Introduction, Special Ed Funding, and more

March 7, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
My name is Dan Gaiewski, and it is an honor to be your newly-elected state representative, representing the great towns of Groton and New London. Thank you for the faith you have put in me to represent you at our State Capitol.
I also want to give a big thank you to our former State Representative Christine Conley for her eight years of distinguished service representing our district. I wish her a warm congratulations on being appointed by the governor and confirmed unanimously by the legislature to serve as a judge on the Workers Compensation Commission.

This session, I will be serving on the Banking, Commerce, and Veterans' and Military Affairs Committees!

I will use my time serving on the Groton Town Council and as an employee at the Connecticut General Assembly to fight every day for our community, and I look forward to keeping you updated.

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about special education funding coming to our schools, an early childhood care and education fund, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Funding Approved for Special Education
I am thrilled to announce that a deal was reached with the governor and our state will soon be sending $40 million to more than 140 school districts in our state for special education!

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.
 
Early Childhood Care and Education Fund
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.
 
Celebrating "Community Speaks Out"
I was proud to join my colleagues and Joe and Tammy de la Cruz at an open house to kick off fundraising for the new Community Speaks Out facility.

This great organization, which provides treatment and support for people and their families affected by addiction, will provide a kitchen, a large office space, wellness classes, an outdoor zen garden, and so much more at their new facility, and I can't wait to see the final result!

A ribbon cutting and "Bridge to Recovery 5K walk/run" will take place at North Street on May 31 at 10am - I hope you'll check it out!
 
Next Week's Public Hearings
There are 15 public hearings scheduled next week. Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:
 
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.

 
 
Sincerely,

Dan Gaiewski
State Representative
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