Meet Me on Monday & Apply For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants

February 6, 2025


The governor unveiled his priorities in his state budget proposal before a packed house chamber on Wednesday. You can listen to the entire speech below.
 
You're invited to meet me in person as I hold a legislative conversation with Senator Ceci Maher and listen to your important questions. Please read below to find out when and where that free event will take place.
 
The Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who were killed in the line of duty. Read on for a closer look at how this law will make a big difference.
 
Calling all women-owned and child care businesses in Connecticut! You can apply now for grants to help your respective companies. Keep scrolling to learn if your business is eligible for up to $25,000 in funds!
 
Here are the sections in today's email:
 
  • Governor's State Budget Address
  • Meet Me at New Canaan Library
  • Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
  • Apply Now For Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
 
Governor's State Budget Address
Governor Ned Lamont unveiled his budget proposal in the house chamber on Wednesday where he focused on Connecticut values, affordability for all, and other issues including:
 
  • Aggressively paying down our pension debt
  • Increased funding for Special Education Cost Sharing Program
  • Universal breakfast for all school children
  • Significant proposed investment in early childhood education
Click on the video below to listen to the entire address.
Governor Ned Lamont's budget proposal
focused on increasing affordability and opportunity.
 
Meet Me at New Canaan Library
You’re invited to join me and other members of the New Canaan Delegation next week for a conversation about our legislative priorities. Representative Lucy Dathan, Senator Ceci Maher, Senator Ryan Fazio, Representative Tom O’Dea, and I will listen to your concerns and answer questions.
 
This free event will take place on Monday, February 10 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. in the Kend Kitchen + Community Room at New Canaan Library.
Click here to register
 
Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
My colleagues and I gathered in the house chamber last week to vote in favor of legislation to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. 
This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024. 

Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.

Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers. 
 
Apply Now For Women-Owned
and Child Care Business Grants
Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. 

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:

  • Be in operation for at least two years
  • Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!