Mary Welander

There is so much work to get to as we start a new legislative session in Hartford. I will share how the legislation we approved this week will make a lasting impact.

Farmers were concerned about the potential of significant tax hikes on their land. I'll break down how the state stepped in to provide meaningful relief.

I invite you to join me at one or both of my in-person events this month. Please keep scrolling to see when and where I'll be speaking directly with constituents.

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

• Start of 2026 Legislative Session
• Brutal Cold Continues
• Meet Me In Person This Month
• Farmland Tax Adjustment
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Child Care Providers
• Woodbridge Police Win Friendly Race!
• Derby Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Hamden
• Orange Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 

Start of 2026 Legislative Session

It was an honor to join my colleagues on Wednesday at the State Capitol as we officially began a new legislative session. There was a strong sense of camaraderie as we came together with a shared commitment to passing meaningful legislation that strengthens Connecticut and supports our communities. We will work diligently to turn those priorities into action over the coming months.

On Opening Day, the Hamden delegation took a moment to welcome the town's new mayor Adam Sendroff to the House Chamber. Mayor Sendroff has hit the ground running since since taking office on November 30, 2025.

Governor Ned Lamont then delivered his State of the State Address on Wednesday, highlighting Connecticut's continued fiscal responsibility, including progress in paying down long-term pension debt and maintaining a strong financial foundation.

During the speech , the governor outlined his budget proposal, but it’s important to remember that the legislature also gets a turn to craft its own.

On Thursday, I joined the General Assembly in approving legislation to continue using the Emergency State Response Reserve through the end of the 2027 fiscal year. We passed the bipartisan $500 million fund, created during a special session, to help offset federal cuts to vital services that protect our most vulnerable residents. Having access to these funds allows the state to respond to any further unexpected federal changes in a timely manner. So far, the state has allocated more than $185 million to backfill unexpected cuts from Washington. As the session gets underway, I remain focused on protecting essential services, strengthening our economy, and delivering results that make a real difference for families across our district and the state. If you would like to share any of your concerns as we begin our session-long debate around our priorities, please join me at my coffee hour (more information below) or send me an email any time.

Brutal Cold Continues

Warming centers will remain open as this unbearable stretch of dangerously frigid weather continues across Connecticut. The state is extending the Severe Cold Weather Protocol until noon on Tuesday, February 10. It has been in effect since January 23, marking the longest activation of this protocol since 2015.  Speaking of warming centers, Hamden’s overnight facility is permanently moving to Breakthrough Church (481 Shelton Avenue). It will be open seven days a week from 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. through March 29. Those hours may get extended during stretches of brutal cold. CLICK HERE to learn more. If you need a warm place to stay, visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

With the Severe Cold Weather Protocol extended once again, it’s especially important to remember that our pets feel the cold just as much as we do. In Connecticut, it is illegal to leave a dog outside while tethered for more than 15 minutes, and for good reason: prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can be dangerous and even life-threatening. Here are a few simple ways to keep your pets safe and healthy during this extreme cold: Bring pets indoors especially overnight and during extreme cold snaps Limit time outside for walks and bathroom breaks Dry paws and bellies after going outside to prevent frostbite and irritation from salt and ice melt Provide warm bedding away from drafts if pets are inside

Our furry friends depend on us to keep them safe. A few extra precautions during this cold stretch can make a big difference in their comfort and health. If you see an animal left outside in dangerous conditions, please report it to your local animal control office. Stay warm and keep your pets warm too!

Meet Me In Person This Month

I invite you to stop by and share your priorities at either of my in-person events being held this month. Please join me for a coffee and conversation on Tuesday, February 10 at 7 p.m. at the Valley Diner in Derby. This is a great chance to connect, provide feedback, and talk about the issues that matter most to you for the 2026 legislative session.

If you can't make that event, please consider joining me at a town hall with the Hamden delegation on Saturday, February 21 from 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. at Thornton Wilder Hall (2901 Dixwell Avenue). Your perspective is invaluable and helps shape the decisions I make at the Capitol. I hope you’ll stop by and participate in the conversation. I look forward to spending time with you!

Farmland Tax Adjustment

The 114 District is home to more than a dozen farms, and they have been understandably concerned about sharp increases in property tax assessments on their land and open spaces. The sudden sticker shock came from a recent update to land valuations by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, based on a formula established under Public Act 490. In response to mounting pressure from farmers across the state, Governor Ned Lamont took swift action to prevent dramatic tax hikes on farmland, forests, and open space. The state will reinstate the recommended land use values from 2020, providing immediate relief and stability.

Originally passed in 1963, Public Act 490 was designed to assess farmland and open space based on how the properties were used, not its development potential. Land values vary depending on whether the property is used for crops, livestock, forest, or wetlands. The governor has also directed the state to convene a working group to improve data collection, ensuring tax policies support farmers who preserve our open spaces.  Stabilizing farmland taxes doesn’t just help farmers. It strengthens the entire local food system and the community organizations that depend on it.

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 to our society. 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.

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.

Woodbridge Police Win Friendly Race!

The Woodbridge Police Department was proud to participate in the annual Cub Scout Pack 902 Pinewood Derby Race. It's a beloved tradition where Scouts design, build, and race their own wooden cars. Our local police and fire departments joined in on the fun, showing their support for the Scouts and the community. In a friendly first-ever FD vs. PD showdown, the Woodbridge Police claimed the trophy! It was a great day of creativity, teamwork, and community connection, and a wonderful way to cheer on our Scouts.

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Derby Neck Library is launching its new STEM Saturdays series with a fun, hands-on event on Saturday, February 7, from 2–4 p.m. Enjoy snacks, prizes, and a boat-building challenge to see how much weight your design can hold. Make sure to stop by before or after for a Moana Tales and Tunes performance!

Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, February 10 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.

Join a dietitian for a cooking class, where kids ages 9-17 will cook a few dishes that are enjoyed in different parts of the world! The free event will be held Tuesday, February 10 at 4 p.m. at Derby Public Library. Register here.

Derby Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Hamden

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

Miller Memorial Library will celebrate the 15th annual Take Your Child to the Library Day with crafts, raffles, and giveaways. Activities will be held while supplies last from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 7.

More Hamden Events

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

You're invited to play in a Valentine's Day themed pickleball tournament! It's taking place on Friday, February 13 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Pickle SPOT (401 Boston Post Road). It costs $30 Members and $34 for everyone else. Register here.

High school students can earn community service hours at Case Memorial Library's high school volunteer club on Saturday, February 14 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Volunteers can work on special projects or train to become a volunteer shelf reader. Reserve your spot here.

Orange Youth Services invites students in Grades 3–5 to join a fun Kids Painting Class to explore their imagination and create their own masterpiece! The event will be held on Tuesday, February 17 from 1:30 – 3:00 p.m. at High Plains Community Center. CLICK HERE to register.

Orange Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

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

Woodbridge Town Library is hosting a workshop dedicated to all forms of love poetry. Explore different kinds of love poems from the classic to contemporary, take some time to write your own love poem, and have the option to share what you’ve written with the group. The event will be held on Saturday, February 7 from 2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. CLICK HERE to sign up!

Think you and your partner know each other best? Test your knowledge at New England Brewing Company's annual Newlywed Game on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30 p.m. in the Barrel Room. CLICK HERE to try your luck!

Woodbridge Community Calendar