Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for April 24, 2026

April 24, 2026

We were in session four days this week, during which we accomplished quite a bit, including passing legislation on cannabis, gun violence prevention, medical credit card protections and more. The week also included personal and professional accolades.

Please scroll down to learn more.

But before that business, I took a moment on Monday at the beginning of session to remember a truly special soul our community recently lost, Herminia Furtado.

Mrs. Furtado (to me affectionately, Grandma) had a way of making everyone feel like family. She welcomed me into her home for so many holidays, always treating me like one of her own grandchildren. Her kindness was unmatched, and her signature “you want something to eat, honey?” was more than a question, it was how she showed love to everyone around her.

She had a gift for bringing warmth, comfort, and joy into every room she entered, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

May she rest in eternal peace, reunited with the love of her life, Serafim. And may her family find comfort and strength in the beautiful memories she left for us all.

Energy Bill Relief

Earlier this week, the Connecticut Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) approved an interim decision to lower residential electricity rates across the state.

Starting May 1, rates will decrease by about $30 per month for the average Eversource customer; and roughly $34 per month, for the average United Illuminating customer.

This reduction is largely driven by a drop in the public benefits charge, which will now appear as a credit on customers’ bills rather than an added cost, at least through September.

Much of this shift is tied to long-term energy contracts negotiated by Millstone and Seabrook nuclear power plants. These agreements provide electricity at stable, fixed prices, helping shield ratepayers from the volatility of fossil fuel markets.

2026 Immigrant of the Year

I am truly honored to be recognized as the 2026 Immigrant of the Year during Immigrant Day at the Capitol, alongside so many incredible individuals whose stories reflect the very best of our state and our country.

Grateful to Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity & Opportunity and CT Immigrant & Refugee Coalition for this meaningful recognition.

As I received this award, I thought of my parents. Their decision to start over in a new country came with sacrifice, uncertainty, and resilience. They taught me to love this great nation, work hard, stay grounded, and give back whenever possible.

I carry that with me every day, doing my best to serve, contribute, and give back to the community that has given me so much. Thank you to everyone who made today possible and to those who were present. God bless America

Co-Chair of the Future Caucus

Proud to be tapped to lead once again.

I’ve always believed the best, common-sense policies, the ones that truly serve the greater good, are built through collaboration, compromise, and a bipartisan approach.

Grateful to continue this work and to learn alongside Republican and Democratic colleagues from across the country.

Free and Fair Elections

People’s right to vote is under constant attack around the country, but here in Connecticut, we’re making sure elections are free and fair. Some of the key provisions:

• Replacing the confusing second envelope with a more reliable bar code system
• Setting up a system to check the status of your absentee ballot online
• Allowing more people who request a ballot to be automatically sent one for each election
• Expanding where town-supervised voting by absentee ballot takes place (currently it is only in nursing homes and hospice)
• Letting anyone who will be 18 by Election Day vote early or by absentee ballot

Updating CT's Vaccine Policy

This is one of those issues that’s gotten a lot of headlines, and let’s be honest, it’s often used to divide us.

But, at its core, HB 5044 is about protecting public health and making sure Connecticut is prepared, informed, and guided by science.

Let me be clear: this is NOT a vaccine mandate. No one is being forced to take a vaccine. This bill simply establishes a standard of care for adults, guidance based on medical expertise that recommends certain vaccines, just like many other routine healthcare standards.

What this bill does:
• Keeps vaccine recommendations in the hands of public health and medical experts, NOT politics
• Establishes a standard of care for adult vaccinations (recommendations, not requirements)
• Ensures insurance coverage so recommended vaccines are affordable and accessible
• Expands access to vaccines, especially for vulnerable and underserved communities
• Allows Connecticut to act independently if federal guidance is delayed or inconsistent
• Strengthens our ability to respond quickly to emerging public health threats

I understand concerns about vaccines, I’ve experienced side effects myself. I had an inflamed pericardial sac after taking a vaccine, but it was caught early and resolved quickly.

That experience gave me perspective, but it doesn’t change the facts.

The overwhelming science is clear: vaccines prevent serious illness and save lives.

We lived through a pandemic not too long ago. We can’t forget those lessons. Preventing the next one matters.

That’s why I voted YES on HB 5044.

Protecting public health should never be political.

Cannabis Protections

Earlier this week, we dove into debate on HB 5350: An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp, and Infused Beverage Regulation, a bill that was heavily debated in the General Law Committee, of which I am a member.

This legislation is about getting it right:

Stronger, clearer regulations

Increased oversight to protect consumers

New product categories like infused beverages

Smart updates that reflect a growing, evolving industry

It modernizes our cannabis framework while ensuring accountability and responsible growth.

After over 10 hours of debate, the measure passed.

Proud to do this work

Let's Talk: Education Funding Pt. 2

Joined by former Board of Education member and current Councilman Joe Britton, we break down what’s happening at both the state and local levels when it comes to funding our schools.

Because at the end of the day, investing in education is investing in our kids and the future of our community.

Watch, learn, and stay accurately informed.

Earth Day 2026

On this Earth Day, I’m going back to earlier this week when I had the chance to join the smart students at the Western CT Academy for International Studies Elementary School for their Earth Week Arbor Ceremony, and it was the perfect reminder that the future is in good hands.

Wonderful that the city of Danbury helped mark the occasion by donating trees, investing in a greener, healthier future for our community.

Big thanks to our Forestry Tree Warden Douglas Evenuska and Eversource for helping bring this to life. When we plant trees, we’re not just celebrating Earth Day, we’re investing in generations to come.

Third Grade Field Trip

I have fond memories of going to the Danbury Museum & Historical Society when I was in 3rd grade and seeing the smiles on these faces makes all the work to secure this funding absolutely worth it!

25 Years of the Portuguese Cultural Center

Parabéns ao Portuguese Cultural Center! 25 anos de sucesso!

Built by community. Powered by volunteers. Ainda de pé. Still going strong. Espalhando a cultura Portuguesa em Danbury.

Great to celebrate with so many friends.

Update from the Fire Department

Progress is being made for Danbury! (From the Danbury Fire Department)

Quint 27 is now in the final stages of assembly at the Pierce plant. After entering production in January, this newest addition to the Danbury Fire Department fleet is nearing completion.

This week marked a major milestone as the ladder was successfully pinned onto the apparatus. Final testing is scheduled to begin next week ahead of delivery.

Once delivered, Quint 27 will undergo equipment mounting and comprehensive training by Local 801 members before being placed into service.

This apparatus was purchased in anticipation of the future “West Side” Firehouse—more details on that project can be found in a previous post.

This is BIG news for the Danbury Fire Department and IAFF Local 801. Our firefighters are proud to have the staffing and the top-tier equipment needed to protect our community.

Tarrywile Park Funding

Congratulations to the Friends of the Tarrywile Park Authority on being awarded a $63,026 OSWA grant to help restore Tarrywile Park. Thank you to the board for taking the initiative to apply for this funding and for your continued dedication to preserving one of our city’s most special places.

I was happy to support this effort and advocate for these funds that will help maintain and improve our park for everyone to enjoy. Looking forward to seeing the work continue once contracts are finalized in the coming weeks!

Sincerely,

Farley Santos

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State Representative

Farley Santos

Proudly Serving Danbury