Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for Feb. 7, 2025

February 10, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

The General Assembly held a joint session on Wednesday to hear Gov. Ned Lamont present his proposed budget.

The budget address was an excellent opportunity for Mayor Roberto Alves and me to meet with key leaders to discuss the needs of Danbury.

Over the past two years, we have successfully secured more than $151 million for Danbury, and we are not stopping there.

While the governor's budget allocates millions more to our city, my colleagues, Mayor Alves, and I will continue to advocate for additional funds that our community needs and deserves.

There are, without question, overlapping priorities in the governor's budget and what the House Democrats have identified for this session. (Please see the graphics below.)

Just a reminder that it's very early in the process and my colleagues and I will be doing a lot more work on the budget in the coming months.

Student Loan Reimbursement Meeting

On Tuesday evening, I held a Student Loan Reimbursement Info Session at Western Connecticut State University with my colleague, State Rep. Corey Paris.

I am incredibly grateful to all the students, parents, and faculty who attended and engaged with thoughtful questions.

A special thank you to Rep. Paris, for leading the way on this critical issue and for delivering this program.

Together, we’re taking meaningful steps to help ease the burden of student loans for many in our community.

For more information about the student loan reimbursement program, visit: one.ct.gov.

Legislative Breakfast at WSCU

It was a busy week for me at WSCU, which plays a vital role in our community as a leading college for many local students.

During their legislative breakfast on Tuesday, students and staff gathered to advocate for the school, sharing truly inspiring stories.

I will continue to advocate on behalf of students, Dr. Manohar Singh, and faculty for a better-funded WCSU.

Thank you for the invitation and I look forward to many more discussions in the future.

Legislative Delegation Meet & Greet

Speaking of WSCU, my colleagues in the Danbury legislative delegation and I are hosting a session preview and meet & greet on Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Student Center, Room 202.

I hope to see you there!

Citizen Meeting Saturday

With the federal government freezing funding, laying off federal workers, and dismantling agencies, Sen. Chris Murphy is hosting a Citizen Meeting to provide an update on what he’s doing to fight for people in our state followed by a Q&A with attendees.

He will be joined by Sen. Richard Blumenthal.

The meeting is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11:45 a.m. at Duffy Elementary School, 95 Westminster Drive, West Hartford.

RSVP is required by clicking here to attend.

Women’s Business Development Grants

Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have exciting opportunities to secure funding to support and grow their companies.

The Women’s Business Development Council is accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.

The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:

Be in operation for at least two years
Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.

The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.  

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.

Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.

Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!

Special Education Listening Tour

The Special Education committee is holding a listening tour across the state that will help to inform their work this legislative session.

The next one is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 214 in Beacon Hall at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.

If you can't make that one, another will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 2 p.m. in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford. You can watch that session on YouTube Live by clicking HERE.

Special education is a top priority, and your input is crucial.