Savet Constantine

Local Events, Federal Education Cuts & Bus Service on New Canaan Line

Candidates from area schools filled Wilton’s Clune Center to pitch their service projects for the Ms. President campaign. We heard campaigns talk about environmental concerns, scam awareness, financial literacy among other projects. It was a phenomenal experience to listen to these young women and congratulations to the teams from Wilton and Ridgefield! Circle of Care, with the mission to support families of children with cancer, was this year’s recipient of the Wilton Women’s Club fundraiser. This region-wide nonprofit, started by two Wilton women, provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families of children, adolescents, and young adults facing a pediatric cancer diagnosis. Continue reading below for updates on Connecticut programs and also on how Connecticut is feeling the effects of the Trump Administration's nationwide cuts. We have lost millions in public education funding, and there is plenty of uncertainty for families who rely on other critical services. As always, I look forward to hearing from you. For more information, please make sure to follow my Facebook page HERE and get updates on Instagram @StateRepSavet Constantine. If I can assist you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out at Savet.Constantine.@cga.ct.gov or via phone at the Capitol at 860-240-8585. Sincerely, Savet Constantine State Representative Facebook Instagram Email Website Federal Cuts Deliver Blow to Connecticut The federal government continues to make significant cuts that could have devastating consequences for Connecticut and the rest of the country. These drastic moves threaten public education and essential services, creating uncertainty and hardship for our children and our most vulnerable. Education Secretary Linda McMahon announced a freeze of around $14 million for academic and other programs in Connecticut's schools. Much of this money was already awarded to schools, and our state's Department of Education was set to disburse the rest.   Secretary McMahon also threatened to withhold federal funding from public schools that don't eliminate programs the Trump Administration says unfairly promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion. I'll continue to advocate for our students, especially when the future of their education is under attack. I will also keep you updated on the work the Education Committee is doing to counter these measures. Additionally, the Trump Administration closed at least five regional Head Start offices, including the one in Boston, which oversees programs in Connecticut. All federal Head Start staff in these offices lost their jobs immediately, delivering a crushing blow to children from low-income families who rely on comprehensive early education and childcare services. We all need to be concerned about the impacts this will have on Head Start programs in our communities.   According to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, the federal government allocated more than $71 million in funds, with the state contributing $5 million in aid in 2024. Connecticut is home to 22 Head Start programs serving more than 5,500 children and families. The closures of regional offices raises concern about future support for these programs. The White House also terminated all federal employees responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The move could leave up to 200,000 people in Connecticut without essential heating assistance. LIHEAP benefits vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.   The future of LIHEAP is in jeopardy due to the mass layoffs. With significantly less personnel to administer the program, its effectiveness and reach are at serious risk. Experts believe LIHEAP will stop functioning without federal support.   My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our state’s most vulnerable residents. Bus Service on New Canaan Branch Line Train travelers should be aware there will be substitute bus service on the New Canaan Branch Line this weekend. Crews are conducting track work aimed at providing a location for trains traveling in opposite directions to pass each other along the Springdale station.  Regular train service will resume on Monday, April 14 with the 5:30 a.m. train from New Canaan and the 8:16 a.m. train from Stamford. Please look at the schedules and status of service before you leave the house.  Click here for bus schedule CT Home Funds Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!   Introducing CT Home Funds, which is an investment in: The Connecticut Home Improvement Program The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program The Homeownership Construction Program Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund are administering the programs. Learn about the launch here Funding to Clean Up Local Cemeteries The state is delivering $8,000 in grants to the towns of New Canaan and Ridgefield to clean up neglected cemeteries. The funding covers the following costs: clearing weeds, briars, bushes mowing lawns repairing fences and walls straightening, repairing, and restoring memorial stones 35 other municipalities will receive similar funding. Thank you to Governor Lamont for selecting our towns for this much-needed cemetery maintenance.