State Budget Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for June 3, 2025

June 3, 2025



 

From the moment I took the oath of office, I made a promise to the people of Danbury: to fight for the resources our city deserves and for too long was denied.

I’m proud to say I’ve kept that promise.

The $55.6 billion budget the House passed on Monday night contained a lot of great things for the people of the state, most notably for Danbury residents.
 
Working in partnership Mayor Roberto Alves, I and the rest of the Danbury state delegation spearheaded an effort to secure an additional $23.66 million in aid for FY 2026 and another $23.66 million for 2027 for a total increase of $47.3 million.
 
This is historic state funding coming to the city, on top of the unprecedented funding we brought back to Danbury last year. That's direct support Danbury had never seen before, which further reaffirms the united partnership and advocacy led by Mayor Alves and the city's Democratic legislative delegation.
 
That's more than $250 million in education funding, grants, bonding, and reimbursements we’ve delivered for Danbury in the last 3 years.

This is real, meaningful, transformational investment in our community. I’m just getting started. I’ll never stop fighting for the city I love.
 

Community Initiative Funding

In addition to the above, I'm also thrilled to announce that $700,000 in state funding has been secured to support vital community initiatives in Danbury over the next two years.

This funding will uplift programs that serve local youth through education, sports, public safety, and cultural enrichment, delivering meaningful, lasting benefits to young people and families across the city.
 
This funding is about our kids. It’s about making sure every child in Danbury has safe spaces to learn, play, and grow. Whether it’s a student visiting the museum for the first time, a youth serving our community as a Police Cadet, or a youngster finding mentorship through Danbury Grassroots Academy, these programs give our children opportunities to thrive and succeed.”
 
Supporting the Heart of Danbury: Community Organization Funding
A total of $300,000 will be awarded this year to six valued community organizations to help expand their services for children, teens, and families:

  • Friends of the Danbury Museum & Historical Society – $100,000
  • Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut – $50,000
  • Danbury Grassroots Academy – $50,000
  • Danbury Police Cadets – $50,000
  • Dominican Community Center – $30,000
  • Danbury Youth Soccer – $20,000 

These nonprofits are essential because they work directly with our kids, providing opportunities, creating community, and giving young people the tools they need to reach their potential. I’m honored to secure this funding for them.
 
Investing in Youth Safety, Mentorship, and Opportunity
Recognizing the importance of safe, positive spaces for young people, Rep. Santos also secured $400,000 in targeted funding for youth violence prevention and enrichment programs:

  • Danbury Police Activities League (PAL) – $300,000
  • City of Danbury Kids Summer Camp – $100,000 

Our children deserve programs that help them feel safe, supported, and inspired. These initiatives offer kids positive outlets, trusted mentors, and opportunities to discover their potential. When we invest in our youth, we invest in a stronger, safer future for everyone.
 
Community Leaders Applaud the Investment
Mayor Roberto Alves praised the funding, calling it a meaningful win for the community.
 
“I’m proud to partner with Rep. Santos and our legislative delegation to secure critical resources for Danbury,” said Mayor Roberto L. Alves. “These investments secured by Rep. Santos strengthen the programs and services that keep our city thriving, especially for our kids and families.”
 
Danbury Police Sgt. David Antedomenico also highlighted the importance of the funding directed to youth training programs.

“This investment will provide the Danbury Police Cadets with the uniforms and equipment they need to continue their community service and leadership training. I thank Rep. Santos and Mayor Alves for their unwavering support of our future public safety leaders.”
 
A Lasting Commitment to Danbury’s Kids

Every child in Danbury deserves the chance to feel safe, supported, and hopeful about their future. This funding is a step toward making that a reality. I’ll continue fighting for the resources our young people need to grow into the leaders and changemakers our city deserves.

 

Additional Funding Secured
in Collaboration with Sen. Kushner

There's even more good news: In partnership with Senator Kushner, we also secured an additional $4.675 million for local entities split between FY26 & FY27:

  • $2 million for Regional Hospice Center for Pediatric Care
  • $1.23 million in FY26 and $1,311,083 in FY27 for the Center for School Safety at WCSU
  • $83,930 in FY27 for Danbury Youth Services
  • $50,000 for EdAdvance School Readiness Council

The funding shows not only the collaboration between our Danbury delegation, but the tireless commitment to bringing back Danbury's fair share from the state.

 

Sincerely,

Farley Santos

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