Community Listening Tour, Honoring Memorial Day, and more

May 22, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

With the 2026 Legislative Session behind us, I have been spending some time these past few weeks around New Britain and the district, connecting with residents on the work we accomplished this session. It is a true honor to represent New Britain's 25th District in the Connecticut General Assembly. During this session, we were able to accomplish a lot for the people of Connecticut, and I am incredibly proud of the work we've done.

If you have any questions, concerns, or if my office can be of assistance to you, please contact me at 860-240-8585 or Iris.Sanchez@cga.ct.gov.

Community Listening Tour

Over the next weeks and months, I will be holding a listening tour as a chance to connect with community members on the issues that matter most to them and to discuss legislation passed during the legislative session.

Join me on June 12th at the Graham Apartments, and on June 19th at the Ribicoff Apartments. I want to hear from you about what's impacting our community. This is your opportunity to ask questions, share your concerns, and discuss legislation.

Listening Tour Schedule:

Friday, June 12th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Graham Apartments (107 Martin Luther King Dr.)
Friday, June 19th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Ribicoff Apartments (67 Martin Luther King Dr.)

I hope to see you there!

Honoring Memorial Day

On Monday, May 25th, we recognize Memorial Day.

Each year on Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave heroes from Connecticut and across our nation who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Their courage and commitment ensure the freedoms we hold dear.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month.

If you are in need of mental health services and don't know where to start, here is a list of resources for Connecticut residents:

2-1-1 General Resources 24-hour crisis phone numbers: finding services, education, prevention, counseling services, support groups, advocacy. Call 211
Mental Health Connecticut Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy and residential and supportive mental health services. mhconn.org or 860.529.1970
CTSupportGroup.ORG The CT Support Group is an online project developed by young people to provide connection, peer-led support, and community for their peers.
CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services You can search for services available in your area through their regional services locator. portal.ct.gov/dmhas

OLR 2026 Major Public Acts Report

I wanted to share the 2026 Legislative Session Major Public Acts report with you.

This report, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2026 regular session.

You can click HERE to read the full OLR report.

OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grant Opportunity

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) have begun accepting applications for the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants.

OEC and WBDC are offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified Connecticut early childhood businesses to support operations and preserve child care access. The Operations Grant provides short-term funding to support OEC-licensed early childhood education programs. The grants are designed to help programs maintain their existing early childhood slots.

Grants will be awarded to eligible programs serving high and medium-needs families, as defined by OEC. This funding is intended to support operational expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other business needs that ensure ongoing services to families and communities.

This is a ONE-TIME funding opportunity. Applications close at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, May 25th. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.