| The 2025 legislative session is underway, and I am as motivated as ever to support the 114th District at the Capitol! It's easier than ever to follow the action from home and get involved. Please read below for a list of resources to stay connected and participate in the democratic process.
Police are still looking for those responsible in connection with the horrible deaths of two dogs in Woodbridge. I'll let you know how of a reward animal rights activists are offering for information leading to an arrest.
Time is running out to register for medical insurance with Access Health CT. I'll provide a timeline on when you need to register in order to get covered.
Speaking of healthcare, Walmart is offering free check-ups on Saturday around the state. Keep scrolling to find the nearest store taking part this weekend.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Start of New Session & Legislative Resources
- Reward Increased to Find Dog Killer
- Opportunity to Register for Medical Insurance
- Free Check-Up at Walmart on Saturday
- Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program
- Derby Fire Department Promotions
- Fire Safety Poster Winners in Orange
- Hamden Christmas Tree Removal
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Start of New Session & Legislative Resources |
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| It was an honor and a privilege to take the oath of office at the State Capitol to begin my third term as the State Representative of the 114th District. As we kicked off the 2025 legislative session, I was beyond grateful to share that moment with my family. Opening Day at the Capitol symbolizes a renewed commitment to serving our community with dedication, integrity, and purpose. |
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| As the new Vice Chair of the Committee on Children and the Democratic leader of the Regulations Review Committee, I look forward to working collaboratively with my colleagues to address the challenges ahead and create meaningful progress for the people of Connecticut. We have plenty of work to do, and the Office of Legislative Research just released its report of important issues the General Assembly may face this year. |
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It's easier than ever to follow the action at the Capitol and get involved. There are several resources below you can utilize to stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
- The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language.
- You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
- You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress.
- Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
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| Reward Increased To Find Dog Killer |
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| Animal activists are increasing the reward for information leading to an arrest in the deaths of two dogs who were neglected. Desmond’s Army is offering $6,000 after two micro bullies were dumped on a street corner in Woodbridge on December 13. |
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| I urge anyone that might know what happened to please contact Woodbridge Regional Animal Control or Woodbridge Police Department. We want to get justice for these two innocent dogs that died in a way no animal should ever have to. |
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| Opportunity to Register for Medical Insurance |
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Time is running out for anyone looking for health or dental coverage with Access Health CT. If you enroll on or before Wednesday, January 15, coverage will begin February 1.
Access Health CT is the only place where local residents can get financial help to pay for their health insurance. Nearly 90% of customers received financial assistance last year. Some customers might qualify for the Covered CT Program. This program provides no-cost coverage for eligible residents.
There are 22 Qualified Health Plans to choose from. Plans are available from Anthem, ConnectiCare Benefits Inc., and ConnectiCare Insurance Company, Inc. |
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Visit AccessHealthCT.com if you need help finding the right plan. A customer service representative will answer your questions if you click on the “Live Chat” button. Live chat is available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 6:45 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. - 2:45 p.m. Live chat is available from 8:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on January 15.
You can also call Access Health CT at 1-855-805-4325, Monday through Saturday. Help is available in over 100 languages. The call center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to midnight on January 15. If you are deaf or hearing impaired, you may use TTY at 1-855-789-2428 or call a relay operator. |
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| Free Check-Up at Walmart on Saturday |
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The community is invited to get a free check-up on Walmart Wellness Day, which will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the following locations:
- 1365 Boston Post Road in Milford
- 465 Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton
- 515 Saw Mill Road in West Haven
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| The event provides free health screenings, free and low-cost immunizations, and the opportunity to talk with a local Walmart pharmacist. Insurance is not required to receive a COVID-19 vaccination, which is free. Other vaccines are covered under most major insurance plans. |
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| Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program |
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| This is a reminder that you can apply for the state’s new Student Loan Reimbursement Program now. Eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years and will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. |
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The requirements are the following:
- Must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut with a bachelor’s or associate degree
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
- Must have an income below $125,000 if filing single in 2023
- Must have an income below $175,000 if filing married in 2023
- Must have made payments towards student loans
- Must have 50 hours of volunteering time after January 1, 2024
This is an opportunity to support the people of Connecticut and to spur economic growth across our state. |
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| Derby Fire Department Promotions |
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| Congratulations to all the members of the Derby Fire Department who received a much warranted promotion! Thomas Biggs, a member of the Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 is now the chief of the department. Louis Oliwa from the Derby East End Hose Company 3 was promoted to first assistant chief.
Do you want to join the team? CLICK HERE If you’re interested in giving back to the community with the Derby Fire Department. |
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| Fire Safety Poster Winners in Orange |
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Deputy Fire Marshal Tim Borer, Emma Weng, Lainey Kidder, Racebook Principal Kathy McNeil
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| The Town of Orange Fire Marshal’s Office unveiled the winning fire prevention contest posters, which will represent our community in a statewide contest. Congratulations to Lainey Kidder and Emma Weng of Racebook School! Their posters showed creativity and how much they learned about fire safety.
Good luck in the next step of the competition! |
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| Special thanks to the school teachers and administrators for supporting this important program. A huge thank you to Deputy Fire Marshal Tim Borer for organizing and delivering the program to the students! |
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| Hamden Christmas Tree Removal |
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| Hamden residents can begin discarding their Christmas trees. Hamden Public Works is offering begin curbside pick-up as long as your tree is free of all wrappings, lights, and decorations. Pick-up will be town-wide. Artificial trees are not included in this pickup. |
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| Residents may take their discarded trees, both real and artificial, to the Hamden Transfer Station located at 231 Wintergreen Avenue. Regularly scheduled hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., as well as the first Saturday of each month from 8:00 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.
For any questions or further information, please contact Hamden Public Works at (203) 287-2600. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Derby Neck Library is hosting an event celebrating a cosmetic history of the 20th century on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Vintage cosmetics collector Kate Hellman will discuss the trends, innovations, and famous faces that defined the world of makeup, hair, and skincare for a hundred years. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The Orange Congregational Church is hosting its next concert on Sunday at 4 p.m. Bryan Campbell will play the organ and share his talents as part of the Music on the Green series. Tickets are $10 at the door. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| Stop by the Woodbridge Town Library Friends Meeting Room to learn about energy audits on Saturday at 3:00 p.m. |
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