Dan Gaiewski

Last week other New London and Groton leader and I met with DOT Officials to discuss the change in traffic patterns expected so construction can continue on the Gold Star Bridge!  The Connecticut Department of Transportation has released two videos going in depth into why the construction is necessary, and want drivers can expect throughout the construction process.

You can view the video on the purpose and need here.

You can view the video on what drivers can expect here.

The construction plan is a long process, but it is necessary to keep all who use the bridge safe. I hope you will take a look at these short videos for some great information!

Last week, I testified before the Government Administration and Elections Committee on HB 5530, An Act Concerning a Study of Absentee Ballot Access in Unconsolidated Cities and Boroughs Within a Town

Currently when you visit the Secretary of the State's website and select "Groton," you receive a ballot for the town election, but not the city ballot - you must request that directly from the City Clerk.

I asked the committee to approve the study, which would not impact the current absentee ballot application processes we have, but would study how we could give residents access to all the information they need on one website.

This is an issue that impacts many of us in Groton, and I hope you will watch my testimony explaining this bill and taking questions here or below!

I was thrilled to see the Community Investment Fund approve $500,000 for New London last week for the following projects:

• $250,000 for Mitchell College. Mitchell College will plan for a Living-Learning Ecosystem designed to serve individuals aged 23 and older with diverse abilities, including neurodivergent adults, individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, through an innovative residential community that integrates independent living with lifelong learning. The Pathway Lab will serve as a corporate and organizational training hub connecting residents to career placement opportunities.
• $250,000 for the New London Public Market Corporation. The planning project will include a feasibility study of a proposed site and architectural and engineering concept plans with cost estimates for the public market buildout. The project will also include a community engagement analysis to identify essential target population and other users based on existing community conditions and a proposed plan for how the market can best engage the target population

I had a blast marching in New London's St. Patrick's Day Parade this year. It was great to see so many residents out and celebrating the holiday!

I was also glad to have the chance to meet with fellow local leaders of the 20th State Senatorial District for an important discussion on the area's issues with US Senator Chris Murphy! It's critical to use these opportunities to talk to our leaders about the issues that matter most in our community!

This week I joined my colleagues to support a new plan that strengthens the Education Cost Sharing program, the state's leading grant to local school districts. The plan redirects between $100-$170 million from our state's surpluses to flow back to cities and towns for education funding. 

This proposal would prevent cities and towns from having to increase property taxes to cover the rising cost of education. It is our responsibility to make sure all children in Connecticut receive a proper education and learning environment, and this proposal goes a long way toward achieving that goal.