Congratulations to Hamden for having the largest early voting turnout in the state with nearly double that of the next town! According to the Secretary of the State, about 1,200 people cast a ballot early there!
House Democrats have made it a top priority during this legislative session to address childcare affordability. I'll dig deeper into a new bill that will help families save money.
I'm proud to back local businesses owned by women that are making a difference, and I want to hear from you! Please look below to see where you can meet me and other legislators to tell us how we can further enhance our support for women-owned companies.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Commitment to Childcare Affordability
- Woodbridge Tax Relief Programs
- Women-Owned Business Day at the Capitol
- Passports to Connecticut Libraries
- Spring Bulk Trash Pick-Up
- Apply To March in Memorial Day Parade in Orange!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Commitment to Childcare Affordability |
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House Bill 5002, "An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care and Education," focuses on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families through long-term strategic investments. This is a significant measure that could positively impact many families in our community.
I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving its accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life.
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This bill is about more than just numbers; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare.
Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve.
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| Woodbridge Tax Relief Programs |
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The Woodbridge Assessor's Office is accepting applications for Tax Relief Programs. Filing criteria and deadlines are highlighted below.
Woodbridge full-time residents may file applications for the State and Town Elderly and Totally Disabled Tax Relief Programs by Wednesday, May 15. Residents must be 65 or older or totally disabled prior to December 31, 2023. This is an income-based program. Proof of income and the 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required.
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Veterans who live in Woodbridge may file applications for the State and Town Additional Veteran Program by Tuesday, October 1. The Town of Woodbridge offers a local veteran's exemption to all veterans who qualify for the regular veteran's exemption. There is no age requirement. This is an income-based program. Proof of income and the 2023 Federal Tax Return, if filed, are required.
Tax Relief Forms are on the town website and may be accessed via the links above. Forms are also available at Town Hall in the Assessor’s Office. For more information, please call (203) 389-3416.
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| Women-Owned Business Day at the Capitol |
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Please join my colleagues and I for Women-Owned Business Day to bring together Connecticut’s incredible community of women entrepreneurs and our state legislators! This event is a unique opportunity for us to connect and share ideas to support small women-owned businesses in Connecticut every day.
The event will be held Thursday, April 11 from 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. on the second floor of the Legislative Office Building (LOB). Free parking is available on the ground level of the garage behind the LOB.
This will be our tenth year connecting in our state's capital to celebrate the real impact women-owned businesses have had on Connecticut’s economy, our communities, and our families.
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I am proud to support the Women's Business Development Council which has worked tirelessly to support women entrepreneurs across the state, including awarding a half-dozen grants to businesses in the 114th district. Please look at the graphic below to see the positive impact on our business community.
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| Passports to Connecticut Libraries |
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Stop by your local library for an awesome campaign called Passport to Connecticut Libraries, which encourages everyone to read! Begin your journey by picking up a library passport at one of 150 participating libraries. Make sure to get it stamped before visiting other libraries and doing the same thing there. Each participant will receive a small gift at each new library.
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There are several locations where you can grab your passport in the 114th district:
- Derby Public Library on Elizabeth Street in Derby
- Miller Memorial Library on Dixwell Avenue in Hamden
- Brundage Community Branch Library on Circular Avenue in Hamden
- Whitneyville Branch Library on Carleton Street in Hamden
- Woodbridge Town Library on Newton Road in Woodbridge
CLICK HERE for a full list of participating libraries.
The campaign runs from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30. The Connecticut Library Association will offer two adults and two children a $200 Visa gift card.
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| Spring Bulk Trash Pick-Up |
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More communities are providing information about bulk trash pick-up. Please read below to learn more about how your community is handling that situation:
Woodbridge:
The Woodbridge Department of Public Works will continue to schedule Tuesday appointments for Bulk Pickup Services for the months of April and May. To reserve an appointment, call the Public Works’ Office at (203) 389-3420.
Woodbridge residents can request spring pickup services in April and May. Collection takes place each Tuesdays between 7:30 A.M. - 3:30 P.M. You must pay a $50 collection fee before the scheduled pickup date. Click here to learn more.
Hamden:
Bulk trash pick-up is underway in Hamden. Residents may put bulk trash curbside in front of their homes anytime between now and April 30. The town's trash hauler will pick up acceptable items throughout the entire month of April. No phone calls or appointments are necessary.
Residents are urged to have bulk at the curb by or before their last regular refuse pick-up day for the month of April. Please remember to place bulk trash away from Town-issued trash and recycling carts and do not place any regular refuse with the bulk trash.
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Apply To March in Memorial
Day Parade in Orange! |
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| The Town of Orange is accepting applications to march in the Memorial Day Parade on Sunday, May 26. CLICK HERE to apply! If you have any questions or need more information, please email the Parade Committee at parade@orange-ct.gov. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar. |
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| Join the Knights of Columbus at a “ Spring Fling” even on Saturday, April 6 at St. Mary's Church. All you can eat included in the price of a ticket. $25 in advance and $30 at the door and available at the parish office and from members of the Knights council. Kids are free. Local musician Fabio Lucarelli will perform the accordion, and the Final Four games will be on TV! |
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| The Connecticut Foodshare truck will return to Our Lady Queen of the Apostles Parish parking lot on Tuesday, April 9 from 2:15 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. No income limits, no questions asked. Just bring a bag to receive some food. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers below to learn more about upcoming events. Make sure to click on the button at the bottom of this section. |
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| The Keefe Community Health Fair is free and taking place on Saturday, April 6 at 10:00 A.M. Anyone who stops by will receive a bag of produce. There will be an area for kids to enjoy some activities. |
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| Join the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce as it celebrates and shines a light on local health care and essential workers in our community. These warriors deserve to be recognized for their hard work! The event will take place on Monday, April 11 at 8:30 A.M. at Cascade on 480 Sherman Avenue.
Tickets are $40 and include a buffet breakfast. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Stop by Case Memorial Library on Saturday, April 6 from 10 A.M. - 5 P.M. to do some eclipse art and pick up some eclipse-safe glasses ahead of the solar eclipse the following Monday!
Craft supplies and eclipse viewing glasses will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. |
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| The Regional Water Authority’s Satellite HazWaste Collection is rescheduled for Saturday, April 13 from 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. behind High Plains Community Center at 525 Orange Center Road.
This event offers residents a convenient and responsible way to dispose of various household hazardous waste properly, while promoting sustainability and environmental consciousness. CLICK HERE to pre-register and CLICK HERE to learn more about the event. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the events below, and access the Woodbridge community calendar by clicking on the button at the bottom. |
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| "Where My Heart Beats" directed by Khazar Fatemi, is a captivating documentary uncovering the resilience and beauty of Afghanistan and available to stream in the comfort of your home from now to Sunday, April 7. CLICK HERE to register for free. |
| Author Meryl Ain will explore the profound impact of historical events on families, from Holocaust survivors to societal upheavals of the 1960s in her book "Shadows We Carry". Register for this insightful author talk for free, which is happening Thursday, April 11 at 7 P.M. on Zoom! |
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| The Massaro Community Farm is hosting a beekeeping workshop with a focus on queen bee health and feeding to build the colony on Saturday, April 13 at 9:00 A.M. Click Here to register. |
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