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I was proud to join Hamden Town leaders on Wednesday to announce the passage and allocation of over $169,000 in funding to Hamden Public School PTAs for Participatory Budgeting (PB). This student-centered initiative aims to increase youth involvement in school-based decision-making by allowing students to directly participate in budgeting decisions for their schools. This process fosters financial literacy, civic engagement, and project management skills.
The Town of Hamden is taking a leadership role in this effort, with the goal of making Hamden a statewide model for student-led democratic engagement in public schools.
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| Also on Wednesday, I was proud to support Connecticut For All as they called for a special legislative session. They’re advocating for the state to use surplus funds to cover losses from federal budget cuts, rather than being diverted to the state's pension funds. This approach prioritizes the immediate needs of our communities, ensuring that essential services remain protected during times of uncertainty. |
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| New Laws Effective October 1 |
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With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session and take effect today, October 1. Below is a brief overview of some of these important changes!
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There is good news for drivers, a new law is changing how towing works in our state, making it harder for cars to be towed from private property and easier for people to get their cars back if they are towed. Right now, state law lets towing companies start the process of selling a towed car worth $1,500 or less just 15 days after the tow, which is one of the shortest timelines in the country. That means if you don’t act fast, your car could be gone for good. The new law doesn’t change that 15-day starting point, but it adds more steps before a car can actually be sold. Now, tow companies have to make a real effort to contact the car’s owner and can’t finalize the sale until 30 days after the tow.
We’ve updated our motorcycle and e-bike laws to reflect our continued efforts to promote public safety and adapt to emerging technologies on our roads. A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters and skateboards.
New regulations are also being introduced for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
Follow the link below for the complete list and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
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The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting everyone of a new scam where criminals impersonate the DRS with fraudulent text messages. They claim that you are owed a tax refund and must provide banking and other information to receive the money.
The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text. If you have information on a tax-related scam, contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.
Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.
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| Your Guide to Peak Fall Foliage |
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Now that fall has arrived, Connecticut is about to glow with autumn color! Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of it:
- Litchfield Hills / Northwest CT: tends to peak earlier, so early October is ideal there
- Hartford & Central CT: mid‑October is often prime
- Connecticut River Valley: the color can linger a bit, making it great in mid‑to‑late October
- Coastal & Shoreline areas: later in October, sometimes up until Halloween
Click here for the full CT Fall Foliage Report so you know peak viewing times in each area of the state.
The CT Tourism Office has some great ideas on how to enjoy the season, click here for CT's Fall Foliage Road Trip Guide and links to hiking trails and click here for seven different CT Fall Foliage Drive Loops around the state and the peak times to take them.
Don’t miss your chance to soak in the season’s beauty!
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Join the Movement Community, a free eight-week, in-person group experience for people who are living with a life-disrupting loss. The group gathers on Sundays through November 23 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Sleeping Giant State Park.
It combines movement—like walking, hiking, or biking—with intentional grief support, held in community with others who get it. A trained E-Motion Facilitator leads each group of 15–20 grievers.
Each week, the group gathers in a Sacred Circle to connect, reflect, and then move together toward a shared distance goal—like walking or running a 10K. Between gatherings, participants receive a grief-informed email with a weekly grief concept to consider and move with, along with a simple, supportive movement practice to integrate into your week.
Click here for more information and to register.
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Come together for Walk With Us to Prevent Suicide on Sunday, October 5 at Town Center Park in Hamden. Join our community to raise awareness, support those affected by suicide, and help fund prevention efforts. Your steps make a difference.
Check in time is 9:00 A.M. and the walk begins at 10:30 A.M.
Click here for more information and to register.
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