| There are many issues that we need to address at the State Capitol. House Democrats recently unveiled our top priorities for 2025. Please read below to learn how we plan to tackle special education, housing, affordable childcare, and our environment.
I worked collaboratively on a new bill that would support retired police dogs. I'll break down why this proposal is important.
Calling all women-owned and child care businesses in Connecticut! You can apply now for grants to help your respective companies. Keep scrolling to learn if your business is eligible for up to $25,000 in funds.
The state released renderings of the proposed upgrades at the Derby-Shelton train station. Make sure to check out those images and other improvements!
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- 2025 Priority Bills
- Bill to Support Retired Police Dogs
- In the News
- Apply Now for Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- Upgrades Planned at Derby-Shelton Station
- Take Survey on Improvement Plan in Orange
- Hamden Dance Champions!
- Apply Now for the Derby Public Library Scholarship
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on: |
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| These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
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| Bill to Support Retired Police Dogs |
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| I co-introduced a bill to create a state fund to provide financial assistance for retired police dogs. This proposal is a small way to say thank you to the dogs, their partners, and their families for their service in keeping our communities safe.
The priority is medical care and any support services needed to ensure a comfortable life for these pups after their service. These police dogs are special. They and their partners are working or training for the majority of their waking moments. |
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| Bocci is part of the Connecticut State Capitol Police Department K-9 Unit. |
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| The overwhelming majority of police dogs continue to live with their handlers after retirement. After dedication like that, making sure their handlers do not have to worry about any vet costs that may come up is the least we can do.
The Public Safety and Security Committee is reviewing the bill and, hopefully, it will get a public hearing and eventual vote before the measure makes its way to the House floor. |
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Apply Now for Women-Owned
and Child Care Business Grants |
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| Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE. |
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| The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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| Upgrades Planned at Derby-Shelton Station |
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| We are starting to get an idea of what an upgraded Derby-Shelton train station will look like along the Waterbury Line. The Connecticut Department of Transportation says that crews plan to improve the station platform for enhanced accessibility, upgraded waiting areas, install real-time information displays, and much more.
These upgrades aim to provide safer, more comfortable passenger experiences while transforming the station into a vibrant community hub. |
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| Take Survey on Improvement Plan in Orange |
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The Town of Orange is asking its residents to take a survey to help plan for the community’s future. The survey tackles housing, economic development opportunities, commercial areas, transportation, green space, and more.
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The survey takes about five to 10 minutes to complete. The Plan of Conservation & Development team will take the results into account with any future plans.
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| Congratulations to the Hamden High School Dance Team for taking home some hardware at the Quinnipiac Dance Competition! The Dragons were named the Grand Champions, finishing first in Pom and first in Kick. Way to go! |
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| Apply Now for the Derby Public Library Scholarship |
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| Derby Public Library is accepting essay submissions for its 2025 annual scholarship prize of $1,000. The theme this year is the role of libraries in my life. The essay competition is open to all high school seniors living in Derby, who plan to pursue higher education.
High school seniors may submit entries through Friday, April 4. |
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| The Library Board of Directors will select a winner and present the scholarship at its board meeting in April. Organizers will also display the Scholarship Prize Plaque with the winner’s name in the Derby Public Library’s Young Adult Department. |
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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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| Join an unforgettable Super Bowl Party on Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Derby Elks Lodge at 73 Elizabeth Street. There will be delicious food, refreshing drinks, and exciting raffles. This event benefits the Derby Lodge Scholarship Program. |
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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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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the flyers and other upcoming events below. |
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| The all-volunteer Hamden Symphony Orchestra will play a variety of musical genres from disco to the bossa-nova that promise to get the audience moving. The “Grooves and Moves” show will take place on Friday at 7:30 p.m. at Hamden Memorial Town Hall.
No tickets are required in advance, but organizers will accept a suggested $10 donation at the door.
Special guests will include student vocalists from Hamden’s Sacred Heart Academy as well as dancers from the Yale University Swing Blues & Fusion, who will salute the Big Band era! |
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| Check out the event and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Capture your thoughts and memories in a junk journal by upcycling scrap paper, ephemera, and all kinds of recycled materials. The event will take place on Monday from 7 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room at Case Memorial Library. All materials will be provided, but you are encouraged to bring your own ephemera, scrap papers, and other materials. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| The Jewish Community Center (JCC) of Greater New Haven will cut the ribbon for the Jess Ciola Functional Training Suite on Sunday at 10 a.m. in the JCC Fitness Center.
Jess Ciola combined a deep knowledge of exercise science, a love of her clients, and more than a splash of charisma in everything she did. The JCC lost a friend and mentor when she tragically passed away last year.
The JCC is honoring Jess and her fitness goals with a new, state-of-the-art workout space, dedicated to and designed for personal training and small group coaching. |
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| You are invited to a Valentine’s Day cupcake and cookie decorating party at Amity Middle School-Bethany. The event will be held on Tuesday from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. All supplies are included. $20 per student. |
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