More Funding Dedicated To Child Care

July 17, 2026
I hope everyone is doing well after the smoke from the Canadian wildfires led to unhealthy levels of air quality.

At the Capitol, the state has dedicated more funding to help future parents with the cost of child care. I'll break down how our continued investment will help future generations.

Here are the section in today's email:

  • More Funding for Child Care
  • Bus Service on Waterbury Branch Line
  • Free Meals Available for Children
  • Celebrating Community at The Great Woodbridge Picnic
  • 250 Years of Independence
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

More Funding for Child Care

I am happy to share the state is doubling down on its commitment to helping families afford child care. Since I told you about the last investment in June, Governor Ned Lamont has directed the state to add another $91.7 million in state surplus funding into the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment, bringing the endowment's total value to more than $700 million.

Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source to strengthen and expand Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This investment will help create thousands of new child care spaces, lower costs for working families, expand access in underserved communities, and support providers across the state.

Beginning in 2028, eligible families are expected to receive free or reduced-cost early childhood education through the Early Start CT program. Families with annual household incomes of up to $100,000 annually qualify for free child care, while those earning more will pay no more than 7% of household income.
 

Bus Service on Waterbury Branch Line

If you commute on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line, it's time to prepare for a temporary change to your daily routine.

Starting Monday, July 20, substitute bus service will replace all trains on the Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line through May 31, 2027 as the state completes major upgrades to several stations including Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour.

Click on the image below to view the substitute bus schedule, which will operate earlier than the current train schedule.

The upgraded train stations will contain:

  • new platforms 
  • covered canopies
  • enclosed windscreens

While this temporary bus service may be an inconvenience, it will give state crews an opportunity to complete several major projects at the same time, saving taxpayers more than $47 million and finishing the Waterbury Branch Line improvements approximately one year sooner.

These upgrades will deliver safer, more accessible stations and a stronger, more reliable rail system for commuters throughout the Naugatuck Valley.
 

Free Meals Available for Children

Summer should be a time for fun—not worrying about where the next meal will come from. That's why Connecticut is reminding families that free, nutritious meals are available to all children and teens aged 18 and younger throughout the summer.

No application, proof of income, or identification is required. Children can simply visit one of the participating meal sites during serving hours.

Nearby meal sites include:

  • Irving School (Derby)
    Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. 
    Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Monday – Friday through July 24
  • Derby High School
    Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
    Lunch: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Monday - Friday through July 24
  • Bradley School (Derby)
    Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
    Lunch: 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.
    Monday - Friday through August 7
  • Hamden High School
    Breakfast: 9:15 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
    Lunch: 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
    Monday - Friday through August 7
Click here to find other locations 

Whether they're in the classroom or enjoying vacation, a healthy meal is critical to a child's physical and mental development. I encourage you and your family to take advantage of this great opportunity!
 

Celebrating Community at
The Great Woodbridge Picnic

It was wonderful to join friends and neighbors at The Great Woodbridge Picnic, the town’s signature celebration of the 250th anniversary of American independence. Visitors of all ages enjoyed a day filled with history, storytelling, exhibits, family activities, and community spirit at the new Community & Cultural Center.

I am proud to celebrate the center’s soft opening. Securing $2 million in state funding for this gorgeous facility was a priority, and it is exciting to see it begin serving the community. The building is an incredible addition to Woodbridge and provided the perfect setting to honor the people, places, and traditions that shaped our town into the vibrant and welcoming community we are proud to call home.

Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and everyone who attended for making The Great Woodbridge Picnic such a memorable event. I look forward to celebrating the official grand opening of the Community & Cultural Center this fall.
 

250 Years of Independence

I recently wrote an op-ed in the lead up to the Fourth of July, commemorating 250 years of U.S. independence and democracy. I hope you take a moment to read it!
 

Milford-Orange Times: "E Pluribus Unum"
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Step back in time and experience the rich history of the Lower Naugatuck Valley during Valley Tales on the Derby Greenway. This program combines a leisurely walk along the Naugatuck River with stories that shaped our region. The free guided walks begin at 9 a.m. on Thursday mornings.

Upcoming programs include:

  • Thursday, July 23: The Church of England during the Revolutionary War
  • Thursday, July 30: General David Humphreys shares his contributions to early America

The Derby Historical Society is proud to partner with Derby Neck Library for this new program.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, July 28 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring your own bag for the food.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Need help growing your business? The second annual “Amity Chamber Business Symposium & Expo” offers resources, networking, and business opportunities to improve your organization’s operations, culture, branding, and bottom line!

The free event is taking place from 3:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22 at Yale West Campus, 100 West Campus Drive in Orange. Click here to register.

The Orange Community Farmers' Market is open every Thursday from 3:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pavilion of the High Plains Community Center. Products are only the best certified and Connecticut grown, ranging from bakery products, eggs, flowers, milk, meats, plants, in-season vegetables, as well as crafts and services! The farmers' market will remain open on Thursdays through September 24.

Orange Youth Services is offering a job skills development class on Monday, July 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at High Plains Community Center. The class is for teens aged 14 – 16. Click here to register.

Get ready for four days of summer fun at the annual Orange Volunteer Fire Department Carnival! This longtime community tradition brings together families, friends, and neighbors for one of Orange’s favorite summer events. The event will take place from July 30 – August 2, 2026 on the Orange Fairgrounds with fireworks on Saturday, August 1. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

The entire family is welcome to celebrate the wonder of the outdoors at the Firefly Festival at Massaro Community Farm. On Saturday, July 25, beginning at 6:30 p.m., the farm will come alive with glowing fields, family-friendly activities, delicious eats from a food truck, and the simple joy of exploring the farm at dusk as fireflies begin to twinkle across the fields. CLICK HERE to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar