Congratulations to Webster Hill School and Anna Reynolds School on being named 2024–25 Schools of Distinction. Of the 140 schools recognized statewide, I am incredibly proud that two are located in the 20th District. This honor reflects strong academic performance, meaningful growth, and continued improvement.
Results from the Connecticut State Department of Education’s (CSDE) 2024–25 Next Generation Accountability System show statewide progress across most indicators, including academic achievement, chronic absenteeism, on-time graduation measures, postsecondary readiness, graduation rates, physical fitness, and arts participation.
Additionally, state investments in dual credit programs are delivering significant results. The percentage of 11th and 12th grade students earning at least three college credits before graduation increased from 22.3% in 2021–22 to 30.7% in 2024–25—nearly a 40% increase.
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Earlier this week, I joined fellow legislators and advocates to urge Governor Ned Lamont to continue to spend the $500 million Emergency Response Fund to cover the federal funding gaps to address food assistance and health insurance.
With the legislative session less than one month away, we are calling for action now to ensure that children and families, seniors, and residents with disabilities remain fed and healthy, and that programs protecting access to affordable, accessible health insurance are preserved.
Click here to watch the full livestream on CT-N.
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Last week, we convened for the first Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board Meeting of the year. Members reviewed and approved the 2025 Annual Report and discussed how this historic fund is beginning to make a meaningful difference for families and providers, as well as our priorities and plans for the year ahead.
Click here for a link to read more about the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board.
Click the image above to watch the full livestream on CT-N.
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This week at the Legislative Office Building I also participated in the Yellow Envelope Program Rollout and Community Training Symposium.
This important initiative following legislation passed in the Transportation Committee in 2025 to enhance safety and ensure respectful, effective support for individuals with cognitive and physical disabilities during interactions with first responders. The Yellow Envelope allows police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel to quickly identify when someone may be living with a disability during a traffic stop or emergency situation.
In high-stress moments, some individuals may require additional communication, accommodations, or support, and many disabilities are not immediately visible. This program helps bridge that gap, promoting understanding, patience, and safer outcomes for everyone involved. Envelopes can be picked up at any DMV location or at participating local police departments, fire stations, driving schools, and community advocacy groups at no cost. Learn more by contacting the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity and Opportunity: thomas.nuccio@cga.ct.gov
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Finally this week, I joined the Connecticut VITA Coalitions to announce that the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will begin on January 26.
This program is staffed by IRS-certified volunteers who are specifically trained to help qualifying individuals including low- to moderate-income taxpayers, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency, prepare and file both federal and state tax returns accurately.
To access VITA services, taxpayers can visit an in-person VITA site, typically located at community centers, libraries, and nonprofit organizations. Many VITA sites also offer convenient drop-off or virtual options, allowing you to submit documents securely and have a preparer complete your return remotely.
Basic Eligibility for VITA:
- Household income less than $69,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
Click here for more information and to find a VITA site.
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Save the date for upcoming Town Halls in Newington and West Hartford, to be held during the first week of this year’s legislative session.
These Town Halls are an opportunity for us to connect at the start of the session and discuss the issues that matter most to you and our communities. We want to hear directly from you, your questions, concerns, priorities, and suggestions will help inform our work at the Capitol in the months ahead.
We hope you’ll join us for a thoughtful and engaging conversation and look forward to seeing you there.
Newington: Tuesday, February 3 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the Newington Town Council Chambers, Room 103 (200 Garfield Street).
West Hartford: Thursday, February 5 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Council Chambers, Room 314 (50 South Main Street).
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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While many people have questions following changes to federal vaccine guidance, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) has not changed its vaccine recommendations. Its guidance continues to be based on the best available science and long-standing public health evidence to help protect individuals, families, and communities.
Vaccines remain a safe and effective way to prevent serious illness across the lifespan. If you’re looking for clear, reliable information, these resources may be helpful:
CT DPH Immunization & Vaccine Info: https://portal.ct.gov/.../individuals-and.../immunizations CT.gov
Access your vaccination record (CT WiZ): https://ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov/ ctwizpublicportal.dph.ct.gov
General vaccine info (disease-based): https://portal.ct.gov/.../public.../vaccine-information CT.gov
Find or schedule a vaccine near you: https://www.vaccines.gov/en/ vaccines.gov
You are encouraged to talk with your health care provider and rely on trusted, evidence-based sources as you make decisions for yourself and your family.
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The 30th Annual Celebration of the Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will take place on Monday, January 19, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., in the Town Hall Auditorium. The event will air live on West Hartford Community Interactive (Comcast Channel 5, Frontier Channel 6098), whci.online, and YouTube.
This year’s keynote speaker is Dr. Fiona Vernal, Associate Director of the Africana Studies Institute (ASI), Associate Professor of History and Africana Studies, and Director of Engaged, Public, Oral, and Community Histories (EPOCH) at the University of Connecticut.
During the program, the second Earl Exum Servant Leader Award will be announced. This year’s honorees, selected by the MLK Committee, are Dr. Elena DeVaughn and Dr. Booker DeVaughn.
Free parking is available in the Town Hall lot (50 South Main Street).
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