The work continues.
I started Wednesday morning standing alongside mayors, superintendents, faith leaders, education advocates, and students calling for stronger investment in public education through an increased Education Cost Sharing formula. That hasn't happened since 2013.
Our schools deserve the resources to help every student succeed.
Later, we pushed back on the proposed Aquarion sale by Eversource, a deal that could mean higher costs for ratepayers with no oversight from PURA. That’s not a risk our residents should have to take.
Mayors also stood alongside Senate leadership in support of Senate Bill 7, a step toward bringing more education funding to districts like Danbury.
But the most powerful moment of the day? Hearing Danbury High School students speak up for the resources their classrooms and educators need. Proud of these young advocates. |
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From this CT Mirror article:
“Right now, the state’s ECS foundation claims that it costs $11,525 to educate one student. This amount is not based on current data and it does not reflect the real cost of educating a child in Connecticut today,” Danbury senior Zuzana Barnovsky told legislators at an Education Committee hearing Wednesday.
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“Our classrooms cannot wait another year. Our teachers cannot wait another year. And students like me should not have to graduate wondering why our education wasn’t worth the investment,” Barnovsky said.
A proud moment for the city and the state. |
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When we got started in public service back in 2016–2017, the now-Mayor led us with a phrase that set the tone: Always moving. Never stop.
That’s been our mission ever since — keep pushing, keep building, keep delivering for Danbury. And we’re just getting started! |
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| Celebrating D.R. Independence |
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Last week, Danbury was filled with the warmth, pride, and vibrant spirit of the Dominican Republic as we celebrated its 182nd Independence Day!
A heartfelt thank you to the Dominican Community Center for always making this celebration so meaningful and special for our city.
Congratulations to Samuel LaPaix, honored as Mayor for the Day for his tireless advocacy and leadership on behalf of Dominicans throughout greater Danbury. Well deserved!
Danbury is stronger, richer, and more vibrant because of our Dominican community, and they’re an essential part of the beautiful mosaic that makes our city so special.
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Honored to welcome Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz along with Connecticut Department of Transportation officials to announce the continuation of and additional LOTCIP state grant funding for our Downtown Revitalization Project.
For too long, Downtown Danbury has been used as an election year ploy with little effort made to truly revive it. This administration changed that. Mayor Roberto Alves, state Sen. Julie Kushner, our delegation, and I have worked to secure real funding that moves real projects forward.
Combined with over $100 million in public and private investment along Main Street, we’re seeing new energy and new opportunity take shape.
That’s economic development in action. And we’re just getting started. |
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| Let's Talk: Protecting from Wage Theft |
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This week's Let’s Talk: Protecting Workers from Wage Theft
This is very simple:
Work done.
Wage earned.
Paycheck received.
No excuses!
This week I testified on HB5275 to crack down on wage theft and protect Connecticut workers. If you swing the hammer, pour the concrete, wire the building, or frame the house, you deserve your paycheck. Thank you to Carpenters Local 326, labor leaders, and all unions fighting the good fight on this issue!
Have you experienced wage theft? Let’s hear it. |
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| Congratulations Lt. Joe Britton! |
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Congratulations to my friend, 1st Lieutenant (and City Councilman) Joe Britton, on graduating from the Judge Advocate General’s Legal Center and School as a certified Judge Advocate in the United States Army after completing an intensive five-month program.
Joe earned this achievement through discipline, grit, and a deep commitment to service. I’ve witnessed his growth in leadership from his very first campaign, to serving as a team together representing Danbury’s 4th Ward, and now to this incredible honor he is devoting himself to. Service to his country, his state, and his hometown isn’t just something Joe talks about, it’s engrained in who he is.
Joe, thank you for your service and for never forgetting where you came from. Danbury is proud. I’m proud. The future is limitless, and this is only the beginning. Welcome home. |
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Also, we are continuing to restore proper headwear across the city… one Hatter at a time. This pic features Lt. Britton AND 7th Ward City Councilman Lou Giordano, as the newest members to officially join the Hat Pack.
Hat City pride is strong and the brim game is getting stronger. Still taking new members who want to represent that true Hatter heritage.
Danbury crowns them all! |
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Buzzer beater. Championship secured.
Abbott Tech takes the CTC title in thrilling fashion last week!
Proud of the team and its coaches. Wolverines rise up! |
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Also huge congratulations to these Danbury wrestlers on bringing home Connecticut State Championships:
 Tate O. — 4× CT State Champion
Riley A. — 3× CT State Champion
Bryson G. — 3× CT State Champion
Carter B. — 2× CT State Champion
Noah O. — 2× CT State Champion
This doesn’t happen by accident, it’s years of sacrifice, discipline, and championship mentality. Shoutout to the coaches!
Proud to see these young athletes from The Refinery RTC representing Danbury and Hat City pride the right way. |
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Back at King Street Primary and Intermediate Thursday for Read Across America with some awesome first and fourth graders!
I had the chance to read two classics: "Horton Hears a Who" and "Duck for President."
Being back in these classrooms was a real walk down memory lane. These were the very first schools I attended when my family immigrated from Brazil. It was here that I learned English and discovered my love for books.
And it was especially meaningful to be in Mrs. Gleissner’s class, who was my second grade teacher! Moments like that remind you how much of an impact great educators have. I’ll always be grateful to the teachers who helped shape my journey. I owe them a whole lot. |
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I then had a great morning today at Park Avenue School reading with an incredible class of students who listened to the story so intently and then had some great questions about my job and my personal story.
Even more impressive, this class alone has seen a 97% improvement in reading and math this year alone. That’s what happens when you have amazing students and the best teachers in Danbury Public Schools. So proud of the work happening in our classrooms! |
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As always, please reach out to my office with any comments, questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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