Mary Welander

Hundreds testified on a bill that would place more oversight on homeschooling. We heard from education experts, passionate parents, and advocates for about 19 hours. Please read below to learn how this bill will make a difference.

A proposal to keep funding microtransit services is one step closer to becoming law. I'll break down how that measure supports commuters, especially in Derby. 

The state is investing in three major projects affecting the 114th District. Keep scrolling to see how critical state funding is helping improve our communities!

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

• Addressing Homeschooling
• Proposals to Support Commuters
• State Funding for Derby & Hamden
• $50,000 Awarded To Woodbridge Farm
• Speaking to the Business Community
• Mentoring Future Female Leaders
• Celebrating Women's History Month
• Apply Now For Derby Scholarship
• Derby Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Hamden
• Orange Events Calendar
• Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 

Addressing Homeschooling

The Education Committee met on Wednesday to discuss, vote on, and advance many important proposals, including the bill addressing homeschooling in the state. I have been working diligently on this issue since last May, engaging in thoughtful conversations that helped shape the current proposal. We created a working group that met several times with advocates and a separate series of meetings with just legislators – both bipartisan efforts. While those discussions were not as fruitful as we had hoped, they did lead to the inclusion of important elements, such as curricular flexibility for families.   There has been a great deal of confusion and misinformation surrounding this proposal, and I want to take a moment to clarify a few important points.

Connecticut is the least regulated state in the country for homeschooling, referred to in statute as “equivalent instruction,”  with only the suggestion that a parent or guardian fill out a withdrawal form when exiting their child from public school.   Beyond that, there are zero regulations to curriculum, teaching methods, assessments, or graduation. While there is a general expectation that children are exposed to similar subject matter as in public schools, there is no mechanism to ensure that this is actually happening.   There is nothing that requires that the homeschooled child ever be seen again by any educational or state authority. Most other states have regulations in place, ranging from basic reporting requirements to more structured oversight. Some states even require approved curriculum programs and regular assessments on progress reports throughout the year.

We have been engaging homeschooling families and advocates from across the state to ensure a broad range of perspectives. We recognize that the vast majority of families are providing their children with a strong education at home. However, we also must acknowledge that some adults are purposefully using our lack of rules and enforcement to hide neglect and abuse.   As a legislator committed to the wellbeing of all children, I believe we have a responsibility to address those gaps. House Bill 5468 is intended to work in partnership with the work starting in House Bill 5004 from the Children’s Committee, focusing on strengthening transparency in the Department of Children and Families.   You can listen to my remarks during the committee meeting below. They provide additional detail on the intent and scope of the legislation.

Explaining my support for the homeschooling bill

I recognize that this is a sensitive, nuanced subject. While the bill did move out of committee, we are committed to continuing to address the concerns and questions raised before it moves to the House floor.

Proposal to Support Commuters

This week, legislation that could support commuters, especially those who have limited ways to get around, moved closer to the House and Senate floor. Senate Bill 9 would provide funding for microtransit services across the state, including Valley Transit District (VTD), serving Derby, Ansonia, and Shelton. Advocates note that now is the time to act because current funding for the program is slated to run out on June 30. On Monday, the Transportation Committee advanced the measure with a 32-4 vote. The rest of the Connecticut General Assembly has an opportunity to weigh in on the bill if it gets called before the end of session.

VTD offers affordable, shared rides on a fleet of mini buses that operate on a reservation basis for about $2 per ride. Riders can request a shuttle using the VTD2GO app or by calling (203) 735-6408.  Service hours: Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Microtransit services like this help residents who may not have access to a car and rely on public transportation to reach work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. I will continue to monitor this legislation and provide updates as it moves through the legislative process.

State Funding for Derby & Hamden

I am pleased to share that Hamden and Derby have been awarded important state funding to support projects aimed to strengthen public safety, expand services for children, and promote economic growth. The money comes through the Community Investment Fund (CIF), which fosters economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community initiatives in historically underserved or distressed municipalities.

Hamden will invest $1.5 million to build a new fire station that will not only enhance emergency response times but also provide public safety education and workforce development programming for underserved residents. An additional $250,000 will support planning efforts at the Children’s Center of Hamden to evaluate capital improvements across the organization’s seven-building campus. The facility provides critical services to youth facing challenges such as behavior health concerns, family trauma, and substance abuse.

Derby will receive $250,000 to develop a comprehensive plan for the Fountain Lake Industrial Park. The project could eventually include as many as a dozen industrial lots and significantly expand the city's municipal tax base. This funding represents a meaningful step forward toward the continued revitalization by helping position the site for future investment, job creation, and economic growth.   I am grateful to the many state and local partners who worked together to secure these investments in our communities. The State Bond Commission is expected to approve the CIF funds in the near future.

$50,000 Awarded To Woodbridge Farm

I applaud the Connecticut Department of Agriculture for awarding $50,000 to Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge to support "Hands in the Soil," an immersive educational program that introduces children and young people to farming and food systems.

Programs like this play an important role in connecting young people with agriculture while fostering a deeper appreciation for the land and the food that sustains our communities. The funding comes through the 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Awards, which help strengthen our state's agricultural community. In total, the state awarded more than $500,000 to support 21 projects statewide.

Speaking to the Business Community

It was a pleasure to join Senator James Maroney to provide an update on our on-going legislative work with the Amity Chamber of Commerce. Approximately 30 attendees listened closely and offered valuable feedback during the Chamber's St. Patrick's Day buffet breakfast at Charter Senior Living of Woodbridge.

We appreciated the opportunity to exchange ideas, share updates, and connect with members of the business community, while also celebrating the luck of the Irish over a delicious and festive meal.

Courtesy: Steve Cooper and BLC

Mentoring Future Female Leaders

I was delighted to meet so many bright, motivated, and curious young women participating in the Ms President US civic leadership program at the Capitol. As a legislator, it was an honor to help mentor these students and talk about the importance of female involvement in public service, the responsibilities that come with leadership, and the opportunities it creates to make a difference.

Providing experiences like this, where participants can meet and learn from women serving in government, helps reinforce an important message: their voices matter. I hope this program inspires them to stay engaged in their communities, pursue leadership roles, and maybe even run for president one day!

Celebrating Women's History Month

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.

While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future. Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them. Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today.

Apply Now For Derby Scholarship

Want to win $1,000 that will go toward higher education? Derby Public Library is offering a scholarship to graduating high school seniors who live in Derby. They must submit an essay by Friday, April 3 explaining how libraries have made an impact on their life.

Submit your essay here!

The Library Board of Directors will select a winner and present the award in person on Wednesday, April 15. Good luck!

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Join local historians as they share their research on The Old Woodbury Path that connects Derby to a long, colorful history! The event will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 21 at Derby Public Library. CLICK HERE to register.

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

Children from kindergarten through fifth grade are welcome to participate in the Derby Youth Easter Egg Hunt. It will take place on Saturday, March 28 at 11:30 a.m. at Osbornedale State Park Upper Pavilion. Children should bring their own basket to collect the eggs. CLICK HERE to register!

Derby Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Hamden

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

The kids are welcome to participate in an Eggstravaganza celebration on Tuesday, March 31 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Keefe Center. There will be an egg hunt, snacks, crafts, and an opportunity to take pictures with the Easter bunny. No reservation needed.

More Hamden Events

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Do you want to learn how to make sourdough bread? Case Memorial Library is hosting a workshop covering the basics of what sourdough is, how it works, and what makes it special, while walking through the process from starter to finished loaf. The event will be held Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m.

The Orange Players present "The Alibis," a murder-mystery comedy featuring a clueless detective who finds the suspects are all reluctant to admit their alibis. The shows will take place on Friday, March 27 and Saturday, March 28 at the High Plains Community Center. Get your tickets here!

The Orange Recycling Committee is hosting a Paper Shredding & Recycling Event on Saturday, April 11 from 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at the High Plains Community Center. Residents can safely dispose of documents (limit 6 boxes), recycle mattresses, electronics, and textiles, and drop off select household items. Volunteers will assist with unloading, and the event is held rain or shine. Learn more here.

Orange Community Calendar

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

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

Amity Regional High School is presenting "My Fair Lady," beautiful musical about transformation, patronage, gender politics and class. The show will take place on March 19, 21, 26, 27, and 28 at The John J. Brady Center at Amity High School.

Get your tickets here

You're invited to join Woodbridge Town Library's Jigsaw Puzzle Competition on Saturday, March 21. CLICK HERE to register. Individuals and teams must check in between 9:45 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m. Organizers will award prizes to the first and second teams.

Do you have any questions about Massaro Community Farm's summer camp? The camp director and assistant director will provide a tour, break down any changes, and answer questions on Saturday, April 4 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Woodbridge Community Calendar