Affordable childcare and Job Assistance for Federal Workers

March 7, 2025

 

Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. H.B. 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, will expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.

This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year, and signed by the Governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending.
 
Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.

By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, H.B. 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in the children of Connecticut and the prosperity of our state.


 
 
Champions for Public Education Day of Action
 

Tuesday was Champions for Public Education Day of Action, a national movement highlighting the urgent need to safeguard public schools and to address critical education funding on the state and federal levels.

The Day of Action is part of a broader nationwide initiative drawing attention to the damaging consequences of dismantling the U.S. Department of Education and slashing federal education funding, decisions that would negatively impact millions of students nationwide and could cost the state over $321 million in federal education funding.

Priorities include increasing special education funding, ensuring competitive salaries for teachers, addressing the teacher shortage crisis, and putting real resources where the needs are so that our public education system delivers for all of our students.
 
 
Job Assistance For Displaced Federal Workers
If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…CONNECTICUT HAS YOUR BACK.

The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.

Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.


 
 
Community Survey
 
The Rockville Public Library is conducting a survey in an effort to get feedback from community members.  The library would like to get your thoughts on the services and programs it provides.
 
Survey submissions will be accepted until March 10th, click here to access the survey.
 
Paper copies of the survey will also be available at the library or upon request. Please contact the library at 860-875-5892 with any questions. 
 
 
Community Events
 
There are some events coming up at The Vernon Senior Center at Bolton Road, 135 Bolton Road, Vernon. 

Discover your roots with the Genealogy Group on March 13th from 1:00 P.M. - 2:00 P.M., the Senior Center Expansion Presentation is on March 21st at 2:30 P.M. and Board game Night is April 8th from 6:00 P.M. - 7:30 P.M.

Sign-up is required for these events, please call 860-870-3680 to register.
 
There is a $10 lifetime membership fee, due at time of registration, for Vernon Residents. The non-resident lifetime membership fee is $15, due at time of registration.
 
 
Vernon Parks and Rec Department has started their summer lifeguard search!
 
Click here to apply an learn more about the great benefits.