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I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in immediate relief to cover special education costs for school districts across the state. Mansfield Public Schools and Regional School District 19 will receive nearly $100,000 as part of this funding, which will help students receive the specialized support they need.
I am pleased the governor's office and Democratic leaders in the General Assembly came to an agreement that delivers critical municipal funding to our schools. |
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My colleagues and I heard loud and clear from communities across Connecticut -- the rising cost of special education is placing an enormous strain on local budgets, and school districts need relief now.
We remain steadfast in looking for long-term solutions to reduce costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system. |
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Affordable nd accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.
This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending. |
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| Nearly 75% of Connecticut's 181,000 children under the age of five receive care outside the home while their parents work. By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare — it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state. |
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| Champions for Education Day |
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Tuesday was Champions for Public Education Day of Action, a national movement highlighting the urgent need to safeguard public schools and to address critical education funding on the state and federal levels.
The Day of Action is part of a broader nationwide initiative drawing attention to the damaging consequences of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and slashing federal education funding, decisions that would negatively impact millions of students nationwide and could cost the state over $321 million in federal education funding.
Priorities include increasing special education funding, ensuring competitive salaries for teachers, addressing the teacher shortage crisis, and putting real resources where the needs are so that our public education system delivers for all of our students. |
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| March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary contributions women have made to our society. Throughout our history, women have shaped our nation through their leadership, innovation, and resilience -- often overcoming immense barriers to create a more just and equitable world. This month, we recognize trailblazers in every field, from science and politics to education and the arts, while also uplifting the countless women in our communities who work tirelessly to make a difference every day. |
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| As we celebrate, it is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for gender equality. Women continue to face disparities in wages, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. It is our responsibility to not only acknowledge these challenges but to actively work toward solutions that empower and support women in all aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity, reproductive freedom, and workplace equity, we ensure that future generations of women can thrive. |
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| Strategy Plan Presentation |
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The town of Mansfield, with its consultant FHI Studio (now IMEG), will present the Northwest Mansfield Vision and Strategy Plan to the Town Council and Planning and Zoning Commission on Wednesday, March 12, at 6:30 p.m. at 4 S. Eagleville Road.
The plan can be downloaded here.
The meeting includes an opportunity for public comment. Written comments on the draft plan will be accepted through the end of April 2025. If you would like to attend virtually or provide feedback in advance of the meeting, please click here.
This initiative, launched in 2023 ahead of the 2025 Mansfield Tomorrow Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD) update, is a community-driven effort to create a vision and strategy specifically for Northwest Mansfield. While many of the plan’s recommendations may apply town-wide, the focus on this area was driven by key factors, including the following:
- The pace of development
- The closure of Goodwin Elementary School
- The area’s unique characteristics, such as:
- Access to public water, sewer, sidewalks, and public transit
- Diverse housing options for families, seniors, and students
- A network of sidewalks, trails, and open spaces
More information about the planning process is available at https://mansfieldtomorrow.org/nw-neighborhood-plan/.
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| The Mansfield Senior Center, 303 Maple Road, will celebrate March 14 (3/14) with a Pi-Day café. Stop by for "Pi"-themed goodies from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. |
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| Resources for Fired Federal Workers |
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If you are a Connecticut resident who have been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this … Connecticut has your back.
The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.
The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services designed to assist you during this time.
Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
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As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Gregg Haddad
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