Kevin Brown

Great news for Vernon! The State Bond Commission has officially approved funding for our district that will help expand affordable workforce housing while revitalizing a key gateway to downtown Rockville through the remediation of Daniel's Mill.

This critical cleanup effort will transform a long-vacant property into a catalyst for economic growth and community development, paving the way for a vibrant mixed-use redevelopment project. In addition to creating new housing opportunities, the project will help strengthen downtown Rockville, attract investment, and breathe new life into an important historic site.

This is a significant step forward for Vernon and a win for residents, businesses, and the future of our community.

Connecticut’s Early Childhood Education Endowment has received an additional investment of approximately $320 million, further strengthening the state's commitment to affordable, high-quality early childhood education.

Established in 2025 through Public Act 25-93, the endowment serves as a permanent funding source dedicated to strengthening Connecticut’s early childhood education system. This new investment, combined with last year’s initial $300 million commitment, positions Connecticut as a national leader in creating sustainable, long-term solutions that support children, families, educators, and providers.

Beginning in July 2027, eligible families are expected to benefit from no-cost or reduced-cost early childhood education opportunities funded through the endowment. Families enrolled in state-funded child care spaces through the Early Start CT program who earn up to $100,000 annually will be eligible for child care at no cost. For families with incomes above that threshold, out-of-pocket child care expenses will be capped at no more than 7% of household income.

This historic investment reflects Connecticut’s commitment to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality early learning opportunities while providing meaningful financial relief for working families and strengthening the early childhood workforce for generations to come.

Click here for more information on the endowment.

More than 97,000 Connecticut residents can expect to receive letters in the mail beginning this week notifying them that some or all of their medical debt has been eliminated.

Medical debt places a significant financial burden on families in communities across Connecticut. This marks the fourth round of the state's medical debt relief initiative, which provides meaningful assistance to qualifying residents who are struggling to pay outstanding medical bills. Since the program launched in 2024, more than 252,000 Connecticut residents have had over $513 million in medical debt cancelled, helping families regain financial stability and peace of mind.

Residents whose medical debt has been forgiven will receive a letter in an Undue Medical Debt-branded envelope featuring the Connecticut state seal (see image below). These notifications are legitimate and do not require any action on the recipient's part.

Governor Lamont will continue partnering with Undue Medical Debt to provide additional relief throughout this year. To support this effort, the Governor and the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation making $6.5 million in federal ARPA funding available for the initiative through 2026.

This program continues to demonstrate Connecticut's commitment to easing financial hardship for residents and ensuring that unexpected medical expenses do not become a long-term obstacle to economic security.

Click here to read the full release from the governor's office.

Governor Lamont has announced a plan to allocate $8.5 million from Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund to provide $300 grocery assistance cards to approximately 25,000 Connecticut residents who are expected to lose their federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to recent federal rule changes.

Under the proposal, eligible individuals who have lost SNAP eligibility as a result of new federal work requirements will receive a one-time grocery assistance card that can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores. In addition, applicants will be connected with resources and support services to help them regain SNAP eligibility whenever possible.

The initiative is designed to provide immediate relief to residents facing food insecurity while helping families navigate changes to federal benefit programs. As the cost of groceries continues to place pressure on household budgets, this assistance will help ensure that vulnerable residents can continue to access nutritious food and meet their basic needs.

Connecticut’s Federal Cuts Response Fund was established in late 2025 to help the state respond quickly and effectively to federal policy changes and funding reductions that impact residents. This proposal marks the fourth plan submitted by Governor Lamont to legislative leaders for the use of the fund since its creation, demonstrating Connecticut’s ongoing commitment to supporting residents during times of economic uncertainty and transition.

Governor Lamont has signed Public Act 26-15, landmark legislation that strengthens protections for Connecticut residents against emerging AI-related harms, addresses the growing impact of social media addiction among youth, and positions Connecticut as a national leader in the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence.

In addition to these important consumer protections, the law invests in workforce development initiatives designed to equip Connecticut workers with the advanced skills and technology training needed to compete for high-quality jobs in today's rapidly evolving digital economy.

This forward-looking legislation reflects Connecticut's commitment to fostering innovation while ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and deployed responsibly, safeguarding residents and creating new opportunities for workers and businesses alike.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is milling and resurfacing I-84 in Vernon and Tolland. The project began this week and runs through November 30.

The project consists of milling 7.92 miles eastbound I-84 and 3.07 miles of westbound I-84, and paving.

There will be intermittent lane closures on I-84 until November 30, Sundays through Thursdays during the hours of 6:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. Traffic control signing patterns, state troopers, municipal police, and flaggers will guide motorists through work zones.

In addition, various on and off ramps for this section of I-84 (including Exits 66, 67 and 68) may be periodically closed to support milling and paving operations. Traffic will be detoured to the nearest ramp, following clearly marked detour signs with temporary traffic control.

Motorists should be aware that changes or extensions to the schedule may be necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Celebrate Connecticut Trails Day on Saturday, June 6, and Sunday, June 7! The Connecticut Forest & Park Association is coordinating more than 200 hikes and walks across the state, offering a great opportunity to explore Connecticut’s natural beauty and enjoy the outdoors.

On Saturday, June 6, Vernon Greenways Volunteers and the Ellington Trails Committee is partnering a walk and hike along the beautiful Hockanum River. You have your choice of two hikes. Both start in Ellington and cross the Hockanum River on the unique David Smith suspended “swing“ bridge in Vernon. You can then return back to Ellington for a total of 2 miles, or continue along the Hockanum River to “Dart Hill North” and see marshes, beautiful scenery, and wildlife. Then return back to Ellington for a total 5 mile hike. Click here to learn more and to register.

To find another hike or walk that interests you anywhere in Connecticut, visit www.trailsday.org.

Click here to purchase tickets for The Vernon Chorale: A Vocal Tapestry.

Click here for more information and to register for lifeguard certification training.