Updates for State Rep. Farley Santos for Feb. 27, 2026

February 27, 2026

No one exemplifies the dedication, determination and decency of public service like Miss Vicky. She's always smiling, always happy.

I’m grateful for her and every employee of public works, public utilities, parks, and first responders including dispatch employees who work so hard for us every day, especially during storms like this latest one.

Everyone had a long day dealing with the recent blizzard. My day started early with shoveling, followed by a committee public hearing, then off to the office. Along with the Mayor and colleagues, I spent time surveying road conditions, assisting residents both on the streets and in the office, before heading home to more shoveling and a late caucus call.

The true heroes were the city employees who serve this community regardless of the weather. It truly takes a village.

I saw neighbors helping neighbors, people stepping up for one another, and moments of real community spirit. If there’s a silver lining these storms, it’s being reminded just how strong and caring our city is and how it can be every day.

Sign up for Emergency Alerts

Given how difficult this winter has been, including two blizzards(!) it's more important than ever to sign up for emergency alerts from the city. Sign up for Danbury ALERT now: https://www.danbury-ct.gov/176/Danbury-ALERT

Child Tax Credit

Connecticut is the only state that has an income tax with out a corresponding permanent, refundable child tax credit.

That's why I strongly support Senate Bill 103, which establishes a refundable Child Tax Credit to help Connecticut families struggling with the high cost of raising children.

Right now, too many working- and middle-class families are falling behind. According to the 2025 United Way ALICE Report, 40% of Connecticut households struggle to afford basic needs. A family of four needs over $116,000 a year just to meet a basic survival budget. Connecticut is now the second most expensive state in the nation to raise a young child, behind Massachusetts. Families are being forced to choose between rent, groceries, and prescriptions—choices no parent should have to make.

While last year’s $250 Earned Income Tax Credit boost was an important step, 355,000 struggling families earn too much to qualify and receive no relief. A permanent, refundable Child Tax Credit would reach 550,000 children—about 75% of families statewide—and provide flexible support for essentials like housing, childcare, food, and healthcare.

Seventeen states, including New York, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, and New Jersey, have adopted similar credits. Research shows these policies reduce child poverty, improve health outcomes, ease parental stress, and do not reduce workforce participation. Every $1 invested also generates about $1.25 in local economic activity.

I support Senate Bill 103 and advocate for a $600 per-child refundable credit to deliver meaningful relief now and invest in Connecticut’s future.

Support for Workers

I testified before the Labor and Public Employees Committee this week in strong support for HB5275 (testimony below), Contractor’s Responsibility for Unpaid Wages on a Construction Contract.

Workers should never have to fight to be paid for work they’ve already done. Wage theft hurts families, undermines honest businesses, and weakens our local economy.

HB5275 is about fairness and accountability, protecting workers' rights while also protecting responsible contractors who play by the rules. When workers are paid, our communities are stronger, our businesses are healthier, and our economy grows.

Our tradespeople build our cities, our homes, and our future. They deserve nothing less than dignity and a fair day’s pay.

Diversity in Danbury

Our diversity is our strength!

We see it in our people,

We see it in our economy,

We see it in our success!

Meeting on I-84 Flex Lane

Please see the graphic below on the DOT's informational meeting on the proposed I-84 flex lane in Danbury.

Melody-Halas Mass

Honored to once again attend the Mass at St. Peter Church, a powerful tribute to courage, sacrifice, and service. Heartfelt thank you to Mrs. Melody for the kind invitation and for continuing to honor this important legacy. Grateful to Father Mecca for leading such a beautiful and meaningful service, and to the Danbury Fire Department firefighters who stood in support. Danbury will never forget Lt. Butch Melody and Firefighter Joe Halas.

Let's Talk: Health Care

Let’s Talk: Health Care That Works for Everyone (Video in link)

Health care is a human right - full stop. Connecticut has moved forward, but gaps remain, and too many people still feel the strain of inadequate coverage. Insurance companies must be held to a higher standard.

Tell me about your experience. I’m listening.

Strong Economic Growth in the City

The broader economic outlook highlights real challenges. National growth that exceeded 3% in 2023–2024 has cooled to roughly 2.2%, with the fourth quarter of 2025 slowing more than expected at 1.4%. Workforce disruptions tied to immigration policy and rising prices influenced by tariffs remain part of the conversation. Yet consumer spending continues to show resilience and drive much of the economy’s strength.
Danbury is charting a different course. Under the responsible growth leadership of Mayor Roberto Alves, our city continues to stand out as an economic outlier in Connecticut and beyond. We’ve brought unemployment down from 5%. Our diversity, our workforce, and our pro-business mindset remain powerful competitive advantages.

Danbury is open for business, and we’re just getting started. We want businesses, families, and innovators to continue choosing Danbury.