| |
| |
My colleagues and I are looking ahead to next year after passing many priority bills in the 2025 legislative session. While I provided a comprehensive summary of our legislative work in last week's newsletter, I want to take an opportunity to tell you about two important Transportation bills we passed. I'll walk you through how these laws will improve safety and make a difference for our community.And speaking of transportation, if you are looking to have someplace to go to this weekend, this Saturday is Connecticut Open House Day, which means you can visit some cool sites for free or a reduced price! Keep scrolling to see where you can take the family for a fun time out (hint: two are right in our own backyard!).Session is out, which means I am around town more if you have any questions or if you’d simply like to get together and talk policy over a cup of coffee! Reach out anytime by email at Savet.Constantine@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Your feedback plays a vital role in identifying the issues we need to address. And if you'd like more immediate insights into what's happening in Hartford and events around the district, please follow my Facebook and Instagram accounts. It's a privilege to represent you.Warmly, Savet ConstantineState Representative
|
|
| Safer Streets & Smarter Infrastructure |
|
|
| I want to recognize the leadership of Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo of Ridgefield, Chair of the Transportation Committee, for championing legislation on the House floor that reflects Connecticut’s strong commitment to safer streets, smarter infrastructure, and more modern, efficient services. Her work is helping to move our state forward with thoughtful, future-ready solutions. |
|
|
The provisions in the legislation include:
- Strengthening DUI and BUI (boating) penalties
- Improving pedestrian safety in new crosswalks
- Updating helmet rules on bikes and motorcycles for young people
- 50% fare discount to seniors, veterans, minors, and the disabled on state-owned buses
- Creating a “yellow envelope” program to improve interactions between the police and people with disabilities
- Increasing state funding to our local transit districts, helping local governments apply for federal grants
The governor still needs to sign these bills into law.
|
|
| Learn About a Wilton Bridge Safety Project |
|
|
| Speaking of safer roads, you're invited to a virtual meeting about replacing the bridge on Sugar Hollow Road over the Norwalk River in Wilton on Wednesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. This event is designed to inform the community about the proposed project near Route 7, gather feedback, and answer any questions. I will attend the meeting also, so if you need a recap afterwards, let me know. |
|
 |
| Bridge on Sugar Hollow Road in Wilton |
|
According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the goal of the project is to reopen the bridge with a new structure that will be able to hold current load standards with improved safety measures. It is currently closed because the bridge cannot handle legal loads. Construction is anticipated to begin spring 2028.
CLICK HERE to learn more. |
|
| Connecticut Open House Day |
|
|
| Connecticut Open House Day will take place on Saturday, June 14 with free or reduced admission and exclusive access to certain sites. The aim is for residents to explore Connecticut’s rich array of cultural, historical, and recreational attractions right in their own backyard. |
|
| Visitors will get in for free at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Ridgefield! You can take a tour of the historic house and learn about centuries of site stories. You can also visit the current exhibitions and activities in the carriage barn in addition to exploring the four-acre grounds and historic walled garden, featuring brick walkways, lush greenery, and beautiful June flowers. |
|
|
You are also invited to visit Ridgefield's Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum for FREE all day and see exhibitions by Nickola Pottinger, Zak Prekop, Julia Bland, and Moko Fukuyama. Guests will also get to enjoy the outdoor exhibition of A Garden of Promise and Dissent in the museum's newly renovated campus and sculpture garden. |
|
|
| Congratulations, Class of 2025 |
|
|
Congratulations to the New Canaan, Ridgefield, and Wilton Classes of 2025! Your hard work, resilience, and determination, especially during these challenging times, have brought you to this amazing moment with loved ones.
Every graduate should know that our community is cheering you on. Whether you're heading to college, entering the workforce, serving your country, or still deciding what's next -- you have made us proud! |
|
This Thursday, June 19, we celebrate Juneteenth and the end of slavery in our country. For many years, this important holiday was primarily celebrated in the South. However, thanks to great advocacy, Juneteenth is now observed throughout the country, including Connecticut. In 2022, the Connecticut General Assembly voted to make Juneteenth a state holiday.
Juneteenth is both a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for justice and a joyful recognition of Black culture, community, and achievement. It marks the moment in 1865 when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom more than two years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation. |
|
This is a moment to come together, not only to honor history, but to celebrate the spirit of unity, hope, and freedom that Juneteenth represents. Everyone is welcome, and I wish you a joyful Juneteenth.
If you have any questions about Juneteenth, its history, and how it has been celebrated around the country, please check out this page from the National Museum of African American History and Culture. |
|
|
|
| |
|
