigative Unit Tips

The Hate Crimes Investigative Unit of the CT State Police has created a flyer with tips on recognizing, reporting, and preventing hate crimes. 

The unit's goal is to ensure that every community is equipped with the necessary resources to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all residents. The flyer features a detailed breakdown on how to identify hate crimes, the steps to take if you or someone you know is a victim, and the support services available.
 
Please visit the Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for more information.