Calling for More Early Child Care Funding

April 16, 2026

Our state needs to continue investing in child care and early childhood education. Please scroll below to watch the speech I gave detailing how more funding would support children, families, and our economy.

The House passed several important bills last week during a busy session. I'll break down how we're helping veterans, the environment, and so much more.

You're invited to join me for a coffee and conversation! I'll let you know where and when you can share your priorities with me in person. 

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

  • Calling for More Early Child Care Funding
  • Highlights from Session
  • Join Me for a Coffee and Conversation
  • Animal Control Officer Honored
  • Electric Bike Fire Danger
  • National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
  • Opportunities to Celebrate Earth Day
  • In the News
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Calling for More Early Child Care Funding
Connecticut must continue investing in child care and early childhood education. I joined some of my colleagues, parents, business owners, and advocates on Early Childhood Advocacy Day at the State Capitol to underscore just how critical sustained funding is for our children and the strength of our state.

Last year, we started laying the foundation with the establishment of the Early Childhood Education Endowment, backed by an initial $300 million investment. This step aims to expand access to high-quality, affordable child care for families across the state, and it’s already beginning to make an impact. The endowment also moves us closer to providing free early childhood education for families enrolled in Early Start CT earning up to $100,000 annually. This offers meaningful relief to working- and middle-class households.
Advocating for more child care funding

This is not simply an education issue, it also affects our economy. Access to affordable child care is directly tied to our workforce, business growth, and long-term economic stability. When families can count on reliable child care, parents (especially women) are able to return to work, earn more money, and build sustainable careers. In turn, this encourages individuals to spend more and expands our tax base. Companies also benefit from a more productive workforce and a stronger pipeline for future talent.

As the Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I will continue advocating for sustained child care funding. This initiative supports our children, families, small businesses, and our broader economic future.
 

Highlights from Session

My colleagues and I advanced several important bills in the House Chamber last week. Below are some of the highlights.

The House unanimously passed House Bill 5406, the Connecticut Hero Act, which strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways. The legislation:

  • Establishes a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
  • Waives motor vehicle operator license fees
  • Expands eligibility for state military medals
  • Requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about predatory "claim sharks"

As the older sister of three combat veterans, I have seen firsthand the sacrifices made by those who serve. This legislation improves access to critical services, strengthens protections, and ensures our veterans receive the recognition and respect they deserve.

We also passed House Bill 5039, which increases transparency and accountability for legislative earmarks, funding that legislators allocate each year to nonprofits and community organizations. Under the bill, lawmakers must clearly specify how the funding will be used, and organizations seeking to sub-grant those funds must receive state approval. This measure promotes responsible use of taxpayer dollars and increases public trust.

Additionally, the House advanced legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s tire stewardship program by requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027. This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm. By improving tire collection and ensuring responsible tire disposal, the measure will help keep our streets cleaner, reduce public health risks, and bring new life into our communities.

The Senate now has until May 6 to act on these measures.
 

Join Me for a Coffee and Conversation

I invite you to join Senator James Maroney, Representative MJ Shannon, and me for a coffee and conversation about the issues that matter most to you. We will provide an update on the bills we are working on, listen to your feedback, and answer your questions.

 
📅 Thursday, April 23
⏰ 8 a.m. - 9 a.m.
📍 High Plains Community Center, Rooms #4/6 (525 Orange Center Road)


This community discussion is an opportunity for you to speak directly with us. Your perspective matters and helps shape the decisions we make at the Capitol. I look forward to seeing you there!
 

Animal Control Officer Honored

Congratulations to Woodbridge Animal Control Officer Jessica Moffo on winning the 2026 Desmond’s Legacy Animal Control Officer (ACO) for her commitment to justice and the protection of animals.
This honor highlights Officer Moffo’s unparalleled commitment, professionalism, and deep compassion for the animals and residents she serves. In the past year, she has demonstrated her dedication to the community by supporting animal cruelty investigations. 

The Desmond’s Legacy Award recognizes animal control officers who go above and beyond in their duties, and Officer Moffo exemplifies that standard every day. We are so fortunate to have such a dedicated public servant serving in Woodbridge.
 

Electric Bike Fire Danger

The Orange Volunteer Fire Department recently responded to an electric bike fire on Garden Road. They believe a person living in the home moved the bike from the garage to the driveway, risking getting seriously hurt by the fire or from the burning lithium batteries.
Courtesy: Orange Volunteer Fire Department

Here are some e-bike safety tips:

  • Always use the manufacturer’s charger and battery
  • Do not charge unattended or overnight
  • Store and charge batteries in a cool, dry place

Taking a few precautions can dramatically reduce the risk of fire and help protect your home and family.
 

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day

As you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, anonymous, and convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications. 

Here are the closest disposal locations to your neighborhood:

Derby: 

  • Bradley School
  • 155 David Humphreys Road
  • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hamden:

  • Hamden Police Department
  • 2900 Dixwell Avenue
  • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Orange: 

  • High Plains Community Center
  • 525 Orange Center Road
  • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Woodbridge:

  • Woodbridge Police Department
  • 4 Meetinghouse Lane
  • 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
 

Opportunities to Celebrate Earth Day
The community will come together next week for Earth Day to promote environmental protection, raise awareness for climate action, fight pollution, and promote green energy.
 
Earth Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the small, everyday choices we can each make from reducing waste and conserving energy to supporting local sustainability efforts that collectively create meaningful change.

You will have an opportunity to join the movement at a couple of Earth Day events on Saturday, April 25. In Hamden, organizers are planning exhibits, workshops, garden tours, and more to educate and inspire folks of all ages. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Woodbridge will host a similar celebration, featuring education displays along with an electric car show, a gently used clothing drive to promote reuse and recycling, a poetry reading, and more family-friendly activities. There will also be a community cleanup on Sunday, April 26. You will find more details here.

I encourage everyone to participate in these events and commit to building a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable future for our communities.
 

In the News

CT Mirror: "Advocates press for promised pre-K funding as CT surplus in doubt"

Milford-Orange Times: "Setting The Record Straight"
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Derby Public Library invites babies and their caregivers to Little Sprouts Storytime at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 17. Click here to register.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, April 21 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 your own bag for the food.

You have an opportunity to learn about and search for frogs at Kellogg Environmental Center. A guide will host the free event on Tuesday, April 28 at 5:30 p.m. Dress for the weather and muddy conditions. 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 Hamden Symphony Orchestra is hosting its Spring Concert, “Making an Entrance,” on Saturday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Hamden Memorial Town Hall. No tickets are required, but organizers will accept a suggested $15 donation ($10 for students and seniors).

Four of Connecticut’s most talented student instrumental and vocal musicians will make their entrance with the Orchestra as the winners of Hamden Symphony’s 56th Young Musicians Concerto Competition.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

The Orange Senior Center Café will host its own Drug Take Back Event on Monday, April 20 from 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. at 525 Orange Center Road.
The Orange Historical Society will host a 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution event on Saturday, April 25 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Orange Congregational Church. The program includes a "show and tell" of revolutionary artifacts, a talk on colonial flags, and insights into the life of a Connecticut soldier. Tickets are $5 for each person over the age of 5. CLICK HERE to register.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.
Children are invited to stop by Woodbridge Town Library for its monthly Story Art program. A librarian will read a story aloud and coordinate an art activity for kids ages 5 and up. The free event takes place in the Craft Room on Thursday, April 23 from 6:30 p.m. – 7:15 p.m. CLICK HERE to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar