New Bills Support Our Veterans and Responsible Tire Disposal

April 15, 2026

The House and Senate are spending more time in their respective chambers advancing key legislation before our May 6 deadline. I'll dig deeper into some of the proposals we tackled in the past week.

Road work will slow down drivers on I-84 in Waterbury starting this week. I'll provide a breakdown with all the information you need to know. 

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Highlights From Session
  • Delays Expected on I-84 in Waterbury
  • Healthy Food For Those In Need
  • Student Manufacturer Fair
  • Hazardous Waste Removal Event
 

Highlights From Session

The House recently passed legislation to strengthen Connecticut’s tire disposal program, requiring retail stores to fully participate by July 1, 2027. This step aims to reduce illegal dumping and prevent the buildup of old tires in our neighborhoods, a persistent source of blight and environmental harm.

This is welcome news for downtown Waterbury. By improving tire collection and ensuring responsible tire disposal, the measure will help keep our streets cleaner, reduce public health risks, and support revitalization efforts. A cleaner Waterbury strengthens our local economy and enhances quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

The Senate now has until the end of the legislative session to take up the bill.
Click here to learn more about the bill

On Thursday, the House unanimously advanced House Bill 5406, The Connecticut Hero Act, and it is now heading to the Senate for consideration. 

This legislation strengthens and expands support for Connecticut veterans in several important ways, including:

  • Establishing a state-run dental care program for eligible veterans
  • Waiving motor vehicle operator license fees
  • Expanding eligibility for state military medals
  • Requiring the Department of Veterans Affairs to warn veterans about unauthorized "claim sharks"
These updates improve access to critical services, strengthen protections, and ensure greater recognition for the service and sacrifice of our veterans.

I will provide more legislative updates in the coming weeks.
 

Delays Expected on I-84 in Waterbury

Drivers should anticipate nighttime delays on I-84 in Waterbury as crews perform road work from the upper deck of the Mixmaster to the Washington Street Overpass.

The milling and resurfacing project will require alternating single-lane traffic from Wednesday, April 15 through Monday, April 27. Work is slated to take place from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m., Sunday through Thursday. Weather could impact the schedule.

Drivers must slow down and give themselves more travel time in the work zone.
 

Healthy Food For Those In Need

The state has awarded a small business in the heart of Waterbury’s 75th District a $120,000 grant to deliver locally grown, nutritious food to those in need. Through this funding, Brass City Harvest will partner with more than 20 Connecticut farms to source fresh produce and distribute it in collaboration with community partners across Waterbury, focusing on neighborhoods identified as food deserts, where access to affordable, healthy food is limited.

In total, the state is awarding $1.55 million to 12 organizations through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program.

The program is designed to strengthen food security while supporting Connecticut farmers and bolstering the state’s agricultural economy. It’s a win for families, local businesses, and the community.

 

 

Student Manufacturer Fair

I invite students and employers alike to attend the expanded Manufacturer Connection Fair and explore the wide range of manufacturing opportunities available here in Connecticut. The free event will be held on Thursday, April 23 at the State Capitol and brings students and industry leaders together for a dynamic, hands-on introduction to modern manufacturing careers.

Those who attend can expect to see virtual welding simulators, robotics demonstrations, and other interactive exhibits that highlight today’s high-tech manufacturing and engineering careers. As a co-host of the fair, I am continually inspired by the innovation, creativity, and talent displayed by so many of our state’s brightest young minds.

This year, organizers are expanding the event to include a career fair for college students and interns from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. along with a free networking lunch sponsored by CONNSTEP. I hope to see you there!
 

Hazardous Waste Removal Event

Waterbury residents have an opportunity to safely and securely remove dangerous chemicals and paint from their homes. The Naugatuck Valley Council of Government will host a free Household Hazardous Waste & Paint Collection from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at Crosby High School. 

Organizers will ask for proof of residency (driver’s license, energy bill, other ID) to participate. If you can prove you live in Waterbury, you will be allowed to bring up to 50 pounds of waste. Please read the flyer below for a list of what items will be accepted and which are prohibited.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact NVCOG at hhw@nvcogct.gov or at (203)-757-0535.

Los residentes de Waterbury pueden deshacerse de químicos y pintura peligrosos de forma segura el sábado 18 de abril, de 9:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m., en Crosby High School.

Debe mostrar prueba de residencia y puede llevar hasta 50 libras; para más información, contacte a Naugatuck Valley Council of Government en hhw@nvcogct.gov o al (203) 757-0535.