Screens in Schools & Our Responsible Budget Makes the Grade

August 5, 2026

Connecticut has closed the books with an eighth consecutive budget surplus, an important sign that our state remains on solid financial ground. That financial strength matters now more than ever as we face enormous federal funding cuts and work to protect the services Connecticut families rely on.

Did you know that 35,000 Connecticut residents, including nearly 18,900 children, just lost access to SNAP benefits? This comes at a time when we have worked so diligently to expand access to free school meals. We're taking more action: Governor Lamont just announced the state is distributing a one-time grocery benefit in the amount of $300. We know that hungry children cannot learn, and we must continue finding ways to ensure every student arrives at school ready to succeed. I hope you’ll join me in making sure our next state budget addresses this vital need.

Of course, having children ready to learn is about more than making sure they are not hungry. It also means examining what may be helping or hindering them in the classroom. 

Are screens helping our kids learn, or are they getting in the way? I’ve heard from so many parents who are concerned about how much digital access children have during the school day and what it may mean for their learning, focus and development. Want to learn more? Join the webinar featuring State Representative Jennifer Leeper, Chair of the Education Committee; State Senator James Maroney, a leading voice on AI policy; State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo of Ridgefield; and cognitive neuroscientist and author of The Digital Divide, Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath. They will discuss the research, the risks and the steps we can take to reduce unnecessary screen use in the classroom.

Closer to home, there is another great way to support healthy families and our local economy. It’s Farmers’ Market Week! What better way to celebrate than by supporting our local farmers and small businesses? Read on to find out where and when you can shop for fresh, healthy, and locally grown food in your community.

As always, I want to hear from you. Please reply to this email if there is anything top of mind that you would like to know more about. I always appreciate hearing from you. 

Savet Constantine 
State Representative

P.S. In case you’ve been away and missed the news, our Fourth of July fireworks may have been rained out, but the celebration is back on! Wilton will hold a special fireworks show on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend in honor of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Mark your calendars and come join in on the celebration!
 

Responsible Budgeting Delivers
Another Budget Surplus

Connecticut has ended the fiscal year with a budget surplus for the eighth consecutive year, demonstrating that responsible budgeting and adherence to our state's fiscal guardrails continue to deliver results.

According to State Comptroller Sean Scanlon, Connecticut closed the fiscal year with a $411.7 million General Fund surplus and a $22.7 million Special Transportation Fund surplus.

This strong fiscal position allows Connecticut to continue making smart investments while protecting taxpayers. Under state law, surplus funds will also help strengthen Connecticut's Early Childhood Endowment, creating a long-term funding source to expand access to affordable, high-quality early childhood education and support working families.

By making responsible financial decisions today, we're ensuring Connecticut remains well-positioned to invest in priorities like education, transportation, public safety, and other essential services while planning for the future.
Read the latest state economic update
 

August Primary Reminder

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.

The primary will be preceded by seven days of early voting, from now through August 9. Please look at the graphic below for voting hours during that time frame.

The nearest early voting locations include:

  • Wilton High School Clune Center, 395 Danbury Road 
  • New Canaan Town Hall, Conference Room B, First Floor, 77 Main Street 
  • Ridgefield Town Hall, Large Conference Room, 400 Main Street

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Voters who wish to participate in a different party's primary must first update their party affiliation. Under Connecticut law, voters who change their party affiliation must wait three months before they are eligible to vote in their new party's primary.

For additional election information and resources, click here to visit the Secretary of the State's election webpage.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.

Connecticut has a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on the day before the primary (August 10), provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.
Click here to update your party affiliation
 

Impact of Screens on Learning

Are screens helping our kids learn, or are they getting in the way? I’ve heard from so many parents who are concerned about how much digital access children have during the school day and what it may mean for their learning, focus, and development.

If you’ve been wondering about what is the right amount of technology in learning, check out a webinar to hear the discussion with State Representative Jennifer Leeper, Chair of Education, State Senator James Maroney, a leading voice on AI policy, State Representative Aimee Berger-Girvalo, and cognitive neuroscientist and author Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath about the research, the risks, and the steps Connecticut is taking to get screens out of the classroom.

Join the conversation on Wednesday, August 12 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Click here to register

Want to learn more about the debate on the benefits of analog vs digital learning? Check out State Rep. Jen Leeper’s interview on August 4 on the Lisa Wexler Show.
Listen to the conversation
 

Farmers' Market Week

It's Connecticut Farmers' Market Week, a great time to celebrate the farmers, vendors, and volunteers who make our local farmers' markets such an important part of our communities.

Farmers' markets do more than provide fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other products. They strengthen our local economy, support family farms, improve access to healthy food, and create welcoming gathering places where neighbors can connect.

The Connecticut Farmers' Market Association plays a vital role in supporting these markets through education, advocacy, and resources that help them thrive.

If you're looking to shop local, here are three great farmers' markets in our area:

  • Wilton Farmers' Market
    Old Ridgefield Road
    Wednesdays, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • New Canaan Farmers' Market
    244 Elm Street
    Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
  • Ridgefield Farmers' Market
    207 Main Street
    Saturdays, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The New Canaan Farmers' Market accepts food assistance benefits, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) and the Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (FMNP), helping ensure that fresh, nutritious food is accessible to more Connecticut families.
Click here for a full list of farmers' markets
 

Bridge Replacement Funding

I am grateful the state awarded $1.1 million in funds to replace a bridge over Lakeview Avenue in New Canaan. This investment will improve safety, reliability, and mobility for everyone who travels through our community.

The funding is part of the Connecticut Department of Transportation's Local Bridge Program, which is providing nearly $17 million to help reconstruct or rehabilitate 13 locally owned bridges across the state. These investments help municipalities maintain critical infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.