Farley Santos

Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for Feb. 28, 2025

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, I wrote an op-ed this week in the Danbury News-Times about recent rise in energy costs and what I’m doing about it along with my ongoing efforts for Danbury. In brief, Eversource raised its rates again on Jan. 1. I know firsthand the impossible choice families face on whether to pay the electric bill or the pharmacy bill, whether to keep the heat on or buy groceries for the week. I remember my parents stretching every dollar, calculating which bills could be put off just long enough to keep food on the table. No one should have to live like that.  I hear Danbury residents and I’m not just listening — I’m fighting to fix it. Please read my op-ed (link here) to see what I and my colleagues are doing to end the seemingly endless issues we have with our energy prices. Legislative Updates The House also voted in support of veterans by passing legislation that provides tax relief for those who are 100% permanently and totally disabled due to their military service. This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income for essential needs. I am proud to support this bill and provide our veterans with the resources and assistance they need.  House Democrats sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity and we legislate that way, too. We provided funding to Planned Parenthood for sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as sex education. We helped organizations that assist immigrants, refugees and other displaced people through a range of services including support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. Safer Streets Great news for Danbury! The state Department of Transportation recently announced Danbury will receive $2.16 million of federal funding to make pedestrian safety improvements across the city. This funding will help make Danbury safer for our residents, ensuring pedestrians can use our crosswalks and walkways without fear regardless of whether they’re on foot or bike. Thank you to the DOT for investing in our community and prioritizing the safety of our residents. Candlewood Lake Authority Grant More good news for Danbury. The Candlewood Lake Authority recently received a $27,553 grant from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to support outreach and education efforts aimed at raising awareness among boaters about the dangers of invasive plants and animals in Candlewood Lake. Candlewood Lake is a vital natural resource and an economic driver for the Greater Danbury area We must take every step to ensure it remains clean, safe, and accessible for our community. Connecticut first recognized the growing threat of invasive species in its lakes and streams in 2019, when it introduced an Aquatic Invasive Species stamp, along with a $7 fee for all registered boats using state waters. This stamp creates a dedicated funding source to support education and mitigation efforts statewide.  Diverse Danbury Even MORE good news about Danbury! (I'll never get tired of saying this.) WalletHub cited Danbury as one of the 10 most diverse cities in the U.S., ranking No. 9. Diversity has been used as a cudgel recently as a means to score political points. But it's really a sign of a community's strength and health when people of all traits and backgrounds live together. One of the many reasons I'm proud to represent Danbury at the Capitol. Museum Gala I had a great time at the Danbury Museum Gala! Kitty and I had a blast catching up with friends and celebrating the amazing history that makes Danbury so special. It’s always a reminder of how important it is to preserve that history for future generations. Big kudos to the entire museum board for hosting such a fantastic event! Icecapades I had an amazing time with my family at Westside Middle School Academy night at the Danbury Ice Arena to watch the Hat Tricks score a terrific comeback victory. We had an absolute blast! Coffee Hour Reminder I'll be at the Holiday Diner on Saturday, March 29, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. Please join me for coffee and legislative updates. Also, please share any comments, questions or concerns you may have about the city or the state Capitol. I hope to see you there! As always, please reach out to my office if you have any questions or issues you'd like to discuss.  Have a great weekend! Sincerely, Farley Santos Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.