Legislative update 7.15.25

July 15, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

As you know, the heat is no joke. Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol is in effect from Today, July 15, through Friday, July 18.

Please stay safe and stay cool. Drink lots of water, avoid the sun when possible, and be sure to check on vulnerable neighbors. If you need assistance, call 211 for cooling center locations.

Investing in Our Children

I want to share the following Letter to the Editor that was published on July 9 by The Day:

At a time when federal leaders are threatening cuts to essential programs like child care and early education, I’m proud that here in Connecticut, we’re moving in the opposite direction: forward.

This year, we made one of the most significant state-level investments in child care in decades. The creation of the Universal Preschool Trust Fund will expand access to early childhood education and cap costs for families. That’s real relief for parents, and a real investment in our future.

Meanwhile, in Washington, we see proposals to slash early childhood programs, including Head Start, and other family support services, all so that billionaires and corporations can enjoy another round of tax breaks. Those choices don’t reflect our values. Raising a child shouldn’t push a family to the financial brink. Access to quality, affordable child care helps parents return to work, enables children to thrive, and ultimately strengthens our economy in the long run. Connecticut is showing what it means to govern with vision and compassion. Let’s keep going. We need to be building ladders for working families, and I am glad to see Connecticut is doing so while the federal government fails to.

We need to keep the momentum going. These programs are not entitlements. They are investments in people.

Things to Do in CT

There's plenty of things to do in our wonderful state during the summer (when temperatures allow). Here are some ideas if you hear the most feared words coming from your children: "I'm bored."

Around the 37th

Congratulations to East Lyme's newest Eagle Scout, Rowan Wilson, whose Court of Honor was last week. It's quite an achievement and I was honored to be there.

Last night (July 14) at the Montville Town Council meeting, I was able to honor two young leaders in town,. Josie English and Adam Sheriden. They are both graduating seniors, student athletes and co-presidents of the Montville Youth Action Council.

I wish them nothing but success in their future endeavors.

Little known fact about Santa Claus: For several months a year, he's a Salem resident. I, along with my dog Minerva, caught up with him enjoying some sand and tunes during the town's Christmas in July event last week!