Strengthening Pension Funds & Delays on Route 34 in Derby

December 6, 2024


Connecticut is making progress on underfunded state employee pension funds. Keep scrolling to learn how the state is making significant strides.

The open burn ban in the 114th District is cancelled after recent precipitation, but we must all continue to use extreme caution. You will find fire prevention tips below.

Drivers should give themselves extra time if their commute takes them through Route 34 in Derby. I'll let you know how long to expect delays as crews pave the road there.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Strengthening Pension Funds
  • DEEP Lifts Statewide Burn Ban
  • Expect Delays on Route 34 in Derby
  • Safety Improvements Coming To Orange & Hamden 
  • Fred Wolfe Park Master Plan Input Survey
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 
Strengthening Pension Funds
Thanks to sound fiscal policies, Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt.

The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades.
The majority of our debt as a state came from decades of underfunding our retirement programs for teachers and state employees. With 13 straight years of the legislature making full payments into these systems, as well as policies we adopted in 2017 that use surpluses to pay down debt, we’ve managed to pay off $8.6 billion of debt early, which saves taxpayers $730 million annually. That pay down is estimated to save around $18 BILLION in tax dollars in the future, creating a stronger, more secure Connecticut for our children and grandchildren. 

Connecticut residents are directly benefiting from this sound fiscal management.
Click here to read CT Mirror's article
 
DEEP Lifts Statewide Burn Ban
The statewide burn ban is over for Connecticut’s State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Recent rain has helped tremendously with drought conditions and lowered the forest fire danger level.
Despite the news, please keep in mind that you are urged to consult with your municipality for guidance on burning as conditions evolve. Preventing outdoor fires isn’t only about personal safety—it’s about protecting our neighbors, our communities, and the first responders risking their lives to keep us safe.

CLICK HERE to learn more including forest fire prevention tips.
 
Expect Delays on Route 34 in Derby
You can expect delays for paving on Route 34 (Main Street) from Route 8 to the Derby Shelton Bridge through Monday, December 9. There will be temporary lane closures from Sunday at 7 P.M. until Monday at 5 A.M.

Please pay attention to signage and follow detours where applicable. Crews will guide drivers through the work zone. Thank you for your patience!
 
Safety Improvements Coming To Orange & Hamden

You are invited to learn about the work that will be done to improve four intersections in Orange and nine in Hamden. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will host a virtual public information meeting on Thursday, December 19, at 6 P.M.

The $4.33 million statewide construction project will replace:

  • existing stop signs
  • stop bars
  • approximately 50 feet of double yellow pavement marking

Crews will also introduce oversized stop signs, stop ahead signs, and intersection ahead warning signs with the goal of improving safety by avoiding future crashes. The CTDOT expects construction to begin in spring 2026.
Below you will find the list of intersections that will be improved in Orange:
  • Old Tavern Rd. at Peck Ln.
  • Lambert Rd. at Old Tavern Rd.
  • Prindle Hill Rd. at Edison Rd.
  • Old Grassy Hill Rd. at Ridge Rd.
Here is the list in Hamden:
  • Circular Ave. at Cherry Hill Rd.
  • Circular Ave. at Pearl Ave./Beacon St.
  • Benham St. Vantage Rd.
  • Whitney Ave. at Eli Rd.
  • Shepard Ave. at 4 Rod Rd.
  • Jones Rd. at Fairview Ave.
  • Warren St. at 4th St.
  • Morse St. at Winchester Ave.
  • Ridge Rd. at Haverford St./High Meadow Rd.
 
Fred Wolfe Park Master Plan Input Survey
The Town of Orange is asking for your input in the master plans for the Fred Wolfe Park expansion project. Please take the survey and thank you to everyone who has already done so!
 
Take survey here!
I am very grateful to the Orange Park and Recreation Commission and the Fred Wolfe Park Committee for all the work they have done and their efforts to engage the public in this process.
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below.
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events Calendar
Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below.
You're invited to decorate a gingerbread house on Saturday from 1 P.M. - 4 P.M. at the Woodbridge Town Library.
The JCC of Greater New Haven invites you to learn about connection between Judaism and Thanksgiving on Tuesday. Bring your lunch and questions to learn about this Jewish influence in a discussion led by the very knowledgeable, warm, and patient Chanie Wilhelm.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, consider bringing non-perishable food items to be donated to the JFS Food Pantry. CLICK HERE to register for free.
The Amity Creative Theater presents “The Minutes” next Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 P.M. This comedy about small-town politics turns from hilarious to chilling as petty policy matters give way to the truth roiling just beneath the surface of the town’s historical mythology. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.
Woodbridge Community Calendar