It is an honor to serve as your state representative as we officially began a new legislative session at the start of February. 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. As an Assistant Majority Leader, I will work diligently to turn many priorities into action over the coming months.
| We have a lot to get to in this email including the future of Waterbury Hospital, upcoming road work on I-84, resources to help those with student loan debt, and a new tribute to an incredible military unit known as the Borinqueneers. Please read below to learn more. |
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| Sunday marked a transformational moment for our city's history as UConn Health closed the deal on buying Waterbury Hospital. When the facility's future was uncertain, we stepped up and secured the bonded funding necessary to make this transition possible. Now, with UConn Health taking over, our community will benefit from stability, world class care, and a stronger health care system for generations to come. |
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This was about protecting jobs, preserving access to gold star quality healthcare, and ensuring our district and city wasn’t left behind. I am proud to have led the effort on the House floor with Rep. Maria Horn and the Waterbury State Delegation to get this done.
Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont, House Speaker Matt Ritter, and House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, for their assistance in making this happen for Waterbury. |
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Drivers can expect nighttime delays as crews repair a sound barrier on I-84 West in Waterbury between Exit 25A and 25. The work will begin tonight, Monday, March 2 and should be completed on Wednesday, March 4. The right lane is slated to be closed on I-84 at Exit 25A from 8 p.m. – 5 a.m.
Drivers are urged to slow down in the work zone. |
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| Student Loan Help Available |
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If you made student loan payments last year, you are encouraged to apply now for financial assistance through the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program. A new round of grants is now open to help eligible Connecticut residents reduce the cost of student loan repayment.
Qualified applicants may receive 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. |
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By helping offset student loan costs, this program eases financial pressure on individuals and families, supports long-term financial stability, and helps residents put down roots. Just as importantly, it plays a key role in retaining talented, homegrown professionals here in Connecticut, including right here in Simsbury.
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars Portal, along with required documentation. CLICK HERE for step-by-step application instructions.
For questions or assistance, please contact the Connecticut Office of Higher Education at OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis through December 2026, or until available funds are exhausted. |
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| License Plate Honors the Borinqueneers |
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The state unveiled a new specialty license plate honoring the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of the Borinqueneers, the nickname of the 65th Infantry Regiment of the United States Army.
Plate fees start at $60. A portion of the proceeds will directly support the Hispanic-American Veterans of Connecticut, Inc. with their efforts in providing bilingual services and assistance to Connecticut veterans and members of the armed forces. |
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For more information or to obtain this commemorative plate, CLICK HERE, then scroll down to "Military and Veteran Style Plates" and click on "65th Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army (Borinqueneers) Plate."
The Borinqueneers were a trailblazing military unit comprised primarily of Puerto Rican soldiers who served with distinction in World War I, World War II, and the Korean War. Despite facing segregation, discrimination, and language barriers, they earned a reputation for bravery, discipline, and devotion to duty. The unit was recognized in 2014 for their pioneering military service with the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the U.S. Congress. |
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