New Laws & Student Loan Changes

July 30, 2026
There's a lot happening across Connecticut! This newsletter highlights new laws now in effect, important updates for student loan borrowers, opportunities to connect with your community, and local events taking place throughout our district.

Here are the section in today's email:

  • New Laws Effective July 1
  • Student Loan Changes in Effect
  • What's Your Rep Been up To?
  • National Farmers Market Week
  • Invitation to Learn About the State of Our Vote
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

New Laws Effective July 1
Several new laws that we passed during the 2026 legislative session took effect on July 1, bringing important changes for Connecticut residents across the state.

Among them is Public Act 26-42, which expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances.

Another new law, Public Act 26-12, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die on duty.

Public Act 26-1 provides stronger workplace protections for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet.

Another new law, Public Act 26-21, establishes a new grant program to help local and regional boards of education provide free CTtransit bus passes to public high school students. This statewide initiative is intended to reduce transportation barriers for those students, improving access to school, after-school activities, employment, and other educational opportunities.

These measures reflect our ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible, to support our first responders and their families, and to protect our workers.
Click here for or a full list of new laws
 

Student Loan Changes in Effect

New student loan rules are affecting more than 500,000 Connecticut residents.

Here are some of the biggest changes:

  • SAVE Plan ends: Borrowers have 90 days to choose a new repayment plan or will be automatically moved to the standard repayment plan, which could mean a sharply higher monthly bill.
  • Fewer repayment options: New borrowers now have just two repayment plans.
  • Parent Plus loans: Parents are now limited to borrowing $20,000 per student each academic year instead of the full cost of attendance.
  • Grad PLUS program eliminated: Graduate students can no longer borrow up to the full cost of attendance through Grad PLUS.

If you’re affected by these changes, the Connecticut Office of the Student Loan Ombudsperson is here to answer questions, help with repayment issues, and much more.

Contact the Student Loan Ombudsperson:

Eligible Connecticut residents may also qualify for the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program, providing up to $5,000 per year (maximum $20,000) to help offset student loan payments.
Click here for application instructions
 

What's Your Rep Been Up To?

It was an honor to join Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, and House Speaker Matt Ritter to highlight our ongoing commitment to making high-quality child care more affordable and accessible for Connecticut families.

We celebrated our continued investment in the Connecticut Early Childhood Education Endowment, a fund that will provide long-term, sustainable support for generations of families to get access to the care they need.

As House Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I am especially proud to have helped establish this landmark fund, which has now grown to more than $700 million. To learn more about the endowment and what it means for Connecticut families, CLICK HERE to read my previous newsletter.

It was inspiring to see a packed house at a Bingo fundraiser benefiting the Woodbridge Regional Animal Control.  The overwhelming community turnout was a testament to the compassion so many people have for the organization's mission.

Woodbridge Regional Animal Control does incredible work caring for vulnerable animals, providing them with shelter, medical attention, and the opportunity to find loving forever homes through adoption. It was wonderful to see our community come together to support an organization that makes such a meaningful difference.
 

National Farmers Market Week

Next week is Connecticut Farmers Market Week, a time to recognize the important work of the Connecticut Farmers Market Association, a nonprofit organization providing education, networking, and advocacy to help farmers' markets thrive and address shared challenges.

Their work helps strengthen our local economy, support family farms, improve access to fresh, healthy food, and create vibrant community gathering spaces. Every purchase made at a farmers' market helps sustain Connecticut agriculture and keeps food dollars circulating in our local communities.
I encourage everyone to celebrate Connecticut Farmers Market Week by visiting a local farmers' market, just like I did in Orange where I picked up some delicious, local leafy greens, other veggies, and goodies. Together, we can continue investing in local agriculture, healthy communities, and a resilient food system.
 

Invitation to Learn About the State of Our Vote

You are invited to learn about the obstacles and progress we are making concerning voting rights. Policy experts, advocates, and lawmakers will hold a panel discussion offering a variety of perspectives on the ways voting rights have changed due to supreme court cases, federal and state laws, and public engagement.

The program will explore key topics including: 

  • The SAVE America Act and its implications for elections
  • Recent redistricting efforts and how district boundaries affect representation
  • Updates to mail-in voting policies and voter access 

The free, hybrid event will take place on Wednesday, August 5, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room 2C of the Legislative Office Building. For those attending in person, food and refreshments will be served.
Click here to reserve your spot!
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

The "Pop of Color – Quilt Out Loud" outdoor quilt show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. from July 30 to August 2 at the Kellogg Estate. The free, fair-weather event features dozens of quilts draped across gardens and trees, vintage quilts in the Osborne Homestead Museum, and special indoor displays.

You are welcome to join a book discussion looking back on American history. “The Girl from Greenwich Street” by Lauen Willig tells the story of rivals Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr investigating the shocking murder of a young woman. The discussion will take place on Wednesday, August 5 at 1 p.m. at Derby Senior Center. Learn more here.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, August 11 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.
The Hamden Police Department is offering FREE car seat installations on Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. on the top level of the parking garage. No appointments needed.

The police department looks forward to helping keep your children safe!
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

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.

Case Memorial Library is hosting a community book sale on Saturday, August 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. You will have the opportunity to browse a wide selection of fiction, nonfiction, and children’s books while stocking up on great reads at unbeatable prices!

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 carnival 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.

Townline Farm is hosting an evening of live music, good food, and family fun on Saturday, August 1! Admission is free during the event from 4:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Hayrides will be running throughout the night.

Lace your shoes for the Woofbridge 5K Run and 2-Mile Walk benefiting Woodbridge Regional Animal Control. The race will take place on

Saturday, August 8 at the Fitzgerald Cornfield (112 Beecher Road)

. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m., and the main event starts at 8:30 a.m.

Click here to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar