Legislative Update 8/7

August 7, 2025




 

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Greetings Community!

We've had some comfortable weather conditions the past few days, and this weekend looks great, too. Let's get out and enjoy all West Haven has to offer.

Beginning Sunday, prepare for 90-degree temperatures to return for several days. 

You may have heard $2.4 million is coming to West Haven for the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project around Washington and Savin Rock schools. If you haven't heard, please see the details below.

The Women's Business Development Council has a couple of grant opportunities available this month. I've included them below. American Job Centers will be at the West Haven Public Library throughout August. If you're looking for employment opportunities, it may be worth the trip.

As always, if I can be of any help, please don't hesitate to contact my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me directly.

Sincerely,


Treneé McGee

 
Around the 116th

The Imani Community Garden

Negron Home Daycare children are enjoying the day while Ms. Negron takes care of the plants. For them, this is something new and exciting. For us, it's teaching them how to use the tools God gives us.
 

The development of an 80,000-square-foot facility to house the Pompea College of Business on campus in West Haven was kicked off by a transformational donation from alumnus and successful business executive Dennis Martin ‘81, ‘05 Hon.

Reflecting the University’s commitment to maximizing students’ return on investment, the 80,000-square-foot facility will prominently feature suites dedicated to career development, mentorship, recruiting, and advising.

“This is one of the most important signals we can give to our students and their families. By creating a hub for supporting initiatives that put the focus, from day one, on building career pathways, we are re-envisioning and re-imagining business education and how students are prepared for the workforce of the future.” –Brian Kench, Dean of the Pompea College of Business
 
$2.4M for Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project

I want to thank Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving funding for the Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project near Washington and Savin Rock Schools, where street paving within a one- to two-mile radius of both schools will take place.

The project also includes ADA improvements and crosswalk upgrades, including eight multiway crosswalks at Savin Rock and six at Washington. Aesthetic enhancements will be made, including the planting of trees and painted crosswalks near drop-off areas.

I believe any project intended to create a safer environment, especially around our schools, should move forward as quickly as possible. The Neighborhood Pedestrian Safety Project is a win for the students, Washington and Savin Rock Schools, and residents in the areas surrounding both schools.

This work is expected to begin later this Fall.
 
WBDC Business Grants Available

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) has announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses.

The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. Since this program was launched in 2020, nearly $8.4 million has been awarded to child care businesses in every corner of Connecticut.

The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. 

Since the start of the program, 424 grants of over $3.9 million have been awarded to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. 

The application period for this grant runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.  Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.
 
American Job Center at WHPL Throughout August

The West Haven Public Library invites you to drop by and talk with representatives from the American Job Center to learn about the resources, services, and how they can help those seeking employment. 

You don't need to register. Come anytime between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. on August 11 or August 28 to speak to a representative.
 
Helping to Alleviate Electric Bill Costs to Customers 

Before the session ended, the House and Senate passed SB 4, an omnibus energy affordability bill, now Public Act 25-173.

The legislation was a collaborative effort with Governor Lamont, Democratic and Republican lawmakers, containing a number of actions to reduce electric bills. The legislation called for bond funding to help alleviate costs to customers.

Last Friday, the State Bond Commission took the final steps necessary to give residents some relief on their energy bills by approving $155 million in state bond funding to offset certain public benefits charges on electric bills, delivering consumers some relief on these costs.

The bond commission released:

  • $125 million to be used to reduce the costs associated with hardship protection programs for low-income customers who are having difficulties paying for their electric bills
  • $30 million to be used to reduce the costs associated with the electric vehicle charging program that funds the infrastructure to integrate electric vehicles and related technologies into the electric grid.

The average customer savings are still being calculated; however, it is anticipated that customers will see a reduction of approximately $10 per month in the public benefits portion of their bills, depending on the utility, customer type, and usage. The reductions will likely take effect around September 2025 and continue into 2026.

Another round of state bond funding is expected to be released in 2026, which will enable a second round of reductions in public benefits charges to take effect after this initial round expires, enabling these savings to continue into 2027.

These savings come in addition to the 25% reduction in public benefits charges that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved in the May 2025 rate adjustment mechanism, as well as the 13% reduction in supply rates for Eversource customers and 14% reduction in supply rates for United Illuminating customers that went into effect on July 1.
 
Mobile Shower Opportunity on Monday

The free mobile shower program brings comfort, dignity, and a fresh start to those who need it the most. The next mobile opportunity is on Monday. Please see the flyer below for more details.
 
 
Baby Bonds Turns 2!

More than 33,000 babies have been enrolled in CT’s first-in-the-nation Baby Bond program, launched in July of 2023.

To narrow the generational wealth gap, children from low-income families will be eligible to use the funds, which should grow to tens of thousands of dollars, to buy a home, pay for higher education or job training, start a CT business, or contribute to a retirement account when they’re between 18 and 30. For more details, please click HERE.
 
Wallethub: CT Public Schools Best in the U.S.

I approve the message below as a proud teacher and member of the Connecticut General Assembly's Education Committee!
 
Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program 

Attention Future Educators in Connecticut! 

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open for applications!

This scholarship supports students who:

  • Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
  • Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
  • Are in good academic standing
  • Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements

Of Note:

 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:
 High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
 Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program

Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!

 Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. To learn more, click HERE.
 
Bookbags & BBQ @ Carrigan School on August 23rd
 
Don't Miss Out: Westies on Wheels

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