Mary Welander

The state is offering help for anyone who needs help with student loan payments. Please read below to learn more about the reimbursement program and how to qualify.

A growing debate is forming over whether smartphones belong in our classrooms. Keep scrolling to read my recent op-ed as I weigh both sides of the issue.

There are serious concerns over school bus safety after multiple drivers put our children at risk by passing a bus with its red lights flashing. I'll let you know how Derby is taking swift action to protect our kids.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

• Student Loan Help Available
• Should Smartphones Be Banned In Schools?
• School Bus Safety Concerns
• Meet Me In Person This Weekend
• Changes to SNAP Benefits
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Child Care Providers
• Derby Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Hamden
• Orange Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 

Student Loan Help Available

Connecticut residents who made student loan payments last year can apply for assistance now. The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new round of grants to provide financial relief to eligible residents across the state.    Applicants may quality for reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $20,000 over four years. Each year, the program opens a new grant cycle to reimburse student loan payments made during the previous calendar year.

Eligible applicants must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut and must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years. Read the graphic below to view the eligibility requirements.

By helping offset student loan payments, the program eases financial pressure and allows participants to focus on long-term stability and opportunity. Just as importantly, this initiative plays a key role in retaining home-grown talent here in Connecticut.  You must submit an application online through the CT Scholars portal along with the required documentation. CLICK HERE for step-by-step instructions.  If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact the Connecticut Office of Higher Education at OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.  Applications will be reviewed on a first come first serve basis through December 2026 or until funds are exhausted.

Should Smartphones Be Banned In Schools?

Have you seen my recent op-ed in the Milford-Orange Times on whether smartphones should be banned in schools? As a member of the Education Committee, I am speaking with my colleagues about a proposal to remove phones from our classrooms. On one hand, this would be a good policy to support since cellphone usage in young children and teens can have devastating effects. On the other, as a mom, I want to be able to contact my children in the case of an emergency. I dig much deeper into this issue in my op-ed. CLICK HERE to read it and send me your thoughts on this proposed legislation at mary.welander@cga.ct.gov.

School Bus Safety Concerns

The Derby community is raising serious safety concerns after at least two troubling traffic incidents involving school buses. In one alarming case, video shows a white vehicle illegally passing a stopped school bus on the passenger side while its red signal lights were flashing. In response, the Derby School Board of Education voted unanimously to install cameras on school buses. CLICK HERE to learn more and why implementing the technology may not be pricey. Derby is not the only community dealing with this issue. New Haven recently reported nearly 950 violations since launching its school bus camera program on January 30, averaging 125 to 150 infractions every day. These numbers underscore just how widespread and serious the problem has become.

Drivers in Derby breaking school bus safety laws.

As a reminder, Connecticut law requires all drivers to stop when a school bus displays its flashing red signal lights. A first offense carries a $450 fine, while repeat violations can result in fines ranging from $500 - $1,000, up to 30 days in jail, or both.  Student safety is non-negotiable, and measures like bus-mounted cameras are an important step toward accountability and protecting children across our communities.

Meet Me In Person This Weekend

Please join me this weekend for an in-person conversation where your voice truly matters. This is an opportunity to ask questions, share feedback, and raise the issues and concerns most important to you. I will join my colleagues in the Hamden delegation for a town hall focused on our legislative priorities on Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at Thornton Wilder Hall (2901 Dixwell Avenue).

In addition, I plan to host more targeted conversations with constituents, including organized groups across the 114th District, in the weeks and months ahead. If you’re interested in scheduling a discussion or bringing a group together, please don’t hesitate to email me. I look forward to continuing these important conversations and working together on behalf of our community.

Changes to SNAP Benefits

Connecticut passed new legislation requiring the state to spread out when it loads SNAP benefits throughout the month rather than concentrating them in the first few days. This change starts March 1 and will help reduce congestion at retailers and improve the overall client experience. You will find more information below.

Celebrating Black History Month

From local organizers to national trailblazers, Black history lives in every corner of Connecticut. This month, we reflect, learn, and honor the rich cultural heritage of our Black community members and recognize their lasting contributions.

You are invited to visit the Tuskegee Airmen exhibit in the Hamden Town Center lobby, featuring an amazing display honoring some of the most courageous men in our history. The exhibit is a thoughtful tribute to the men who broke barriers, served our country with honor, and changed history in the process.

Additionally, the Hamden Black History Committee and the Office of the Mayor will host a Black History Month Program on Friday, February 27 from 6 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. at Thornton Wilder Auditorium within Hamden Memorial Library.

Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Child Care Providers

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to support women entrepreneurs and child care businesses across Connecticut.

The Ignite Grant Program offers awards of up to $10,000 to help women-owned businesses grow and expand. Eligible businesses must have been operating for at least two years and report annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. Applications are open now through March 18. Click here for more details

WBDC is also offering funding through the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, providing grants of up to $25,000 for licensed and aspiring child care businesses. These grants support businesses at various stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. Applications are open through February 28. Learn more about this program here.

To help applicants navigate the process, WBDC is hosting free online information sessions that explain grant requirements and allow time for questions. Those interested can register for a live session here.

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, February 24 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring the food home.

You're invited to build a bee home and learn about the status and work being done to protect native bees in Connecticut. "The Plight of the Bumblebee" program will take place Friday, February 27 at 6:30 p.m. at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby. For more information or to register, call (203) 734-2513.

Derby Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.

Mother Language Day is celebrated to raise awareness about linguistic diversity, multilingualism, and endangered languages. There are more than 40 languages spoken by the Hamden community. In recognition of this day, Miller Memorial Library will offer the following events on Saturday, February 21: 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. children's stories in the Children's Department 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Read to Grow bookmobile outside the library 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. multilingual stories and songs in the Media area

More Hamden Events

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Test your skills at the Pickle Love Tournament this weekend at the Pickle Spot! There will be men's, women's, and mixed events on Saturday and Sunday. CLICK HERE to register for any of the tournaments!

You have an opportunity to learn how to play American Mah Jongg. This fun and social four-week course begins Friday, February 27 and runs through Friday, March 20 at Case Memorial Library. Due to high demand, participants will be selected via lottery. CLICK HERE to enter the lottery.

Orange Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

Massaro Community Farm invites you to a talk with Clan Mother Shoran Waupatuquay Piper, Tribal Head Leader of the Golden Hill Paugussett. The conversation will be held on Saturday, February 21 from 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. at the Woodbridge Library Meeting Room. The event is free but you are encouraged to make a $10 donation.

Woodbridge Stories Live is a warm, café-style gathering where Woodbridge residents come together to share true, personal stories that have shaped who they are. The evening features 5–10 minute stories shared live. No slides, no scripts, and no Q&A. Just real people sharing real moments that linger. The event kicks off at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27 at Center Café.

Woodbridge Community Calendar