State Budget Delivers Funding for Simsbury

May 7, 2026

The legislative session moved at blistering speed, but we accomplished so much over the past few months. Our state budget invests in our schools and our community while saving on our property taxes. I'll break it all down below. 

We also passed the nation's strongest protections against federal agents who break the law. Please keep scrolling to learn how new legislation protects our democracy.

We're also going to adopt new protections for everyone in the digital age. I'll dig deeper into how Connecticut is positioned as a national leader for responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Here are the sections in this email:

  • More Funding From the State Budget
  • Strong Protections Against ICE
  • New Protections in the Digital Age
  • Connecticut Small Business Summit
  • Community Events
 

More Funding From the State Budget

After months of negotiation, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.

Together, we produced a 2027 budget that significantly boosts funding for the state’s education system, supports town and city budgets, and contributes another $1 billion toward paying down long-term pension debt.

The budget also includes $800,000 in funding to support three important community projects that will strengthen local resources and enhance public spaces for residents of all ages. Together, these projects represent meaningful investments in education, recreation, and community infrastructure that will ensure Simsbury’s public spaces continue to serve residents for years to come.

I am grateful to State Senator Paul Honig for his steadfast leadership and strong advocacy in the Senate to help secure these funds! His partnership and commitment made a difference for Simsbury.

Our budget also takes meaningful steps to make Connecticut more affordable for working families. We are delivering on our commitment to invest an additional $300 million into the Early Childhood Education Endowment.

This funding moves us closer to our goal of providing free early childhood education through Early Start CT for families earning up to $100,000 per year. 

Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.
 

Strong Protections Against ICE

The governor signed a bill into law this week holding federal agencies, including the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accountable if they disregard our constitutional rights.

The House and Senate passed Senate Bill 397, a measured and lawful response to masked ICE agents, many inadequately trained, waging a campaign of fear and intimidation.

The legislation seeks to strengthen accountability by requiring clear identification from federal agents, restricting enforcement actions in sensitive locations, and creating a pathway for individuals to seek recourse when their constitutional rights are violated.

Specifically, Senate Bill 397 does the following:

  • Enables any person the right to sue federal actors who violate their constitutional rights
  • Allows federal agents to be prosecuted if they abuse their authority or otherwise violate people’s rights
  • Establishes protected spaces, such as hospitals, schools, court houses, places of worship, where federal agents cannot make immigration arrests unless they have a judicial warrant

It’s a measured response to protect the people of Connecticut. No one is above the law, and the protection of constitutional rights is not solely within the federal government’s purview.
 

New Protections in the Digital Age

The House and Senate have passed Senate Bill 4 and Senate Bill 5, two major pieces of legislation that I co-sponsored that position Connecticut as a national leader in protecting residents in the digital age.

Senate Bill 4:

  • Strengthens consumer privacy protections by cracking down on data brokers
  • Limits the sale of precise geolocation data
  • Increases transparency around algorithmic "dynamic" pricing
  • Prevents streaming platforms from blasting ads at higher volumes

The bill makes it easier for residents to demand that companies delete their personal data at no cost and ensures businesses treat consumers fairly as technology evolves.

At the same time, Senate Bill 5 establishes clear standards for the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence. As AI increasingly shapes hiring decisions, online content, pricing, and the information we see every day, this legislation creates targeted safeguards, transparency requirements, and accountability measures.

It addresses automated employment decision tools, synthetic media, youth online safety, and workforce preparation so Connecticut residents, workers, and small businesses are protected and prepared for an AI-driven economy.
 

Connecticut Small Business Summit

Access Health CT (AHCT) is bringing small businesses together for an important opportunity to connect, collaborate, and grow. The fourth annual Connecticut Small Business Summit will provide entrepreneurs with practical tools, expert insight, and direct access to resources that can help them navigate today’s economic landscape.

As a small business owner, I know how valuable it is to have access to reliable information, networking opportunities, and trusted partners. Running a business means constantly adapting to new challenges, and events like this summit offer real support.

The Summit will take place on Thursday, May 28 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook. The program includes:

  • Community-focused marketing and social media strategies
  • Using Artificial Intelligence and technology to optimize operations
  • Tax credits, grants, and government programs available
Click here to register
 

Community Events

Children and families are invited to a series of wonderful programs in the month of May at Simsbury Public Library. There will be Mother's Day Crafts and story time on Saturday, May 9.
 

Adults and children are invited to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with crafts and activities in the Meeting House, followed by a delightful tea party in the historic 1771 Phelps Tavern. The event runs from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 9 at the Simsbury Historical Society. Learn more here.
 

Parents who homeschool their children are welcome to donate  new or gently used materials, books, curriculum, and more on Thursday, May 14 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Simsbury Public Library. Some parents may browse and take new materials home! CLICK HERE to register.
 

The community is invited to touch a truck and attend a Public Works Open House to kick off National Public Works Week. The event will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 at the Department of Public Works facility at 66 Town Forest Road in West Simsbury.

There will be giveaways and guided tours of the facility. Participants are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to "Fill-a-Truck."