Legislative & Local Updates - July 3

July 3, 2025


 


As we approach the Fourth of July weekend, I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this important holiday. Independence Day is not just about fireworks and cookouts – it's about honoring the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations of Americans who have fought to protect them.
 
It's also a time to come together with our neighbors and celebrate what unites us. In a world that often feels divided, our shared values and sense of community matter more than ever.
 
I wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July. May it be filled with joy, reflection, and connection.

On June 4, the 2025 legislative session concluded. For the past six months, we have been working tirelessly to ensure that we are steering Connecticut in the right direction, turning bills into laws that will build a stronger community for all in our state. Through this session, we passed legislation to help lower energy costs, protect workers, support our state's firefighters, fund special education, improve public safety, and so much more.  We also passed a state budget (the biennium budgets are done in the long, odd-year sessions).

The Town of Ellington recently lost a giant in the community - Leo Miller. He and his wife, former First Selectman Mary Miller, were the epitome of public servants and cornerstones in town. My condolences go out to the Miller Family, including Leo's daughter Erin and son Mike. You can find more information below, including a way to honor both Leo and Mary through the Ellington Community Scholarship Association (ECSA).

I want to congratulate the Class of 2025 as they graduate from our local high schools! The future is yours, and the opportunities are endless. Best wishes, and don't forget where you came from!

I hope you have a great Fourth of July weekend!

Jaime

In this newsletter, you'll find:

  • Remembering Leo Miller
  • In the News
  • Updates on the CT Siting Council/Gravel Pit Solar Docket
  • East Windsor Dedicates New Community Center
  • Veteran Updates
  • An Update for Victims of the Pietras Family Funeral Homes Embezzlement Case
  • Vernon Receives Gold Recognition from Sustainable CT
  • Horowitz Pool at Henry Park Officially Opens
  • Warehouse Point Library Unveils its Able Table
  • Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Now Open
  • And More!
 

REMEMBERING LEO MILLER
 

When you live in a small town, you come to know people’s stories - what brought them to public service, the values that guided them, and the quiet ways they shaped the community. Leo Miller was one of those rare individuals whose legacy is woven into the very fabric of Ellington.

For nearly five decades, Leo Miller and his beloved wife Mary (who passed in 2021) gave everything—quietly, consistently, and wholeheartedly - to our town. Their impact is felt in ways both visible and enduring. Mary was instrumental in securing potable water infrastructure through the EDB settlement fund, improving the lives of so many residents. And Leo was the heart of countless local efforts - organizing, mentoring, and always showing up.

Their children, Erin and Mike, grew up in a home surrounded by the hum of civic life. They tell stories of influential political figures visiting their living room and spending time in the town hall while their parents were in meetings - public service wasn’t a side project; it was the family rhythm.

Leo was the kind of person who took people under his wing and into his heart. I knew Mary mostly in her later years, but I came to know the legacy of Mary and Leo - and their dear friends Yale and Beryl Cantor - through Leo’s teaching and storytelling. Leo mentored my husband during his time on the Board of Selectmen and offered trusted advice when I first ran for the Board of Education. That kind of quiet encouragement and belief in others stays with you.

Ellington is a better place because Leo and Mary Miller planted deep roots here - roots of compassion, action, and enduring care. Their legacy lives on in their children and grandchildren, in the institutions they helped shape, and in all of us who had the privilege to know and learn from them. My family is among those blessed to be part of that legacy.

Donations in Leo’s memory may be made to the Ellington Community Scholarship Association (ECSA), P.O. Box 54, Ellington, CT 06029, with designation to the Mary and Leo Miller Memorial Scholarship. You can also contribute online at www.ecsact.org/

You can read Leo's obituary HERE or click the graphic below.
 

IN THE NEWS
 

This month's article in the North Central News focuses on the legislation that passed this last session that helps veterans and their families. To read the article, click HERE or click the graphic below. 
 

Before the session ended, we collected new and gently used professional clothing for the Save A Suit Drive for veterans in need of professional attire. You can read the article below by clicking HERE, or click on the graphic below. More information on this event can be found in the "Veteran Updates" section of this e-newsletter. 
 

Introduced by the Veterans' & Military Affairs Committee this past session, SB 1277 was not called to the Senate floor. I anticipate a bill being introduced next session that follows many of the same concepts as SB 1277. Click the graphic below to watch the story filed by Jeremy Chen of NBC CT. 
 

CAPITOL UPDATES
 

Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session went into effect on July 1.

Our two-year, $55.8 billion budget went into effect. This bill reflects our shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. Our budget strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported.

We approved billions of dollars to be used for school construction, transportation infrastructure, housing assistance, and many more local initiatives through our annual bond funding package.

Our students will soon learn about three essential topics in the classroom: civics, media literacy, and Asian American and Pacific Islander history. Under two bills passed in 2022 and 2023, students will gain an understanding of what it means to be an active and engaged citizen, how to analyze the modern media landscape, and the rich history of the AAPI community in our state and the entire country.

Our elections will soon be more secure and transparent as video recording technology will be added to every absentee ballot drop box in our state. This new law will record the drop boxes from the first day that ballots are issued up through when the clerk retrieves the final ballots, and all of these recordings will be made available to the public. 

A novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks is now law. The bill bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers. The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

Many more bills went into effect, including one that reforms Connecticut's towing system, one that requires financial literacy instruction in school, and more.

You can click the link below for the full list of laws now in effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.
New Laws Effective July 1st
 

Tax relief for working families, investing in education and special education, transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education, and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next two-year state budget.

The 693-page document outlines the $55.8 billion being spent over the next 2 years. No budget is perfect, and this one is no exception. I believe this budget best represents the interests of our citizens.


Funding for the 57th District Towns
 
East Windsor:
2026 - $8,006,618
2027 - $8,008,798
* SEED Grants in 2026 and 2027 Fiscal Years: $59,725 (each year)

Ellington:
2026 - $11,989,894
2027 - $11,993,775
* SEED Grants in 2026 and 2027 Fiscal Years: $108,237 (each year)

Vernon:
2026 - $26,286,834
2027 - $26,326,993
* SEED Grants in 2026 and 2027 Fiscal Years: $218,213 (each year)

* SEED stands for Special Education and Expansion Development funding. These grants will help build capacity to serve students closer to home.


This budget reflects shared values, marked by historic investments in children through expanded funding for special education and childcare. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the frontlines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all.

This budget includes, but is not limited to:

Historic Special Education Funding

  • $40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of the next two years
  • $30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
  • $20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
  • $10 million in bonding for capital development
  • $10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
  • Additional grant programs and special ED funding efforts  

Childcare Access Expansion

  • An investible trust to provide sustainable funding for new childcare programs
  • Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid

Support for Healthcare Non-profits

  • Access to better health care and nonprofit community providers
  • $150 million for group homes and nursing homes
  • More than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers 

Tax Relief for Working Families

  • Targeted, meaningful relief and long-term support for working families
  • Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
  • $500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners who recognize and
  • sustain the vital care workforce
  • Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts
Read the Biennium Budget
 

The House and Senate took bold, bipartisan action to lower electric bills - passing SB 4, a comprehensive energy reform bill with more than $780 million in savings for ratepayers.

Lower Bills

  • Paying Down COVID-era Electric Debt
  • Cutting Charges for Solar, EVs & Fuel Cells
  • Smarter Energy Purchasing to Lock in Savings
  • Smoothing $1.2B Storm Costs to Avoid Rate Spikes

Smarter Grid

  • Require Cost-Saving Tech Reviews Before Costly Grid Projects
  • Improve Planning to Avoid Wasteful “Gold-Plated” Upgrades

 Stronger Future for CT Families

  • Support Advanced Nuclear & Geothermal
  • Incentivize Grid Efficiency
  • Expand DEEP’s Clean Energy Planning Authority

By easing costs on consumers, modernizing the grid, and investing in clean energy, we are powering a more affordable, reliable, and accountable energy future for all.

Note: One of my biggest bills - the Grid Enhancement and Technology and Transmission bill (GETS) - was folded into this energy bill.
 

Ahead of the decision by the CT Siting Council to re-open the Gravel Pit Solar docket for possible expansion, the East Windsor delegation gathered for a press conference to voice our opposition. However, the Siting Council made the decision the next day to reopen the docket.
 

The CT Siting Council has released its schedule regarding the Gravel Solar Pit docket going forward. Residents are urged to continue to submit written testimony or to take part in the virtual public hearing on October 9. The evidentiary session will begin at 2 p.m. and continue with a public comment session at 6:30 p.m. The 2 p.m. evidentiary session will provide the Certificate Holder, parties, and intervenors an opportunity to cross-examine positions. No public comments will be received during the 2 p.m. evidentiary session. The 6:30 p.m. public comment session is reserved for the public to make statements into the record. Public statements are limited to 3 minutes. During the 6:30 p.m. public comment session, the Certificate Holder will present an overview of the proposed facility expansion.

Attendees can join by clicking (or entering) this LINK from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. Meeting ID: 865 4535 4570 and Passcode: JA9F7Y

No prior software download is required. For audio-only participation, attendees can join by dialing in at 1(929) 205-6099 (not toll-free) and then entering the Meeting ID: 865 4535 4570 Passcode 712656 from a telephone.

Interested persons may join any session to listen, but must sign up in advance to speak during the 6:30 p.m. public comment session.

To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session by computer, smartphone, or tablet, please send an email to siting.council@ct.gov with your name, email address, and mailing address by midnight on October 8. To participate in the 6:30 p.m. public comment session by telephone, please leave a voicemail message at 860-827-2935 with your name, telephone number, and mailing address by October 8, 2025. Public comments may also be submitted to the Council by electronic mail or by regular mail.

Any person who is not a party or intervenor to this proceeding may file a written statement with the Council up to 30 days after the close of the evidentiary record. No written statement or any other information will be accepted after 30 days of the close of the evidentiary record, except as otherwise prescribed by law or the Council.

The final decision is expected by November 11. 

Testimony on Docket 492A can focus on:

  • Loss of farmland and forests
  • Harm to river ecosystems and wildlife
  • Danger of fire
  • Noise and visual impacts on neighborhoods
  • Inconsistency with local development plans

Email siting.council@ct.gov and refer to Docket 492A in the subject line.
 

HB 6990, “An Act Concerning the Seizure & Forfeiture of Digital Wallets and Virtual Currency,” passed in the House and Senate! With me in the photo are two fellow members of the Banking Committee and bill co-sponsors, Reps. Jason Doucette (D-Glastonbury and Manchester) and Tom Delnicki (R-South Windsor).

The bill was signed by the governor on June 23.  
 

Interested in all of the bills that have passed? You can find the full list of bills HERE, or click the graphic below.

To learn more about the major public acts passed this session, click HERE or click the graphic below.
 

I helped secure funding for this project by applying for congressionally directed funding, for which we were granted $2.75 million through the USDA. I'm so happy to see the project come to fruition, and the new East Windsor Community Center dedicated on June 14! 
 

VETERAN UPDATES
 

June 12 marked Connecticut’s first-ever Women Veterans Recognition Day - a powerful step forward in honoring the courage, service, and sacrifice of women who have served in our country’s armed forces. I'm proud this legislation passed through the Veterans Committee, then the House and Senate, then signed by Governor Lamont.
 
June 12 also marks the anniversary of the 1948 Women's Armed Services Integration Act, which allowed women to serve as permanent members of the military.  Join me in honoring the generations of women who have served our nation with strength and resolve across every branch of the military.
Speaking on the House Floor in favor of S.B. 721, which would formally create a recognition day for women veterans. 
 

On June 10, several members of the Veterans & Military Affairs Committee attended the Veterans with Disabilities Task Force's "Medical Miracles and Connecticut’s FIRSTS" to celebrate $2 million in the biennium budget for a pilot project and to provide 10 veterans who have suffered strokes with a cutting-edge neuromodulation medical procedure to return their function, independence, and dignity. This treatment is not available through the VA.

And over time, the neuromodulation procedure will help prevent veteran suicides. In fact, the VDTF's search to reduce veteran suicide led them to the neuro project.

Thank you to everyone who attended - including members of the Veterans Committee, LG Susan Bysiewicz, Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, Economic Development Commissioner Daniel O'Keefe, representatives from Senator Blumenthal's & Senator Murphy's offices, representatives from Congressman Larson's office, doctors from Hartford Healthcare and UConn Health, and representatives from MicroTransponder, the manufacturer of Vivistim®System device.
 

The House and Senate passed "The Connecticut Hero Act Part II," (HB 6438), and I was proud to lead passage in the House on it as chair of the Veterans' & Military Affairs Committee. This bill includes:

  • Joint Enlistment Enhancement Program
  • Disregarding Certain Federal Veterans' Benefits and Income Eligibility Determinations for Certain Public Assistance Programs
  • Fee Waivers at Public Higher Education Institutions
  • Small Business Express Program Preference for Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses
  • Veteran Studies
  • Veteran Property Tax Exemption Study

You can find more information on the bill HERE.

Click the second graphic below (or click HERE) to listen to a summary of the bill, along with my House Vice Chair on the Veterans' Committee, Rep. Hubert Delany.
 

The Veterans' & Military Affairs Committee, in partnership with the Max Cares Foundation and Save A Suit, proudly sponsored a suit drive to benefit veterans in need of professional attire.

We collected tables full of new or gently used suits and professional clothing, including:

  • Men’s and women’s suits
  • Dresses
  • Dress shirts/blouses
  • Professional shoes
  • Ties, belts, and other business accessories

Thank you to everyone who took part in this wonderful tradition here at the State Capitol!
 

I recently had the honor of attending the Connecticut World War II Veterans Recognition Ceremony at the State Armory, along with legislative colleagues. The ceremony was hosted by Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut Veterans Affairs Commissioner Ron Welch, and Connecticut National Guard Adjutant General, Major General Francis J. Evon, Jr.

Approximately 70 living WWII veterans from Connecticut were recognized. To read more about the event, click HERE. 
 

Veteran banners are now displayed along Main Street in front of Ellington Town Hall and Arbor Park. The banners will remain up through Veterans Day as a tribute to those who served.
 

COMMUNITY UPDATES
 
 

Congratulations to Ellington High School's softball pitcher Camryn Fisher, recently named the 2024–25 Gatorade Connecticut Softball Player of the Year! Her outstanding performance on and off the field exemplifies the dedication, skill, and character the award represents.

The Lady Knights’ senior co-captain led the team to a 19-3 regular season record, helped secure the NCCC title, and took the team to the CIAC Class L Softball Semifinals.

Outside of softball, Fisher serves in her community by volunteering for the Special Olympics, the Vernon Soup Kitchen, and the Enfield Senior Center. She is also a school leader, as the president of Ellington High School’s Debate Club, and academically, as an Honor Roll student.

Camryn has committed to continuing her academic and athletic career playing softball at Appalachian State University in North Carolina, Class of 2029.

The Gatorade State Player of the Year award was established in 1985 to recognize the nation’s most elite high school student athletes for their athletic excellence, academic achievement, and exemplary character. Camryn's recognition by Gatorade is an Ellington first, and only one winner is recognized in each of the 50 states across 12 different high school sports.

You can read more about Camryn and her phenomenal softball career in this Patch article. You can also learn more about the Gatorade Player of the Year program HERE. 
 

Congratulations to the Town of Vernon for achieving gold certification from Sustainable CT, a voluntary program that recognizes thriving and resilient municipalities. Vernon earned Sustainable CT’s silver certification in June 2022 and November 2019. At the time, silver certification was the highest achievement possible.

To be eligible for Sustainable CT certification, municipalities complete a range of sustainability actions, from community building to enhancing local economies and fostering arts and cultural institutions.

Vernon also achieved the Climate Leader designation for its efforts to use renewable energy, enhance the efficiency of energy infrastructure, and be good stewards of the environment.

Vernon was recognized for a variety of achievements, including:

  • Creating an open space inventory and efforts to expand town-owned open space
  • The Live Here Love Trees program to educate property owners and add trees in the Rockville area
  • Invasive plant management practices
  • Watershed management efforts
  • Providing free rides to the Vernon and Ellington farmers markets for people lacking transportation
  • Sharing information that residents can use to enhance energy efficiency in their homes
 

On May 24, we celebrated Sai Nirmith Kapu's great achievement in his journey to Eagle Scout.

Sai is a student at Ellington High School, and this year he has achieved the highest rank within scouting.
 

Congratulations to the East Windsor Police Department's 2025 EWPD Citizens Police Academy graduates. For eight weeks, East Windsor residents have received lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on learning about all facets of law enforcement. Most importantly, they built upon the great relationships they already share with their police department.
 
Ellington Public Schools put out a video update on the Windermere School construction project. 
 

This weekend at the Ellington Farmers Market - grab the red, white, and blue — it’s time for the annual Kids Patriotic Parade!

Little ones are invited to dress up, decorate bikes, wagons, strollers (or just themselves!), and join the joyful march through the market this Saturday morning. Flags, sparkles, and creativity encouraged!  Ellington Youth Services will be providing materials and support for Independence Day crafts.

You can double SNAP and FMNP benefits at the Ellington Farmers Market - just stop by the market pavilion to learn more and boost your food budget! These programs are the heart of the Farmers Feeding Families initiative, making fresh, local food more accessible for all. All vendors selling SNAP-eligible food and drink accept SNAP and FMNP.

Thanks so much to the dozens of local businesses and End Hunger CT that helped to make this possible!

Ellington Farmers Market is looking for volunteers to help direct traffic on Saturdays from 9 –noon at Market Park.

This small act of service helps keep everyone safe, helps the market run smoothly, and is a great way to be part of something that brings so much good to our community.

You’re welcome to sign up once a week, once a month, or just once or twice—whatever works for you. EFM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and truly relies on the support of folks like you.

If you’re interested, please email info@ellingtonfarmersmarket.org. 
 

The new Horowitz Pool at Henry Park is open!

Horowitz Pool is one of three aquatics facilities available to Vernon residents. The others are the Community Pool at 375 Hartford Turnpike and Newhoca Beach at 185 Grier Road.

Daily admission to the pools and Newhoca is $3 for people 12 and younger, and $5 for 13 and older. Vernon Senior Center members can swim at Horowitz Pool from 11 a.m. to noon, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Season passes to all the facilities are available to Vernon residents only starting on June 23. Adults must present a state-issued photo ID at the time of purchase. The cost is $30 for people 12 and younger and $50 for people 13 and older.

Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
 

The Warehouse Point Library has officially dedicated its "Able Table!" The space is designed for inclusivity and connection; it’s not just a table - it’s a seat at the table for everyone. Pull up a chair (or roll right in) - there's a spot saved for you!

In May, the community came together to create a handprint design with artist Julie Bergeron, who also painted East Windsor Park's Able Table. You can read more about the Able Tables in a 2024 article published in the Journal Inquirer. 
 

Vernon's 79th July in the Sky Fireworks and community celebration is scheduled for July 9 at Henry Park and in the Rockville section of Vernon. The rain date is July 10.

Family-friendly festivities begin at 6 p.m. at each location. Gates open at 6 p.m. at Henry Park.

There will be live music, food vendors, and amusements including bounce houses and other inflatables, and more. In downtown Rockville, a Push, Pull, and Pedal Patriotic Parade steps off at 6:30 p.m. People can decorate their bicycles and other non-motorized vehicles beginning at 5 p.m. in the former Ladd & Hall parking lot near Brooklyn Street.

The night concludes with a fireworks show launched from Fox Hill Tower, the highest point in Vernon. The show is visible throughout the region, but the best viewing spots are in Henry Park and downtown Rockville. The fireworks show begins when the sky is dark enough.

Watch the town website and social media for any weather updates on July 9.
 

Rockville High School Marching Ram Band is seeking donations of old and or broken wooden furniture. The band will be using the furniture to create props for its 2025 fall field show. Furniture donations will be accepted NOW through August 4.

The band is looking for:

  • Old and or broken wooden chairs
  • Tables
  • Barrels
  • Shutters
  • Pallets
  • Ladders
  • Crates
  • Wagon wheels
  • Wooden paintings/frames
  • Wooden doors/pieces of doors

Drop off at the high school - please see the attached photos for drop-off information.
 

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced the detour of Pinnacle Road in Ellington beginning July 14, weather permitting. The project consists of increasing the radii of the horizontal curve west of the Pinnacle Road intersection and three horizontal curves east of Hopkins Road, as well as realigning the intersections of Pinnacle Road and Hopkins Road in addition to making improvements to existing drainage and roadside safety systems.

LANE CLOSURE / DETOUR INFO
The section of Pinnacle Road between Route 140 (Crystal Lake Road) and East Cider Mill Road will be closed from July 14 to September 1. Northbound Traffic will be detoured onto Cider Mill Road west, then right onto Laurel Road north. Southbound traffic will be detoured onto Route 140 (Crystal Lake Road) west, then left onto Laurel Road south, then left onto Cider Mill Road east.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
 

Join Vernon ROCKS, Rockville Public Library, and the Vernon Cultural District for the Vernon community clean-up on July 15 at 5:30 p.m. on the town green. Bring your friends and family to help make the community a cleaner place. All necessary supplies will be provided along with FREE pizza and water!

Registration is strongly encouraged HERE.
 

RESOURCES
 

Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. 

The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level Up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program. The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind, and its guidance matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists. 

Access the list HERE.
 

Fresh, local, and healthy – all within reach! 

The Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is now available! Eligible seniors can receive vouchers to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, and herbs from certified local farmers.

This is a great way to eat well, support Connecticut farms, and stretch your food budget.

You can learn more about eligibility, participating locations, and how to use your vouchers HERE.