Mary Fortier

The 2025 Legislative Session has begun and my colleagues and I have gotten to work on our committees. As session continues, I am eager to share the work we are doing and ways you can be involved.

This Wednesday, I was honored to be sworn in for another term as your state representative. I am always grateful for the opportunity to serve Bristol's 79th district.

A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect Wednesday, January 1.

From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special.

Starting January 1, Connecticut college students will be able to benefit from a bill we passed to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to honor and support the caregivers who give so much to our families and communities.

Great news for low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut! This week, the State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.

Great news for families across Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early childcare and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.