Updates from State Rep. Nick Gauthier for May 27, 2026

May 27, 2026

Thank you to the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut for hosting this important forum at the Waterford Public Library.

The following is a summary of what was discussed:

Universal School Meals

Connecticut only needs to look to Massachusetts to see that a sustainable funding model for free school breakfast and lunch exists.

They fund universal school meals — breakfast and lunch — through a 4% surtax on incomes after $1 million a year. That's very obviously sustainable, but I think that's also completely fair when you have people in that wealth and tax bracket getting their taxes cut by over $1 trillion at the federal level.

If the federal government is going to give tax breaks to the already ultra-rich and wealthy, then it is our responsibility as the state to make up for that funding loss and to fund excellent things like universal school meals and an afternoon snack.

Looking Forward

The panelists also spoke about the need to expand access to transportation, utilities and low-cost energy infrastructure and boost funding for education.

I said that, next legislative session, the state must decide where the tax burden is going to lie.

Are we going to continue to put it very unfairly on regressive local property taxes, or are we going to make sure that those at the very top are paying their fair share so that the rest of us can have well-funded public schools and municipal services?

Please click on the video below to watch the forum in full.

Memorial Day Reflections

It is always meaningful reflecting while attending Waterford's Memorial Day Ceremony, but especially so this year at the Veterans Memorial Green. This year's ceremony focused on those who served, and died, during the Vietnam Era with the unveiling of a new, community organized memorial plaque. Thank you to Rich Messina and Walter Whitesides for leading this effort for our community.

My dad's service is also commemorated at the Waterford Veterans Green.

It was equally an honor to join the entire Montville delegation last week in honoring the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country and reflecting on the sacrifices made by so many for our freedoms.

Funding for Camp Oakdale Complex

I am proud to announce that the town of Montville is expected to receive $1.15 million in funding to modernize and expand Camp Oakdale.

The 109-acre recreation complex serves as a hub for outdoor activities, sports and events, and I'm thrilled the town is expected to receive funding to update this local gem.

The State Bond Commission is expected to approve the funding at its meeting on Friday. Thank you to Gov. Lamont for approving these funds.

Safe Futures Citizen of the Year

I was proud to recently join fellow state Rep. Nick Menapace, Sen. Kathy Osten and Waterford First Selectman Rob Brule in celebrating Kathie Verano of Safe Futures as the organization's 75th Citizen of the Year at Foxwoods Resort Casino.

It was a heartfelt evening that brought together nonprofit leaders, community advocates, and Chamber members to honor Kathie’s lasting impact across Eastern Connecticut.

For more than three decades, Kathie has been a champion for uplifting survivors—and their pets—through domestic violence, sexual assault, and abuse. Her work has helped strengthen the systems and partnerships that promote safety, dignity, and opportunity throughout our region.

Congratulations, Kathie!

CCADV First 100 Class

I couldn't be more honored than to be recently recognized as a member of the "First 100" class of 2026 by CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Thank you to Safe Futures for your nomination for this recognition!

It was especially meaningful to join with friends, Waterford RTM member, JoAnna Bennett, Waterford Officer, Eric Fredricks (and Hodges), and New London Youth Affairs.

It is always important to learn more about the real harm victims of domestic violence are facing and escaping, and what survivors are endeavoring and often struggling to heal from while still having to balance remaining strong to protect others in their lives.

While there is so much more to be done – from reforming our legal process to support victims, rather than to re-traumatize, and ensuring safety in housing, childcare, and more – it is also important to recognize the real successes in improving our laws and in providing help, safety, and support that the members of the CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Safe Futures provide.

Lamont Signs Priority Labor Bill

I was proud to stand in solidarity with my labor brothers and sisters when Gov. Ned Lamont signed one of the most significant advancements of workers' rights in recent memory!

House Bill 5003 ensures FAIRNESS IN OUR PAYCHECKS:
Establishes a minimum wage for cannabis workers.
Requires wage transparency in job postings, so workers know their value before they even walk in the door.

This bill ensures SECURITY IN THE WORKPLACE:
Protects jobs by requiring new contractors to retain existing service workers for at least 90 days.
Expands workers' compensation to include "portal-to-portal" coverage for our public works employees
Provides enhanced benefits for educators and healthcare workers who are assaulted on the job.

And this bill HONORS THOSE WHO SERVE our communities:
Waives tuition at CT State and CSCU for our police, firefighters, and EMS personnel.
Ensures that the families of Correction Officers and Investigators killed in the line of duty receive the benefits they deserve through the Fallen Hero Fund.

Waterford Summer Concert Series

The Waterford summer concert series will run Wednesdays starting at 6 p.m. at Waterford Beach Park, 305 Neck Road. It will run from June 17 to Aug. 12.

Montville Food Truck Festival

Montville will hold a Food Truck Festival on June 6 from noon to 8 p.m. at the Camp Oakdale Athletic Complex at 176 Meetinghouse Lane in Oakdale; on June 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., it will hold a community tag sale at 836 Old Colchester Road. Call 860-848-6780 for more information.

Camp Harkness Community Day

The Community Day at Camp Harkness, 301 Great Neck Road, Waterford, (hosted by the CT Department of Developmental Services) will be held on Saturday, June 13. This free event runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and celebrates the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) community with music, activities, and access to the beach.

Montville Community Tag Sale

The annual Community Tag Sale will be held on Saturday, June 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Fair Oaks Community Center, 836 Old Colchester Road.

Montville Carnival

The Montville Carnival will be held June 19-21 at Fair Oaks Community Center, 836 Old Colchester Road. A fireworks display will take place on on Saturday night.

If you have any comments, questions or concerns, please feel free to contact my office at 860-240-8727 or by email at Nick.Gauthier@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.

Sincerely,