Josh Elliott

I had the honor of celebrating the passage of a bill I proudly co-sponsored modernizing Connecticut’s outdated towing laws with Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett, State Representatives Aimee Berger-Girvalo (D-Ridgefield), Senate President Pro Tempore Martin Looney (D-11th), State Senator Jorge Cabrera (D-17th), and the Hamden Tenants Union.

The governor signed HB 7162 into law in June, and the legislation will make the towing process more transparent and fair—especially for vulnerable car owners.

Predatory towing can have a devastating financial impact. This law is a major step forward in protecting drivers and ensuring that towing practices are consistent, reasonable, and easier to navigate.

Key changes under HB 7162 include:

• Tow companies must now accept credit cards for payment
• Vehicles cannot be towed solely for having an expired parking permit
• Cars cannot be towed from private property without notice, unless they’re blocking traffic, a fire hydrant, or are illegally parked in an accessible (handicap) space

This law strikes a balance—protecting property owners while preventing unnecessary or exploitative tows. It’s a meaningful victory for fairness, transparency, and common sense.

The Hamden Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy is open for registration! 

Classes begin on Wednesday, September 10 and conclude on Wednesday, November 12. All classes will be held on Wednesday evenings at the Hamden Police Department (2900 Dixwell Ave, Hamden) between 6:30 P.M. and 9:00 P.M.

All applications must be submitted to the Hamden Police Department no later than 4:00 P.M. on Thursday, September 4.

Click here for more information and to download the application. Applications will also be available to pick up at the front desk at the Hamden Police Department. Applications can be mailed, faxed (203-230-4068), delivered to police headquarters, or emailed to ksamperi@hamdenpd.com.

It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who will head back to the classroom soon! I hope every student has an amazing start to the new school year. 

This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

• First offense: $450 fine
• Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both

Make a Difference This School Year – Become a United Way Reader!

The 2025–2026 school year is just around the corner, and the United Way is looking for passionate individuals to join United Way Readers.

Just 60 minutes a week can change a child’s life. By volunteering, you’ll help young readers:

• Build confidence
• Strengthen reading skills
• Discover the joy of books
• Unlock a lifetime of opportunities

Help a child thrive — one page at a time. Click here to sign up.

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

• $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
• Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
• $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
• 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
• Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
• Facility improvements funded for providers
• Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

• By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
• Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
• More spaces and programs through a competitive process
• Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children

This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners.