Proposal To Boost School Funding

April 2, 2026

A new proposal calls for boosting education funding to support our children and teachers. I'll break down how this policy would also affect property taxes.

Speaking of taxes, filing them before the deadline can be stressful, but there are free resources to maximize your return! Keep scrolling to see if you're eligible.

Police in Orange are letting us know about a new phone scam. I'll dig deeper into how it works and how to avoid becoming a victim. 

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

  • Proposal To Boost School Funding
  • 2026 Early Childhood Advocacy Day
  • Orange Police Warn of Phone Scam
  • Free Tax Preparation Services
  • Apply Now for Local Scholarships
  • Derby's All-City Chorus Concert
  • UConn Final Four
  • Observing Holy Week
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Proposal To Boost School Funding
House Democrats proposed a new plan to add funds to our local public schools across Connecticut, directly addressing affordability in all communities. This proposal would direct one-time surplus funding to municipalities to help address the increasing costs of education.

For too long, students have faced the effects of chronic underfunding. Our schools and our children deserve better, and this proposal would bring meaningful reform.

By prioritizing student need, this plan could bring a 2%–5% increase in Education Cost Sharing (ECS) funding. That support will help our schools manage rising costs, invest in student success, and alleviate the burden on local property taxpayers this upcoming year.

I strongly support the efforts of House Speaker Ritter, Majority Leader Rojas, and the rest of my House Democratic colleagues. We do have more work to do, but this is an important step toward giving every child in Derby, Hamden, Orange, and Woodbridge the resources and opportunities they deserve.
 

2026 Early Childhood Advocacy Day

Access to safe, high-quality, and affordable childcare is one of the biggest challenges that many families face today. As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I am committed to finding responsible and sustainable solutions that directly support our children, parents, businesses, and local communities.
 
I invite you to join me, my colleagues, and advocates for across Connecticut for 2026 Early Childhood Advocacy Day from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at the State Capitol. Bring your voice and share why strong early childhood funding is essential for our kids, working families, and our economy. Organizers will provide free t-shirts and advocacy materials.
Click here to learn more and register

This advocacy builds on the significant progress we made last year, including a $300 million initial investment to establish the Early Childhood Education Endowment. This transformative fund will expand access to affordable, high-quality child statewide. As it grows, it will support free early childhood education to families enrolled in Early Start CT earning up to $100,000 annually and ensure that no participating family pays more than 7% of their income for care.
 
Together, we can continue building a stronger foundation for Connecticut's children and families.
 

Orange Police Warn of Phone Scam

The Orange Police Department is warning residents about a dangerous phone scam targeting our community. Criminals are spoofing the department's phone number and calling victims to demand payment for bogus fines or bail. They often insist that you pay immediately using cryptocurrency, gift cards, or hard-to-trace methods. The scammers then threaten to make an arrest if you refuse to pay.

The Orange Police Department will never call you to demand payment over the phone.

If you receive a call like this:

  • Hang up immediately
  • Do not call the number back
  • Contact the Orange Police Department
  • Report the scam to the feds here
 

Free Tax Preparation Services

Time is running out to file your tax returns before the April 15 deadline, but free, trusted help is available for those who need it.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free, reliable tax preparation services to individuals making less than $69,000 and cannot prepare their own returns. Volunteers are trained to help prepare basic tax returns and help ensure taxpayers claim valuable credits without paying high fees or risking costly mistakes.

The AARP Tax-Aide Program also provides free tax counseling and preparation services to middle-and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to adults age 60 and older. Many locations offer free electronic filing for both federal and Connecticut returns. You can find a nearby site using the AARP Tax-Aide Site Locator.

These programs put real money back into the pockets of hardworking families. I encourage you to use these services because they are safe, trusted, and designed to support the community.
 

Apply Now for Local Scholarships

Local students have a great opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship, but deadlines are fast approaching.

The Derby Public Library is offering scholarships to graduating high school seniors who live in Derby. Applicants must submit an essay by Friday, April 3, describing how libraries have made a meaningful impact on their life.
Submit your essay here!

In addition, Orange Youth Services will award three $1,000 scholarships to high school students who live in town. Funds may be used toward a 2- or 4-year college or university, as well as trade, professional, or technical schools. Students are asked to describe their education goals. The application deadline is Monday, April 6. CLICK HERE to learn more and apply.

Please share this information with someone who is eligible before the deadline!
 

Derby's All-City Chorus Concert

Congratulations to all the students who put on an amazing concert last week inside Derby High School's auditorium! The All-City Chorus, featuring kids in third to twelfth grades, performed Yonder Come Day and Best Day of My Life as a full ensemble, creating a memorable experience.

Thank you to the entire music department, staff, and families for your hard work, commitment, and passion for music.
 

UConn Final Four

Many of us will be watching with pride as both UConn's women's and men's basketball teams continue their incredible runs toward a national championship! Incredibly, both teams have advanced to the Final Four and are just two wins away from the ultimate goal.

The UConn women tip off at 7 p.m. on Friday in Phoenix, while the men take the court at 6 p.m. on Saturday in Indianapolis.

It's another remarkable moment for Connecticut. Let's go Huskies!
 

Observing Holy Week

This week, many members of the community will observe sacred and deeply meaningful religious holidays.
Families of the Jewish faith are gathering for Passover, commemorating the Israelites' liberation from slavery in Egypt and celebrating faith, resilience, and freedom. The Seder brings loved ones together to reflect on enduring traditions and the meaning of redemption.
On Friday, Christians will observe Good Friday, a solemn day remembering the crucifixion and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. The week culminates on Easter Sunday, when Christians celebrate the resurrection, a message of hope and renewal. 

These observances remind us of the enduring power of reflection and community. To all who are celebrating, I wish you and your families a meaningful and peaceful holiday.
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
Hotchkiss Hose Company 1 in Derby is hosting an Easter flower sale from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3 and Saturday, April 4. Proceeds from the community support the fire station at 200 David Humphrey Road.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, April 7 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.

Local historians will share stories of soldiers who lived in the Lower Naugatuck Valley during the Civil War. The presentation will be held on Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. at Derby Public Library. Learn more here.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

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

Hamden is hosting a week of wellness starting on Monday, April 6. There will be plenty of activities including walking, health, relaxation, and more. 

The Sleeping Giant Park Association's first volunteer workday of the season will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 12 at the main parking lot. Trail Crew volunteers help keep the Giant’s 32 miles of trails safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for everyone. Work sessions usually last about two hours.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Finding the balance with screen time isn’t easy. Orange Youth Services invites the public to a parent presentation featuring a psychotherapist and a panel of local teens sharing their real experiences with technology.


🗓 Monday, April 6
⏰ 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
📍 Peck Place School
Click here to register

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.

At the same event, you can donate gently used clothing and household goods such as purses, accessories, blankets, and more to Orange Community Women.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

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

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.

Amity is coming together for an exciting whole‑school event where students, staff, clubs, and teams join forces to support and fundraise for the Amity Unified Sports Team and Special Olympics CT. The Penguin Mobile Plunge on Wednesday, April 8 raises funds, promoting inclusion, and celebrating every student.
Woodbridge Community Calendar