I hope you’ve been enjoying the preview of the spring-like temperatures we’ve been having lately.
I have a handful of important pieces of information to share with you this week.
First, pending final approval from the State Bond Commission, our city is expected to receive millions of dollars in funding for several community projects. From education and housing development to treatment services, a sense of calm and relief is on the way for many Stamford residents.
Next Tuesday, students, families, and educators will be at the End Hunger Lobby Day 2026 at the Capitol. Food is a basic human need, and this event will advocate to ensure school-aged children always have hot and nutritious meals. Come say hi and support a great cause!
I also give my sincerest goodbyes to a colleague and friend, Ceci Maher. Ceci and I have worked together for many years.
Her presence, energy, and dedication to the people will be missed.
Lots more is covered below. Be sure to give it a thorough read.
As always, if I can support you or your family—whether with the issues highlighted this week or any other concern—please reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585. Your voice matters, and I look forward to assisting you.
Members of Stamford’s legislative delegation this week applauded the Community Investment Fund Board’s recommendation of $13.25 million in funding for three Stamford projects that would strengthen early childhood education, advance affordable housing development, and expand substance use treatment services.
The recommendations now await final approval from the State Bond Commission which will meet in the next few months to review the CIF Board’s proposals.
“These three projects represent thoughtful investments in the future of our community,” Senator Pat Billie Miller, D-Stamford, said. “They seek to give our youngest children the strongest start possible, create pathways to affordable housing, while also planning for an expanded treatment facility to meet the needs of women in recovery. I want to thank the Community Investment Fund Board for recognizing the importance of these projects. I look forward to the Bond Commission’s approval so we can move forward with this critical work in Stamford.”
“This funding will bring significant benefits to our region, adding hundreds of new affordable housing units to our community, adding new resources and space for treatment of women working to overcome addiction and providing new environments for learning in Fairfield County,” Senator Ceci Maher, D-Wilton, said. “I’m grateful to Governor Lamont and the Community Investment Fund for their investments in Stamford.”
“Public dollars should deliver public good, and these investments do exactly that by strengthening opportunities for children and families across Stamford,” Rep. Corey Paris, D-Stamford, said. “For more than 120 years, the Children’s Learning Centers have been a cornerstone of early childhood education in our community, with nearly 40 percent of Stamford Public Schools students beginning their educational journey through CLC programs. Investments in facilities like the Grove Head Start center ensure our youngest learners have safe, high-quality environments to grow and succeed.
“I’m grateful the Community Investment Fund also recognized the need to expand affordable housing and support women in recovery through Liberation House, and I look forward to the State Bond Commission’s final approval.”
“These investments represent a meaningful commitment to Stamford’s future and the well-being of our residents,” Rep. Matt Blumenthal, D-Stamford, said. “From expanding early childhood education opportunities to preparing sites for affordable housing and strengthening substance use treatment services, these projects will have a lasting impact on families across our community. I am grateful to the Connecticut Community Investment Fund and Ned Lamont for believing in these initiatives and for continuing to invest in the people and promise of Stamford.”
“This funding represents important investments in Stamford’s future,” Rep. Jonathan Jacobson, D-Stamford, said. “From strengthening early childhood education to advancing affordable housing and supporting treatment services for women in recovery, these projects address real needs in our community. I am particularly encouraged to see support for the renovation and modernization of Liberation House. “I thank the Community Investment Fund for recognizing the importance of these initiatives and look forward to final approval from the State Bond Commission.”
“I am grateful to the Community Investment Fund Board for investing in these important projects across Stamford,” Rep. Eilish Collins Main, D-Stamford, said. “This funding will support critical services that many residents rely on. Projects including advancing affordable housing development at St. John Towers, strengthening early learning at Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County, and investing in services at Liberation Programs Inc., will help meet the needs of our community and allow Stamford to continue to grow and thrive.”
“The Stamford Delegation knows how important it is to bring real resources home to our community. This funding will expand early childhood education through the Grove Head Start project, prepare the St. John Towers for future affordable housing, and support recovery services for women through Liberation Programs. These investments strengthen families, create opportunity, and help ensure Stamford continues to grow in a way that supports the people who live here,” Rep. Hubert Delany, D-Stamford, said.
It’s a bittersweet feeling when it comes to my friend and colleague, Sen. Ceci Maher.
I had the privilege of knowing Ceci long before she became a legislator, and I’ve seen firsthand her deep commitment to public service. When she came to the General Assembly, she brought that same dedication to advocating for Connecticut’s children and families across our state.
It has been an absolute pleasure working alongside her, especially as my partner and co-chair of the Children’s Committee. I valued her greatly as a thoughtful collaborator in our shared work to strengthen child welfare, expand behavioral health supports, and address issues like food insecurity and free school meals.
As a licensed master social worker, her passion for protecting and supporting children has always guided her work. I will miss working with her tremendously and am grateful for her leadership and partnership. I wish her continued success and all the very best in what comes next.
We've had some passionate discussions and spirited debates at our public hearings this week, and we welcome all of it, respectfully. It's been reported that more than 2,000 people showed up on Wednesday alone.
I want to applaud them and the many others who traveled to Hartford or showed up via Zoom to make their voices heard.
Part of that bill includes a number of education provisions that passed by a wide margin in the House last year, and unfortunately was not voted on in the Senate. One part of it improves the state’s practice of crisis response drills to improve students’ physical safety and properly balance their psychological well-being. While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.
Another section creates a state seal of civics education and engagement to be earned on high school diplomas for students who demonstrate civics mastery in the classroom and community engagement.
At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.
This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community. Other key aspects of this bill include:
Addressing antisemitism in schools
Adding additional public reporting on student outcomes for our multi-lingual learners
Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
Phases out the waiver for children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early.
Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.
The legislation we passed is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health
Strengthening and Modernizing Our Elections
We advanced legislation to strengthen and modernize Connecticut’s election laws. These reforms take important steps to protect the integrity, security, and transparency of our democratic process by:
Safeguarding private voter data
Requiring that ballots cast during early voting be securely stored in a voting tabulator
Preventing individuals convicted of election-related crimes from serving as election moderators
These updates reflect a balanced approach: expanding access to the ballot while maintaining strong safeguards to protect public trust.
Addressing Antisemitism in Our Schools
We also passed education reform legislation responding to rising antisemitism in schools.
The bill establishes a working group that will equip educators with tools and guidance to combat anti-Jewish hate and foster inclusive, respectful learning environments for all students.
In addition, we approved legislation targeting bottle redemption fraud, an issue that has grown since Connecticut increased its bottle deposit from five cents to ten cents. Some out-of-state actors have exploited the higher refund value by transporting large quantities of containers into Connecticut, leading to reported losses in the millions for beverage distributors. The new law addresses this abuse by:
Increasing fines for violations of the state’s bottle bill
Requiring redemption centers to record identifying information for anyone redeeming more than 1,000 bottles and cans in a single day
Granting law enforcement clear authority to pursue out-of-state violators
These changes protect legitimate consumers and small businesses while preserving the integrity of Connecticut’s recycling system.
The deadline to apply for the $3,000 Bohdan "Bo" Kolinsky Memorial Sports Media Scholarship is today!
The award is given to a Connecticut high school senior with plans to study in college for a career in sports media - print, digital, radio, TV, documentaries, production, or graphic arts. The scholarship is given in memory of longtime Hartford Courant school sports editor Bo Kolinsky, who died in 2003.
The scholarship is sponsored by the Connecticut Sports Media Alliance.
If you have questions, contact John Holt, scholarship chairman, at johndholt@yahoo.com. Be sure to leave your name and number where you can be reached.
Details, including how to apply, please click HERE.
Here's an opportunity for high school poets to, well, wax poetic, and earn some cash. Please See the flyer below for more details, including the deadline for submissions.
Let's recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation.
Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.
While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.
Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them.
Click here to view a list of historic landmarks across Connecticut that are deeply connected to women’s history and the stories that continue to inspire generations today.
March is also Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to foster understanding, break down barriers, and celebrate the talents and achievements of people with developmental disabilities.
Disabilities are part of the human experience, and we must promote inclusion at every opportunity.
You can show your support by wearing orange, the official color of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, symbolizing energy and positivity.
