Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for Dec. 19, 2025

December 19, 2025

I’m incredibly proud of the progress Mayor Roberto Alves highlighted in today’s State of the City Address. When we came into office, we found a city headed in the wrong direction, and together, we worked hard to right the ship. Danbury is now on a stronger, more prosperous path.

Our biggest momentum is in economic development. We announced a second Cingari Family ShopRite coming to the former Stop & Shop on Newtown Road — a more than $20 million investment. And we are very close to finalizing a major new employer that will bring 125 jobs, build a 100,000+ sq. ft. facility, and add another 40 jobs after completion. This is the growth Danbury deserves.

Mayor Alves also showcased improvements in public safety, infrastructure, housing, education, and how the City will modernize its business processes to better serve residents and businesses.

Congratulations to this year’s Cecil J. Previdi Award recipient, Anthony Rizzo, Jr., a leader in his trade and community contributor. And a big shoutout to my partner in business acquisition, Maura Ruby, and the entire Chamber for an outstanding event. So great to see so many friends!

Proud of how far we’ve come, and excited for what’s ahead for Danbury.

Access Health Deadline Extended

Due to a system outage that may have prevented many customers from enrolling in health and dental coverage by the Dec. 15 deadline for coverage effective Jan. 1, Access Health CT is extending the enrollment deadline. Customers now have until Saturday, Dec. 20, at 3 p.m. to enroll in coverage beginning Jan. 1.

To receive coverage effective Jan. 1, enrollment must be completed by contacting the Access Health CT Call Center. Applications completed on the website will result in coverage beginning Feb. 1.

Call: 855-805-4325 or TTY: 855-789-2428

Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Customers should expect longer-than-normal hold times and are encouraged to call before 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, to ensure enrollment is completed. Assistance is available in more than 100 languages.

If you work with a Certified Broker, please contact your broker for assistance enrolling by Saturday, Dec. 20.

Open Enrollment ends Jan. 15. You may continue to enroll online at AccessHealthCT.com, but coverage will begin Feb. 1.

Remembering Sandy Hook

Last weekend we remembered the students and educators lost at Sandy Hook, a tragedy that forever changed our state and our nation. We will always hold their families and loved ones in our hearts.

In the wake of yet another act of gun violence on Saturday on the campus of Brown University, we are once again reminded that this pain continues, and that we must do better as a nation.

We owe it to our children, our educators, and our communities to keep pushing for safer schools, safer neighborhoods, and a future where no family has to endure this kind of loss.

Happy Hanukkah

Wishing a joyful and meaningful Hanukkah to all who celebrate. May the Festival of Lights bring peace, warmth, and blessings to your home, and may this season be filled with hope, reflection, and time with loved ones.

Visit to DHS Food Pantry

Stopped by Shelley’s Shelves DHS Food Pantry last week, an inspiring effort led by Ms. Cole to support students facing food insecurity. Thanks to her dedication and community partners, 75 students take home full care packages every week. From food items, personal items, and more, Ms. Cole is filling the void!

I’m so very grateful for Ms. Cole’s compassion and commitment to our kids. I’m making a donation and If you’d like to support this incredible work, please send me a message.

Congrats, DHS Mock Trial Team

So proud of the Danbury High School Mock Trial Team for winning their competition and advancing to the quarterfinals! This achievement reflects not only the hard work and dedication of these outstanding students, but also the commitment of the educators and coaches who prepare them for success inside and outside the classroom.

Join me in congratulating the entire team and wishing them the best as they continue their run. Danbury is cheering you on!

Donation to the DHS Cornhole Club

When Mr. Ascone told Mayor Alves and me that his Cornhole Club at Danbury High had some serious ping-pong talent but no tables, we knew we had to fix that.

We bought the students two new tables and the gear they needed, and the smiles said it all. So grateful for the personalized jerseys, and for the reminder that these kids are very, very good because we absolutely got our butts kicked, although I did have a few swishes.

Great to support activities that keep our students engaged and having fun.

Thank You, Texas Roadhouse

Thank you to Texas Roadhouse for once again supporting our community with a generous $1,800 gift card donation for local veterans this holiday season.

Special thanks to Veterans Affairs Director Danny Hayes for his incredible work on behalf of our veterans, and to Woody and Loren for their continued generosity. We are blessed to have partners like this who truly give back

The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker was fantastic! Huge kudos to everyone involved in such a talented production. Congrats and thank you to the Danbury Music Centre and the Danbury Symphony Orchestra!

Visiting Cora's Kids

I stopped by Cora’s Kids Childcare Network’s celebration last week to thank these devoted ladies for their incredibly hard work and to honor Sue Webb, who has dedicated 50 years to providing excellent childcare in the Danbury area. Having grown up with a mother who worked in childcare, I know firsthand how demanding and important this work is. Our community is deeply grateful for these incredible women and all they do for our families. Pleasure to meet Elena Trueworthy, Connecticut’s new Commissioner of the Office of Early Childhood.

Firefighters Fighting Hunger

We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a dedicated group of firefighters with Danbury Professional Fire Fighters, Local 801, IAFF. They spent hours today at Stop & Shop, filling fire trucks with food donations that will go directly to The Salvation Army - and families in need this holiday season. Hats off to these incredible men and women for their service and generosity. Happy to contribute!

Morris Street School's Holiday Celebration

Was invited to read to students at Morris Street School’s Holiday Celebration, a wonderful PTO led event that brings students and families together each year. The kids even voted for me to read Frosty the Snowman, though I’m still not sure they loved my singing voice!

I also enjoyed the terrific performance by Mr. Young’s class of talented performers. The young MC came over and said he looked just like me, so I gave him my Connecticut pin to complete the look. Many thanks to the school staff, students, and volunteers who made this special celebration possible.

DHS's Breakfast with Santa

Great to stop by Danbury High School for Breakfast with Santa, hosted by the DHS Class of 2026. I appreciate the invitation and applaud these students for taking on such a meaningful community project. Yes, I may have quizzed this so-called Santa!

Cutting the Ribbon at Hillside

Great to cut the ribbon for Hillside Food Outreach’s newly expanded location at 131 West St. Grateful to support an organization that does so much to address food insecurity in our community. Thank you to Dawn, Cathy, the entire board, and especially their volunteers for their dedication and the important work they do every day.

Celebration Saint Peter Church's 150th

It was an honor to attend a beautiful Vespers service at Saint Peter Church in celebration of the 150th anniversary of this iconic church building. Thank you to Father Mecca and the entire congregation for a meaningful and inspiring evening. I was proud to offer a few words and to present a Mayor’s Proclamation recognizing this remarkable milestone. Wishing the Saint Peter Church community continued blessings and success for generations to come.