Budget Surplus, August Primary, and more

July 31, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

In this week's eblast, you can read about Connecticut's budget surplus, a state grant for a bridge in Fairfield, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Impact of Screens on Learning Event 

A reminder that Dr. Jared Cooney Horvath, renowned neuroscientist and author of “The Digital Delusion,” will be joining Rep. Aimee Berger Girvalo, Sen. James Maroney, and me on Wednesday, Aug. 12 at 7pm for a conversation on the impact of classroom technology on our kids’ learning. Jared is to ed tech what Jonathan Haidt is to cellphones, and this is a very exciting opportunity to learn from the nation's leading voice on this issue. I really hope you will join us for this informative conversation.
 
 

State Grant for Fairfield Bridge Replacement 

I am happy to share that Fairfield has received nearly $3M in state funding to replace the bridge over Pine Creek on Oldfield Rd. These funds are a part of the State Local Bridge Program, which provides 50% of project costs for local towns to maintain their infrastructure. Thanks Fairfield CT for partnering with the state and thank you CTDOT for sharing the burden with the community to provide safe and reliable infrastructure. 
 

Screening of "Counted Out" 

It was great to partner with Sacred Heart University and the Every Kid Counts Coalition recently for a screening of "Counted Out," a documentary exploring the importance of mathematical literacy in today's data-driven world.

Math is not just a subject in school - it impacts all aspects of our life, including professional opportunities, technology, public health, and so much more about understanding our world. The film highlights the importance of this subject, and its message aligns with efforts to strengthen math education throughout Connecticut.

Thank you to all the partners in this screening for showing such an important film and spreading the message about the importance of math literacy throughout the state!
 

Connecticut's Eighth Straight Budget Surplus 

Connecticut closed the 2025-26 fiscal year with a budget surplus for the eighth straight year. Thanks to fiscal guardrails created by the General Assembly in 2017, those surpluses are contributing to paying down the state’s unfunded pension obligations, so future debt payments are hundreds of millions of dollars smaller than they would have been.

The state’s 2026 surpluses include $411.7 million in the General Fund and $22.7 million in the Special Transportation Fund. The $411.7 million sum was transmitted to support the state’s Early Childhood Education Endowment in late June, with more than $1 billion contributed to pension debt following contributions to the state’s “rainy day fund”.

By making responsible financial decisions today, we're ensuring Connecticut remains well-positioned to invest in priorities like education, transportation, public safety, and other essential services while planning for the future. 
 

August Primary Reminder 

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.

The primary will be preceded by seven days of early voting, August 3 through August 9. Early voting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on August 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 4 and 6.
 

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary. Unaffiliated voters who wish to participate in one of the party's primary elections must first update their party affiliation to the party for the primary they want to vote in. Unaffiliated voters have until 12pm on Aug. 10 to update their registration.


For additional election information and resources, click here to visit the Secretary of the State's election webpage.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.

Click here to access the absentee ballot request portal. 

Connecticut has a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on the day before the primary (August 10), provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.

Updating your party affiliation is one of the many changes voters can conveniently do online at https://ow.ly/Vmcn50Z38Qr. 
 

The State of Our Vote Symposium 

On Wednesday, August 5 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., join the panel discussion, The State of Our Vote: Policy, Progress, and Protections in America, to explore the many challenges facing voting rights in the modern era.

This hybrid event will be held online via WebEx and in person at the Legislative Office Building (Room 2C, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford). In-person visitors are welcome to park in the Legislative Office Building visitors garage.

Click here for more information and to register. 
 

Paraeducator Preparation Academy 

Registration is now open for the Connecticut State Department of Education's newly launched Paraeducator Preparation Academy.

This free, six-week program is designed to help aspiring paraeducators prepare for the ParaPathways assessment, a requirement for employment as a paraeducator in Connecticut. Participants will receive instruction from certified bilingual educators, free study materials, coverage of the exam fee, and Spanish-language support.

The inaugural pilot session will run from August 17 through September 23 and will be held at the Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) Center in East Hartford.

Registration is open now through the first day of class, August 17. Once the session reaches capacity, additional applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified about future academy offerings. Additional sessions are planned to launch in communities across Connecticut later this fall.

Participants who successfully complete the academy and pass the ParaPathways assessment will be connected with school districts seeking to hire paraeducators. Once employed, graduates will also be paired with experienced mentor paraeducators to support them as they begin their careers.

Click here to learn more and register.
 

Upcoming Local Events 
Fairfield Farmer's Market
Now through Sunday, Oct. 11, 10am-2pm
Sherman Town Green (1451 Post Rd., Fairfield)
Read more here
 
Unfinished Revolution: 250 Years of Marking American Independence
On view through Sept. 26
Pequot Library (720 Pequot Ave., Southport)
Read more here
 

I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.


Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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