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On Wednesday, I joined Mayor Roberto Alves, Gov. Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal and the Connecticut Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity for a roundtable discussion on Connecticut’s approach to national immigration enforcement trends.
Panel members repeated the same message: We are a nation of immigrants. The U.S. is what it is -- economically and culturally -- because of the contributions of immigrants. Connecticut has been and will continue to be a leader in welcoming and supporting immigrants.
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This conversation is very important and personal to me, and not only because Danbury, which I represent, is the ninth-most-diverse city in country. My family immigrated from Brazil to the U.S. when I was 7 years old. I don't know if I'm the first formerly undocumented immigrant to be a member of the General Assembly, but I know I'm the only one currently serving. My family, when I was growing up, contributed as much as possible. My father instilled in me that no matter where we were from, that THIS, the United States, is our country. He also drove home the notion that, through sacrifice and struggle, we have an obligation to give back. Dad would often say, “To whom much is given, much is required.” It's why I serve today.
Against that backdrop, right now we have children who are uncertain about going to school. We have business owners who are feeling the economic impact caused by the fear that has gripped our community. There are people who fear going to their own church. These scare tactics are less than human. We can and must do better. Because that is who we really are! |
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A productive week at the Capitol. We advanced several executive nominations and I was proud to introduce a practical yet meaningful banking bill aimed at easing unnecessary burdens on our state-chartered banks. HB6877 would make it easier for them to tackle branch improvement projects and compete more fairly with federally chartered institutions.
I also met with Speaker Matt Ritter and Gov. Ned Lamont to continue advocating for additional financial support for Danbury, from municipal aid to bonding projects and more. We outlined the city’s priorities and made the case for the kind of unprecedented funding and grant opportunities we secured in the past. There’s more work ahead, but I’m grateful to have a strong delegation by my side and a Mayor who passionately champions Danbury at every opportunity. |
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The House passed a number of bills during three session days last week, including HB5004, of HB 5004: An Act Concerning the Protection of the Environment and the Development of Renewable Energy Sources and Associated Job Sectors.
As our state is increasingly feeling the impacts of climate change, it is the legislature's job to enact meaningful change for the safety of our residents and to emerge as a leader on climate solutions.
This bill takes a comprehensive, practical, and equitable approach to protecting our environment - from homes and schools to jobs and land. It sets clear goals, removes barriers, and puts people and sustainability first, all through the lens of affordability.
Key provisions of the bill include:
- Setting new goals for greenhouse gas emissions reductions—including an economy-wide net-zero target by 2050—without imposing costs on ratepayers
- Supporting clean energy jobs and businesses through tax incentives, rebates, and a council to guide workforce transitions
- Developing strategic plans and expanding access to clean technologies
- Expanding loan and grant programs to include more climate-smart projects and ensuring funds benefit low-income residents and renters
- Developing plans that address the triple impact of reducing energy costs, lowering emissions, and supporting climate resilience
- Encouraging nature based solutions for reaching our greenhouse gas reduction and other climate goals.
HB 5004 is a wide-ranging measure that focuses on affordability, energy efficiency, and developing a clean economy, and I was proud to cast my vote in favor.
The bill must now pass the Senate and signed into law by the governor.
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Other bills that passed include the following:
- House Bill 7081: An Act Concerning Licensure Portability for Marriage and Family Therapists to help address the severe mental health workforce shortage in our state
- House Bill 7102: An Act Concerning Maternal and Infant Health Care to develop a strategic plan to increase the number of birth centers and birthing hospitals in the state and expand the Connecticut Fatherhood Initiative’s (CFI) objectives to include expanding fathers’ role in supporting maternal health.
- House Bill 7042: An Act Concerning Implementation of the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act which acts to create greater gun safety by allowing victims of violence who are harmed by irresponsible actions by gun manufacturers, gun dealers and gun sellers to sue.
- House Bill 6442: An Act Concerning Military Affairs in Connecticut or the HERO Act, which will better serve our veterans and military personnel in various ways, including naming November as Veterans Month, creating new commemorative license plates, honoring women and Puerto Rican veterans, and making it easier for military families to transfer schools.
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| Greeting Students at the Capitol |
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| It was a pleasure welcoming students from St. Rose of Lima in Newtown. It's always terrific to show the next generation of leaders how legislators do their jobs and try to improve the lives of everyone in the state. |
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Last week, we celebrated 100 years of the Danbury Garden Club bringing people together! This year’s theme, Turning Points, was a touching reminder that life’s most meaningful moments play a pivotal role in our stories. Each of the honorees opened their hearts and shared deeply personal stories of the moments that changed their paths, stories of resilience, courage, and growth.
Thank you and congratulations to Mayor Roberto Alves, Commissioner Mark D. Boughton, Lisa Scails, Ned Moore, Maura Newell Juan, Peter Kent, Jessica Westerfield, and Brigid Guertin. Your willingness to reflect on your journeys, and share those pivotal experiences with us made the evening remarkable.
Beyond your stories, your contributions to our community through leadership, service, and advocacy continue to shape Danbury for the better. |
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Ability Beyond is an incredible organization that works tirelessly to support individuals with disabilities, providing them with the resources, services, and opportunities they need to lead full, independent lives. From employment programs to residential services and daily living support, their work makes a real difference for so many individuals and families.
Kitty and I had a wonderful evening supporting their valuable mission at Gala & Beyond – The Magic Within, even having the winning bid for a much-sought-after champagne bottle.
It was a pleasure to celebrate alongside so many friends and dedicated supporters and to honor the Finkelstein Family, who were presented with the Robert Young Humanitarian of the Year Award for their compassion and service. A very special thank you to George Mulvaney of Mulvaney Mechanical, Inc. for all he does for the community. Mr. Mulvaney is one of the most generous and contributing members of the area, and his unwavering commitment to causes like this continues to inspire everyone around him. Shout out to Tom Pescé for entertaining all of us throughout the evening. |
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As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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