Updates for State Rep. Larry Butler for March 21, 2025

March 21, 2025



 

 

The Community Investment Fund approved $4 million to transform downtown Waterbury’s streetscape along West Main Street. This investment, in addition to federal RAISE grants, will enable crews to upgrade approximately 4,440 linear feet on the street and underground, including water, sanitary, sewer, and storm drainage. 

This funding will revitalize the downtown corridor with improvements to sidewalks, lighting, and roadways, creating a safer and more accessible environment for everyone. This investment also addresses concerns of 100-year-old aging infrastructure by supporting local economic growth. One of the busiest areas of our city will become more attractive to businesses and visitors.

The investment will also increase energy efficiency by incorporating modern, sustainable technologies. These improvements will help reduce the city’s carbon footprint while cutting long-term operational costs, making the infrastructure more cost-effective and environmentally responsible. 

CIF's recommendation will go before the Bonding Commission's next meeting for approval.
 

Possible Federal Cuts

What's at stake for Waterbury residents if Republicans in Washington, D.C., follow through with their efforts to significantly cut federal funding to Connecticut?

A lot.

Connecticut receives $1.1 billion from the U.S. Department of Education for schools, of which Waterbury gets $48.7 million. The state receives nearly $5 billion for Medicaid. There are more than 75,000 Waterbury residents who receive healthcare through Medicaid.

The state receives nearly $900 million for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. More than 40,000 Waterbury residents receive SNAP benefits.

In short, the cuts would be devastating.
 
 

RIP Officer Vincent Lombardi

My condolences to the family and friends of Officer Vincent Lombardi, a Waterbury police officer who died after battling cancer. He was just 28 years old. 

His obituary can be read here.
 

Mixmaster Updates

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will host the final series of public information meetings for the I-84 New Mix Waterbury Planning and Environmental Linkages (PEL) Study in March and April.

The New Mix Program team will share results from the study, including recommendations and final alternatives, reimagining the future of the Mixmaster.  

In-Person Open Houses

Thursday, March 27, 4:30-6:30 p.m. 

John F. Kennedy High School, 422 Highland Ave.

Wednesday, April 2, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Maloney Elementary School, 233 S Elm St.

Virtual Open House

Tuesday, April 1, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Register on Zoom: here

Those who attend an open house will have the opportunity to enter our drawings for multiple $25 gift cards.

The meeting will also be posted following the meeting on the New Mix YouTube Channel and CTDOT’s virtual public meetings playlist.

Members of the public can submit comments and questions during the two-week public comment period following the meetings. Public comments and questions must be submitted by April 16. 

Online: newmixwaterbury.com/contact-us
 

March is Problem Gambling Month

As March Madness heats up, here's a reminder not to get too carried away.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, a nationwide campaign to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services for problem gamblers.

This year's theme, “Seeking Understanding,” focuses on increasing awareness of problem gambling as a serious but often misunderstood mental health condition.

The National Council on Problem Gambling estimates about 2 million people in the U.S. meet the criteria for a severe gambling problem, while another 4 million to 6 million people experience mild or moderate issues.

The cost to the country -- $14 billion annually – is incredibly steep. Yet the ability to place a sports-related bet has never been easier – in most cases just a few clicks on a smartphone.

The lower barriers to place bets and the removal of the social stigma on gambling has had devastating consequences for some. Indeed, one of the most vulnerable demographics to problem gambling are youths. The NCPG and Responsible Play CT cite data that shows more than 75% of college students have gambled in the last year.

There are state and national resources for help.

  • Responsible Play CT offers information and a toolkit on problem gambling.
  • The Connecticut Council on Problem Gambling offers trained helpline specialists who connect callers to free, immediate support & treatment options in Connecticut. Its number is 888-789-7777.
  • The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (860-344-2244) offers problem gambling services.
  • The National Problem Gambling Helpline is available at 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
  • The NCPG's problem gambling toolkit can be found by clicking here.
 

As always, if you have any questions or require any assistance, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Larry B. Butler

Website

Email

Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences