I hope you each had a wonderful and safe Fourth of July! It was a joy to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence with so many members of our community across New Canaan, Wilton, and Ridgefield.
While a storm unfortunately cut short celebrations and caused power outages for many of our neighbors, it was a tremendous honor to commemorate and reflect on the enduring values of American democracy. The promise of liberty, justice, and opportunity has inspired generations of Americans to build a more perfect Union.
As we celebrate 250 years of our nation's history, may we continue to carry forward those ideals, protect the freedoms we cherish, and work together to build an even stronger future for all.
| Democracy is not only something we celebrate, it is something we continue to build together every day. With that in mind, I want to bring to your attention several new Connecticut laws that took effect on July 1. These new laws strengthen our elections, expand workplace protections, and provide additional support for our first responders, among many other important changes. |
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You'll find more information below, and as always, please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions about this legislation or any other state issue.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Savet Constantine
State Representative |
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| As we commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence this year, we have an opportunity to reflect on the enduring ideals of liberty, celebrate the progress we have made, and recommit ourselves to building an even brighter future for generations to come. |
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| Thank you to everyone who helped make this year’s Independence Day celebrations in Wilton, New Canaan, and Ridgefield so memorable. It was inspiring to see our communities come together to mark this historic milestone with patriotic floats, talented musical performances, moving readings of the Declaration of Independence, and countless neighbors, families, and friends celebrating side by side. |
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| Moments like these remind us that our democracy is strengthened not only by our shared history, but by the connections we build within our communities and our ongoing commitment to the values that unite us. |
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| New Laws Effective July 1 |
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| Several new laws that we passed during the 2026 legislative session will take effect on July 1, bringing important changes for Connecticut residents. These measures reflect our ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible, support those who serve our communities, and strengthen protections for Connecticut workers. |
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Among them is Public Act 26-42, which expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances.
Another new law, Public Act 26-12, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die in the line of duty. |
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| Public Act 26-1 provides stronger workplace protections for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet. |
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| Strong communities are built when neighbors come together to listen, learn, and engage with one another. It was wonderful to see such a great turnout at Craft 14 Kitchen + Bar in Wilton for an evening of thoughtful conversation about the issues affecting our communities and the work taking place at the State Capitol. |
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| The questions, ideas, and feedback shared throughout the evening help inform my work as your state representative and reinforce the value of staying connected beyond the legislative session. I look forward to hosting more opportunities like this throughout the year so we can continue these conversations and strengthen our community together. |
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| Funding to Improve Ridgefield Sidewalks |
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Together with Representative Aimee Berger-Giravlo and the Ridgefield Delegation, I welcome $409,000 in state funding for the Danbury Road Sidewalk Extension project in Ridgefield, an important investment that will improve safety, expand pedestrian and bicycle access, and create a more connected and welcoming corridor for everyone who travels through Ridgefield.
The grants is part of a nearly $11 million statewide effort from the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, which supports local projects to improve transportation infrastructure.
I look forward to seeing this project move forward and to the lasting benefits it will bring by making Danbury Road safer, more accessible, and more inviting for everyone. |
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