Disability Rights Threatened, CT Career Paths Resource Guide, and Renewable Energy Initiatives

July 17, 2026

The U.S. Department of Justice is seeking to weaken the protections established by the Olmstead decision, the landmark U.S. Supreme Court ruling that affirms the right of people with disabilities to live in their communities with the services and supports they need.

If these protections are rolled back, people with disabilities could lose their fundamental right to live independently and with dignity. Many could face unnecessary institutionalization in nursing homes or other facilities simply because the community-based services they depend on are no longer available. Preserving these protections is essential to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to live, work, and participate fully in their communities. 

As Vice-Chair of the Education Committee, and as a classroom teacher, I spoke of the importance of the Olmstead decision in public schools, including student IEP’s and 504 plans.

2026 Legislative Scorecard

I was honored to receive an A from the Connecticut Education Association (CEA) in recognition of my work during the 2025–26 legislative session. I remain committed to advancing meaningful policies, such as HB 5003, that strengthen our educator workforce, expand support for students, and improve teaching and learning conditions in schools across Connecticut.

Renewable Energy

Governor Lamont has signed Public Act 26-127 into law, advancing several initiatives to make renewable energy, including solar power and battery storage, more accessible and affordable for homeowners, renters, and businesses across Connecticut.

The new law extends Connecticut's existing residential, commercial, and community solar programs through 2035, ensuring these incentives remain available as energy demand grows and affordability continues to be a top concern for families and employers. These programs were previously set to expire in 2027, and their extension is especially important following the expiration of federal incentives for rooftop solar installations last year.

Public Act 26-127 also requires the development of successor renewable energy programs with clear cost controls, allowing Connecticut to continue expanding clean energy while protecting ratepayers from open-ended costs. The law prioritizes benefits for residents and communities facing higher energy burdens, expands support for battery storage to strengthen grid reliability, and streamlines residential solar and battery storage permitting while maintaining important safety standards.

In addition, the legislation encourages responsible solar development by prioritizing projects on rooftops, brownfields, municipal and state-owned buildings, and other commercial properties, helping preserve open space and agricultural land. It also directs the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to ensure the public benefits charge remains limited and that the overall impact of the law reduces costs for ratepayers.

Click here to learn more about Connecticut's renewable energy programs.

CT Career Paths Guide

The Connecticut Department of Labor has released its latest resource guide, 2025 Connecticut Career Paths, providing tools, strategies, and insights to help individuals explore career opportunities and make informed decisions.

Published by the Department's Office of Research in partnership with the Connecticut Career Resource Network (CCRN), the guide serves as a valuable resource for students, career explorers, and job seekers across Connecticut.

Designed as a quick-reference resource, the guide includes locations and contact information for American Job Centers, the Department of Labor's job bank, career and educational resources, and key government programs. It also features articles on apprenticeships, student success planning, resume design basics, and other career development topics.

In addition, the guide provides detailed information on more than 360 occupations in Connecticut, including job descriptions, current employment figures, projected annual openings, salary ranges, required education and training, and the essential skills employers are seeking.

Click here to access the guide.

Questions about the guide may be directed to the Office of Research at ccrn@ct.gov.

Community Events


The Vernon Farmers Market returns for a five-week run on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Henry Park Pavilion (120 South Street).

The remaining farmers markets on July 30 and August 6, 13, and 20 will be followed by Mayor Dan Champagne's Summer Concert series at 6:30 p.m. at Henry Park.

Click here for more information on the Farmers Market.

The Valley Falls Farm and Heritage Center will be open for self-guided tours on Sunday, July 26, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A guided tour will also be offered from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.

Once a gentleman's farm, this historic museum features six preserved buildings, including an elegant stable built in 1911. Inside, visitors will find artifacts and exhibits discovered on the property that tell the story of the families who lived and worked on this historic farm.

Guests are also invited to enjoy the beautiful gardens and picnic area overlooking the scenic eight-acre property.

Admission is free. Please park at the Red Barn Welcome Center.


Learn about "Farm Life in Vernon and Its Environs in the 19th Century" on Sunday, July 26, at 2:00 p.m. at the Vernon Historical Society (734 Hartford Turnpike - Route 30).
 


Click here for more information and to RSVP.


 


Click here for more information on the summer meals program.