A Blessed Yom Kippur, New Laws Kick in Today, Government Shutdown & CT Schools

October 1, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

October 1st is already here, and that means we have some new laws that go into effect today. One that I am proud to have written and worked on is requiring bicycle helmets for children up to age 18. As I speak with avid cyclists, they always talk about the difference a helmet has made for them when they have had an unfortunate accident. More below on other laws kicking in today.
 
October is a busy "awareness" month—Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Disability Employment Awareness Month. You'll hear more about all of these as we work our way through the rest of the month.
 
Did you know that Connecticut now has a Pizza Trail? I've included the Pizza Trail map for you below, and it's exciting to see that Avon has two spots on the map. Lucky us, we now have many new places to try around the state.

The federal government shutdown is probably on your mind as it is mine. While we will all be figuring out who and what it affects the most in the coming days, I’ve included some information on how it may impact K-12 schools. I’ll share more information if and when it becomes available.

 Finally, I wish all who celebrate a peaceful Yom Kippur holiday.
 
Have a great week,

Eleni

A Blessed Yom Kippur

Wishing all those observing Yom Kippur a meaningful and reflective day of atonement and peace. G’mar Chatimah Tovah.
 

Reminder: New Laws Kick in Today

Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session took effect today. Click on the image below to see them. 
 

Federal Shutdown: 

What it Means for CT's Students & 

Schools

The U.S. government is officially shut down.

To help break down the impacts of the shutdown and provide some clarity during a time of uncertainty, please click on the image below for an overview of how the federal government shutdown affects students and schools in Connecticut.
 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month...

This is the time each year we bring awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by the disease in one way or another. Throughout the month, we stress the importance of mammograms as the best way to screen for breast cancer, which is the second most common cancer among women. 

One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year.

There is hope. Awareness is the key. Click on the image below for more details.
 

...Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Also during this month, victim advocates, survivors of abuse, their loved ones, communities, and more come together to mourn the lives lost to domestic violence and acknowledge the progress made in curbing this epidemic, and connecting with others working for change. Please click on the image below for more information.. 
 

Understanding Hate Crimes in Connecticut 

Hate crimes have been rising in Connecticut since 2021.

The Hate Crimes Investigative Unit of the CT State Police has created a resource with tips on recognizing, reporting, and preventing hate crimes. 

The unit's goal is to ensure every community is equipped with the necessary resources to foster a safe and inclusive environment for all residents. The flyers below feature a detailed breakdown of how to identify hate crimes, the steps to take if you or someone you know is a victim, and the support services available.

Please visit the Hate Crimes Advisory Council website for more information.
 
Click Here: State of Connecticut Hate Crime Laws 
 

Executive Action Ensures COVID-19 Vaccine Access

 

Governor Lamont has issued executive orders to ensure that Connecticut residents have access to COVID-19 vaccines during the upcoming respiratory virus season.
 
For decades, vaccines have been proven to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death, and patients and their doctors should be able to decide what is the best course of treatment.

  • The Department of Public Health recommends COVID-19 vaccines for everyone 6 months and older
  • Pharmacists and providers can keep giving vaccines under the latest CDC guidance
  • State law requires most insurance plans to continue covering COVID-19 vaccines

 These steps make sure Connecticut residents can stay protected. Please click HERE for more details.
 
 

Town Aid Road Funding

Connecticut’s Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program is growing, with state support rising from $60 million under the previous state budget to $80 million in the current budget.

This funding boost represents a 33% year-over-year increase that will directly support cities and towns in covering the costs of local road paving, maintenance, and safety operations.

It is the program’s largest investment in more than a decade, and helps towns repair roads faster, improve safety, and respond better to severe weather.

I'm excited to see this significant increase in funding, and as a supporter of this year's budget, I'm proud of this increase.

For more information on the Town Aid Road program or to use the interactive map, click HERE.
 

Scam Alert from the Department of Revenue Services

The Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is alerting taxpayers to a new scam where scammers are impersonating the DRS by sending fraudulent text messages.

The texts fraudulently claim that you are owed a tax refund from the DRS and require you to provide banking and other information to receive the refund.

The DRS will NEVER send taxpayers a text message or seek to obtain information from taxpayers via text. Anyone who has information regarding a tax-related scam is urged to contact DRS by completing a referral form on the agency’s website.

Taxpayers with questions are encouraged to reach out to DRS by telephone at 860-297-5962, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. or by email at DRS@ct.gov.
 

Little City Pizza in Avon Among Best in CT

Connecticut's Pizza Trail has been launched and is celebrating 100 pizzerias across the state. You can read more by clicking on the image below. I'm proud to share that Little City Pizza in Avon is ranked among the top 10 in CT!
 

Reminder: Canton Dog Park 5th Anniversary Celebration

The Friends of Canton Dog Park will be celebrating the park's fifth anniversary on Sunday, October 26th, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This Dog Fair will include games, contests, auctions, prizes, food, dog adoptions, and much more.

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

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