Proposals To Support Our Students

April 9, 2026

As we get closer to the end of session, we will call on, debate, and vote on a variety of bills directly affecting thousands of Waterbury residents. I'll break down how we're trying to improve public education for our students.
  
I had the pleasure of helping hand out food to families at a local school. Please keep scrolling to see pictures of the distribution and to find out how many people went home with nutritious meals. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Proposals To Help Our Students
  • Observing Holy Week
  • Supporting the Future of the Naugatuck Valley
  • Helping Feed Families
  • Get Rid of Your Hazardous Waste
 

Proposals To Help Our Students

I am lending my support to legislation that supports our students. Let's starts with Senate Bill 7, which would strengthen public education and provide schools with the resources they need to help every student succeed. The bill focuses on improving the state’s Education Cost Sharing (ECS) grant, which is the primary way Connecticut helps fund local school districts. 

Key highlights of the proposal include:

  • Increasing ECS funding per student, giving districts stronger and more reliable support
  • Ensuring school funding keeps pace with economic conditions, helping schools better manage rising costs
  • Improving the ECS formula to ensure it remains fair for all communities
  • Supporting teacher recruitment in high-need districts, helping schools attract and retain talented educators

This measure is in addition to a House Democrats priority bill to increase education funding for cities and towns across the state. This proposal would direct one-time surplus funding to municipalities to help address the increasing costs of education.

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.
 

Observing Holy Week
I was honored to join residents in Waterbury in observing Holy Week. On Good Friday, members of the community participated in a moving Stations of the Cross procession through the South End, a powerful public display of faith, reflection, and unity. 

I am grateful to all who attended on to the organizers, including All Saints Parish, St. Anne’s Shrine, and Our Lady of Lourdes, for bringing the community together on such a solemn day.

On Easter Sunday, I celebrated with my family, reflecting on the message of hope and renewal that the day represents. We gathered for a meaningful meal together, and the children enjoyed a festive egg hunt filled with joy.

From my family to yours, I hope your holiday was meaningful, peaceful, and filled with hope.
 

Supporting the Future of the Naugatuck Valley

I had the pleasure of attending the annual breakfast for the Naugatuck Valley Community College Foundation (NVCC), a meaningful event dedicated to building brighter futures for local students. Through scholarships, capital improvements, program support, and emergency assistance, the Foundation removes barriers and empowers individuals to pursue and achieve their educational goals.
This year, organizers honored former Naugatuck Valley Community College President, Dr. Daisy Cocco de Fillipis, a tireless advocate for students and a transformative leader. During her tenure from 2008 to 2020, she strengthened academic programs and championed access to higher education.

The morning was a powerful reminder that investing in education provides long-term success for our entire community.
 

Helping Feed Families

I was proud to join a group of dedicated volunteers at Washington Elementary School to help distribute food to families in need. More than 100 people went home with fresh fruits and vegetables, canned goods, and pantry staples including pasta, rice, and dried grains.

Free food distributions like this are vital for families who are working hard but still struggling to keep up with rising costs. I am grateful to everyone who organized, donated, and volunteered to make this effort possible.

 

 

Get Rid of Your Hazardous Waste

Waterbury residents have an opportunity to safely and securely remove dangerous chemicals and paint from their homes. The Naugatuck Valley Council of Government will host a free Household Hazardous Waste & Paint Collection from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Crosby High School. 

Organizers will ask for proof of residency (driver’s license, energy bill, other ID) to participate. If you can prove you live in Waterbury, you will be allowed to bring up to 50 pounds of waste. Please read the flyer below for a list of what items will be accepted and which are prohibited.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact NVCOG at hhw@nvcogct.gov or at (203)-757-0535.

Los residentes de Waterbury pueden deshacerse de químicos y pintura peligrosos de forma segura el sábado 18 de abril, de 9:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m., en Crosby High School.

Debe mostrar prueba de residencia y puede llevar hasta 50 libras; para más información, contacte a Naugatuck Valley Council of Government en hhw@nvcogct.gov o al (203) 757-0535.