Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for May 12, 2026

May 12, 2026



 

 

Last week was long and productive. Early mornings at city hall and late nights under the dome of the state capital advocating for Norwalk, refining bill language, garnering support from colleagues, and working to address issues of importance.

We passed a bipartisan budget that resulted in HUGE wins for Norwalk totaling over $41.94 million coming home to us.

Beyond that, we passed bills that will help every resident and will support every police officer, firefighter, EMS worker, teacher, nurse, and so many others who keep our communities strong.

Last week, we delivered real results:

✅ Supporting our first responders & workers. Expanding benefits for police, fire, and EMS, providing mortgage assistance, tuition support, and protecting nurses and teachers on the job with stronger financial and workplace protections.

✅ Delivering a strong, bipartisan budget. Historic investments in our schools, tax relief for families, expanded free school meals, funding for childcare, and millions more for cities and towns, while continuing to pay down long-term debt responsibly.

✅ Protecting children & strengthening families. Major DCF reforms that prioritize keeping kids with family, increase support for foster and kinship caregivers, improve oversight, and invest in the social workers doing this critical work.

✅ Standing up for civil rights & public safety. Advancing legislation that protects constitutional rights, increases accountability, sets clear standards for law enforcement, and ensures fairness in how technology and policing tools are used.

✅ Lowering energy costs & expanding access. Modernizing our solar and renewable energy programs to make them more affordable, more reliable, and accessible to working families, especially those who need relief the most.

This is what it’s about, delivering real, tangible results for our residents while making Connecticut stronger, safer, and more affordable.

Education is a big reason why I got into in public service. That includes making 
 this year, we’ve secured an additional $1.96 million!

These are meaningful investments in our students, our teachers, and our future, and we’re not done yet. I’ll keep fighting to make sure every child in Norwalk has the resources they need to succeed.

Also, the Norwalk delegation secured an additional $1.43 million in supplemental municipal aid. 

That means Norwalk will receive $3.39 million more than it was originally supposed to receive in FY 2027 for education and municipal costs.

I'll continue to fight for the city I grew up in and call my home.
 

Deputy Speaker Shout Out

I am grateful to be a deputy speaker (all of us are pictured below). We support Speaker Matt Ritter by presiding over parliamentary debates, maintaining order, and enforcing rules. Holding the gavel is among the greatest accomplishments in my life.
 

Norwalk Receives DEEP Grant

Great news for the city, which was chosen as a recipient of the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant for Green Stormwater Infrastructure and Habitat Restoration. 

This grant is for $255,000 and will go toward Andrew's Field Habitat Restoration and Watershed Resilience Project, according to the city, which noted the Norwalk Recreation and Parks team and the Aspetuck Land Trust for their hard work in securing the grant.
 

Garden Club Plant Sale

The Norwalk Garden Club is hosting its 25th annual plant sale this Saturday. Please see the flyer below for details.
 

A Very Happy Birthday ...

I have amazing staff members who threw a birthday party for me -- complete with amazing cupcakes by my Constituent Engagement Coordinator Dawn Marzik (more on her, later) -- while we were in session. I'm grateful and blessed to have celebrated my 55th with such terrific people. 
 

... And a Fond Farewell

Today, I would also like to acknowledge and celebrate the retirement of an extraordinary public servant and an even better person, Dawn Marzik. After more than 30 years of dedicated service to the Connecticut General Assembly, Dawn leaves behind a legacy built on professionalism, integrity, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the people of Connecticut.

Serving alongside Dawn has been an honor. Her knowledge, patience, and steady leadership have helped countless legislators, staff, and constituents over the years. She has truly been the backbone of so much important work done under this Capitol dome.

On behalf of the residents of the 140th District and all those fortunate enough to work with her, I thank Dawn for her decades of service and wish her nothing but happiness, peace, good health, and well-deserved time with family and loved ones in this next chapter.

Congratulations, Dawn. Your impact will not be forgotten.
 

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative

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