| |
|
|
This week as we remember 9/11 and a time when our country unified in a moment of crisis, we experienced another moment of shocking division with the assassination of Charlie Kirk in Utah. Just a few months ago, State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed at their home in Minnesota.
Political violence is not the answer. It should have no place in America - no matter if we don't agree. The rise of harmful rhetoric contributes to a rise in threats and violence. We cannot normalize members of an opposing party as enemies but we must see them as our neighbors and as fellow Americans.
When we woke up on September 11, 2001 we had no idea what would happen and how many lives would be changed forever -- that an attack on our country would mean 2,996 lives would be lost and thousands more due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
May we never forget the people whose lives were stolen from us through this act of terror, and all of the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who saved lives and helped our country rebuild.
Though we move further away from that day, we must continue to honor those we lost and reflect on ways in our own communities we can unite rather than divide.
|
|
Last week at the Charter Oak International Academy in West Hartford we announced that the Early Childhood Education Endowment has already funded more than 500 preschool slots. The endowment was created from $300 million in unappropriated surplus from the Fiscal Year 2025 budget and is expected to grow through investment as well as continued funding through surpluses to bring down the costs to families and pay educators what they are worth. In addition to the 500-plus slots already created, at least 1,000 additional child care/preschool spaces will be state-funded in January 2026.
|
|
Photo credit: Ronni Newton
|
|
This is just the beginning of our new historic investment in child care. Attend a listening session to learn more about the Early Childhood Education Endowment.
Click here for more information and to register to attend a listening session
|
|
Also last week I joined colleagues and United Way organizations from across the state to release the latest United Way of Connecticut ALICE Report — and the findings are deeply troubling. A record-high number of households in Connecticut, over 40%, can’t make ends meet.
Despite recent progress in the legislative session — including efforts to lower the cost of childcare and provide some tax relief to working families — the reality is that for too many people, life is only getting harder. Between inflation, rising tariffs, and looming federal cuts, working households are being squeezed from every direction.
The ALICE data is not just numbers, it tells the real story of life in our communities. It is why I'll be continuing to fight in special session and beyond for more affordable housing, accessible, quality childcare, lower healthcare costs, and real tax relief including a permanent child tax credit. Watch my remarks below.
|
|
On Tuesday, as a member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee I participated in our Informational Forum on the Impact of Federal Policy and Legislation. We heard from university and higher education leaders about the changes and federal funding cuts to student loan opportunities, research grants, and student supports. Many of these are very concerning for the affordability of accessing education for Connecticut residents and maintaining the jobs and economic benefits that come from federally funded research. This hearing is just one of many this month that our legislative committees are having to dig deeper in the actions of the federal administration and what we need to do to protect and support Connecticut residents.
|
|
 |
| Watch the full forum here. |
|
And on Wednesday, I joined Governor Lamont, CT DOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto, Newington Mayor Jon Trister, State Representative Gary Turco, and local officials at the Newington Highway Department to highlight a significant increase in funding for the Town Aid Road (TAR) program.
This program will see state support grow from $60 million to $80 million in the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget — the largest investment in over a decade.
For Newington, that means a more than 35% funding increase — from $411,996 to $557,838. These funds will directly support critical local road paving, maintenance, and safety improvements. With our roads serving as key connectors for surrounding towns, this investment is essential to maintaining safe and reliable infrastructure, especially with the winter months ahead.
This is a substantial boost to local road funding, helping to ease the burden on property taxes for residents and businesses while strengthening the backbone of our communities.
|
|
| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
|
|
The American Veteran's Traveling Tribute Wall will be at Cove Park in Wethersfield tomorrow through the weekend. The panels create a replica wall the size of a football field and stand in testament to the brave men and women who died for our country.
Click here to find the name of a loved one on the wall.
|
|
Now's the perfect time to prepare for the next construction readiness class and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the building trades. To get started, you need your drivers license or learners permit, high school diploma or GED, and reliable transportation. The next class starts September 15th, click here to register.
|
|
The West Hartford Police Department is hosting its annual Citizen's Academy. This 8-week program runs from September 24 to November 12, with classes held every Wednesday evening from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. at Police Headquarters (103 Raymond Rd.). The Academy is designed to give residents an inside look at the realities of policing—covering the responsibilities, challenges, and day-to-day work of law enforcement.
Applicants must be 18 or older and will be asked to complete a background check. Our goal is to help community members better understand what our officers do and how we serve West Hartford.
Click here to learn more and apply. |
|
VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) is a free tax preparation program for individuals and families earning up to $69,000 annually. Volunteers helped provide more than $28 million in refunds and credits last year.
Despite the help, individuals and families in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties are still struggling to make ends meet.
If you’re interested in serving your community, click here to register to become a VITA volunteer. If you have any questions, take a look at the graphics below and feel free to contact Taniqua Huguley at THuguley@unitedwayinc.org or 860-420-2141.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
