Ken Gucker

The number of hate crimes in Connecticut has unfortunately risen over the past few years. In order to curb this troubling trend, the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) will hold a program to discuss what hate crimes are, how to report a hate crime and introduce the community to the Hate Crimes Investigative Unit. DESPP Commissioner Ronnell Higgins will be joined by Danbury Police Chief Patrick Ridenhour, Connecticut State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit and Assistant State's Attorney for Judicial District of Danbury Mary-Caitlin Harding to lead this conversation.

Happy Independence Day! I hope your day is filled with fun and safe festivities.

Several new laws that were passed during the 2025 legislative session take effect on Tuesday, July 1. Please see below to read about some of them!

Every Connecticut family deserves affordable, high-quality childcare. With the passage of House Priority Bill 5003 and Senate Bill 1, transformative legislation is set to become reality by expanding access, supporting educators, and invest in a stronger future for our children and our economy. These smart, sustainable investments position Connecticut to lead the nation in delivering affordable, high-quality childcare and establishing universal Pre-K by 2032.

As the CT Mirror’s budget reporter pointed out: “The state House of Representatives adopted a $55.8 billion two-year budget early Tuesday that invests in child care and K-12 education, provides a $250 tax cut to working poor families...” Tax relief for working families; investing in education and special education; transformative funding for childcare and early childhood education; and standing up for nonprofit service providers are the pillars of the next state budget.

For too long, Connecticut's special education model has faced fundamental flaws that prevented all students from receiving the proper education they deserve. With our recent passage of HB 5001: An Act Concerning the Quality and Delivery of Special Education Services in Connecticut, we are taking important steps to reform this system.

Attention college students - are you interested in pursuing the natural sciences and environmental protection?

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!