|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
It's been busy at the Capitol as committee meetings and public hearings continue to take place. My colleagues and I have been back in session where we voted on $40 million in Special Education Funding, grants for nonprofits, the 2025-2030 Conservation and Development Plan and on Judicial and Executive nominations.
As our legislative session continues and we continue to have conversations about which bills will be passed, I want to hear from community members like you. This Wednesday, March 12th, join me and State Senator Jeff Gordon for a Legislative Update from 6:00 – 7:30 P.M. at the Hampton Town Hall. We are looking forward to connecting with community members and discussing priorities for this legislative session. We encourage all members of the community to attend!
|
|
Last week, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.
These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.
My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets. Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions for our special education system, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.
Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.
Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve. |
|
| The Hartford Courant recently wrote a profile about the Quiet Corner's very own Elise Bouthiller. She serves as a 15-year veteran officer with the Connecticut Environmental Conservation Police and is a major asset for the agency and in our community. |
|
| It was a pleasure to be invited to participate in the extended hours ribbon cutting at The Arc Eastern Connecticut’s “Emporium” in Woodstock. I joined Woodstock First Selectman Chandler Paquette, Selectman Chris Mayhew, bankHometown Manager George Dimopoulos, Putnam Selectman Scott Pempek along with Arc Staff & Volunteers to mark the occasion. |
|
| On February 7th, I was honored to host Scouts from across the State of Connecticut at the State Capitol in Hartford to receive the Scouting America Report to the State. Scouts were invited to celebrated some major accomplishments including the 5-year anniversary of young women becoming Scouts, with many now moving up to Eagle Scouts, and the 115-year anniversary of the organization being founded. During the Report to the State we heard from Governor Ned Lamont, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, and from a few scouts about their experience in Scouting America. It was a privilege to stand with the incredible scouts and leaders from across our state and I look forward to continuing to celebrate their hard work and dedication in our communities. |
|
| The members of the Muddy Brook Fire Department (Woodstock) would like to thank Spectrum for their generous donations to our department. This donation will support the purchase of Personal Protective Equipment for the Muddy Brook volunteer firefighters, helping to ensure the safety of the Woodstock community. "As a representative of the Woodstock community, I am deeply appreciative of Spectrum's generous donation to the Muddy Brook Fire Department," said State Representative Patrick Boyd. Thank you, Spectrum, for your unwavering commitment to making a positive impact in our town.” |
|
| Last week I had the opportunity of meeting with the Friends of Goodwin Forest & Connecticut Forest & Park Association at the State House! I want to thank them for all the work they do for our part of the state and for the incredible job of maintaining the many forest and parks we are lucky to have in the Quiet Corner. |
|
With tremendous sadness, I share the news of the passing of my Friend and political Mentor, Rep. Danny Rovero. Danny took me under his wing when I was a political newcomer, offering his advice and guidance. He led by example. Before my election, I had only once set foot in the State Capitol. On my first day, we drove together, and he showed me how to build relationships on both sides of the aisle and how to advocate for Northeastern Connecticut. Most importantly, he taught me how to compromise by not giving in your principles. The term we served together was not easy due to the budget crisis that stretched till Halloween, but Danny demonstrated professionalism and thoughtfulness during the ordeal. After he retired, we would talk regularly; he would offer advice and ask me to say hello to old friends. He was a class act.
The best piece of advice he ever gave me was the saying that “No one in this building has or will ever vote for you, do what you think is best for your constituents back home who sent you here.”
I am a better person and leader for having known you. Thank you, Danny, for showing this kid how to be an honorable public servant. |
|
As your voice in Hartford, I need to hear from you to make informed decisions. I regularly post updates on my social media channels (you can like my Facebook page here) and encourage you to follow them to stay updated. Additionally, you can always email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585 if you have any questions or to share your opinions.
Take Care,
Pat Boyd |
|
|
|
|
|
|
