March 25th marked how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year – an undeniable reminder of the persistent wage gap and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace. Equal Pay Day highlights the system barriers that continue to disadvantage women, particularly women of color, who face even wider pay disparities.
In Connecticut, we are making significant strides to close this gap through legislation like the Pay Equity and Opportunity Act, which:
strengthens pay transparency
bans employers from asking about salary history
ensures that workers are paid fairly based on skills and expertise
There is still work to do. Pay inequity affects families, communities, and the overall economy. When women are paid fairly, households are stronger, children have better opportunities, and businesses benefit from a more motivated and diverse workforce.
Together, we are working toward a future where equal work means equal pay for everyone. We can build a Connecticut where no one is shortchanged simply because of their gender.
CTDOT Bridge Maintenance
Drivers should expect delays for bridge maintenance on I-95 in both directions in New Haven and many surrounding communities. The highway road work will begin on Monday and continue through Friday, April 25 from New Haven all the way to the New York state line. Crews will ensure that drainage on our bridges on I-95 remain in good shape.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation anticipates that it will shut down the shoulder and some lanes from 8 A.M. – 4 P.M. during the project. Drivers should be aware that the timeline could change based on weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.
As March Madness heats up, here’s a friendly reminder not to get too carried away.
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.
The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues. The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.
The lower barriers to placing bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling have had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling is youth. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.
The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.
Spring Happenings in CT
From exploring the outdoors to waterfront adventures to parks, gardens, museums, and much more. Click the image below to access the 2025 Guide of the Best Things to do in Connecticut this Spring.
If you are ready for an outdoor hiking adventure join the 2025 Sky's The Limit Hiking Challenge. Click the image below for information on how to participate and a list of the hiking locations.
For those of you who love to run click the image below for a list of all of the 5K Runs in Connecticut this Spring.
Support local farms this spring and summer, click the image below to get a list of Farmer's Markets all across the state. It's always fun to incorporate stopping by a Farmer's Market in a day trip.