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Memorial Day is a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. Lets take time to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and the values we hold dear. We also recognize the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day. As a community, let us come together to remember their service, support one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of courage, service, and patriotism that define our country.
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Memorial Day Events:
Veterans Bricks & Vietnam Memorial Dedication
Saturday, May 23, 10:30 a.m. at the Veterans Walk of Honor, Bradley Point Park (Rain Date: Wednesday, May 27 at 6:00 p.m.).
Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 25, 10:30 a.m. at Campbell Avenue. A wreath-laying ceremony will be held immediately following the parade on the West Haven Green.
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Absentee voting for all eligible voters is now law in Connecticut, expanding access to the ballot box and giving every qualified voter the option to cast their vote by absentee ballot.
This change comes after Connecticut voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2024 supporting absentee voting for all, marking a major step forward in modernizing and strengthening voter access across our state.
Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.
To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.
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| Funding for Dairy Farmers |
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Connecticut’s dairy farms are small, family-owned businesses that support local jobs and provide fresh, nutritious food to communities across our state. To help sustain these vital local operations, we are proud to announce that $22.5 million has been allocated from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund we created to provide immediate relief to the approximately 80 dairy farmers in the state.
Recent federal actions have placed many of these family-run farms under severe financial strain. Much of the pressure stems from federally set milk pricing structures that favor large corporate operations over smaller Connecticut dairies, along with tariff policies that have increased the cost of essential supplies such as fertilizer and farm equipment while triggering retaliatory trade measures from key export partners. In addition, the U.S. conflict with Iran has significantly driven up fuel and fertilizer costs, further burdening farmers already operating on narrow margins.
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| 2026 Major Public Acts Report Released |
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With the legislative session now concluded, the Office of Legislative Research has released its Major Public Acts report, highlighting many of the significant bills passed by the House and Senate this year. Covering topics ranging from state finances and housing to solar energy and more, the report offers a comprehensive overview of key legislation impacting Connecticut residents.
Click on the above photo to view the report.
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The microtransit ride program has been funded for another year. Microtransit is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that allows customers to use a smartphone app or telephone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. This is a reliable form of transportation for residents who may not have access to a car and need help getting to work, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations.
Via NHV offers affordable, on-demand rides with trained drivers on accessible vans and sedans all over New Haven.
Riders can request a ride by downloading the Via NHV app or by calling 475-303-5467.
Service hours:
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., 7 days a week
Pricing:
Individual ride: $1.75
Low-income riders: $0.85
Senior riders (65+): $0.85
The state’s microtransit program is available in 18 cities and towns across Connecticut, helping expand access, increase mobility, and strengthen local economies. I’m proud we were able to secure funding that supports New Haven.
Click here to access the Via NHV site.
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| Early Childhood Business Grant Funding |
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The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) have begun accepting applications for the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants.
OEC and WBDC are offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified Connecticut early childhood businesses to support operations and preserve child care access. The Operations Grant provides short-term funding to support OEC-licensed early childhood education programs. The grants are designed to help programs maintain their existing early childhood slots.
Grants will be awarded to eligible programs serving high and medium-needs families, as defined by OEC. This funding is intended to support operational expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other business needs that ensure ongoing services to families and communities.
This is a ONE-TIME funding opportunity. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
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Movies in the Plaza is back and brings you free Wednesday night movie screenings May through October in downtown New Haven’s Pitkin Plaza (145 Orange Street).
Grab your lawn chairs, picnic blankets, and some takeout from a local spot, and spend an evening under the stars enjoying blockbusters, nostalgic blasts from the past, cult favorites, family films, and more.
This event is free and open to the public, there is free popcorn and snacks, and it is a (leashed) pet-friendly event.
The next movie showing is Rental Family on May 20 at 8:00 p.m.
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