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With the end of the legislative session today, I want to highlight some bills that passed both the House and Senate that are expected to be signed into law by Gov. Ned Lamont.
First among them is the energy affordability bill, SB 4, which curtails costs to ratepayers through the following ways:
- Supply – Updates to energy procurement strategies ensure utilities buy smarter, locking in savings in a volatile energy market.
- Delivery – Securitizes $1.2 billion in storm costs saves $75.5M/year by smoothing the cost over time instead of hitting ratepayers all at once.
- Transmission – With transmission now 10–11% of your monthly bill, this bill demands better oversight and smarter planning— allowing for control of costs and including mandatory evaluation of GETs and advanced conductors.
- Public Benefits – We're lowering the cost of programs like residential solar, EV charging, and fuel cell procurement through strategic bonding and caps, while still expanding clean energy access.
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There are also other direct benefits to ratepayers in the form of grid-enhancing technologies, transmission reform through better planning and transparency, requiring participation in our regional grid, and capping annual costs to lower-income households.
The bill also pays down hundreds of millions of dollars in electric debt to provide relief for ratepayers.
SB 4 enjoyed overwhelming bipartisan support, with just three out of 147 total votes in opposition. We're only getting started on energy reform and this is a good first step.
Please see my video here to learn more. |
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The House and the Senate this week adopted a $55.8 billion, two-year budget that invests in child care, K-12 education, and special education, while providing tax relief for working families and supporting nonprofit service providers.
It's far from perfect, but it does reflects a collection of shared values, marked by increased investments in children through expanded funding for special education and child care. It strengthens support for working families and ensures that the essential work of nonprofits is both valued and financially supported. These organizations are on the front lines every day, serving our most vulnerable neighbors. This budget affirms and reinforces their vital role in building a stronger, more inclusive community for all. |
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This budget includes:
NEW FUNDING FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION
- $40 million for Excess Cost Grant in each of next two years
- $30 million for Special Education Expansion and Development (SEED) grant program
- $20 million in bonding to expand and upgrade special education facilities
- $10 million in bonding for capital development
- $10 million for Governor's Incentive District Grant
- Hold harmless funding for Education Cost Sharing, so no school district sees a cut
CHILD CARE
- Investible trust to provide sustainable funding for new child care programs
- Funding for direct healthcare of our children through DSS Medicaid
NONPROFIT PROVIDERS
- Access to better health care and nonprofit community providers
- $150 million for groups homes and nursing homes
- More than $60 million in Medicaid rate increases, which will benefit nonprofit providers
TAX RELIEF FOR WORKING FAMILIES
- Targeted, relief and long-term support for working families
- Refundable tax credit of $250 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) framework
- $500 refundable tax credit for home daycare owners that recognizes and sustains the vital care workforce
- Tax credit for employers who contribute to their employees' CHET accounts
It is my deep honor to do this work, to deliver future-forward, values-driven, good policy for the communities across Connecticut, and to represent Danbury. Thank you for all your meetings, outreach, emails, and calls to inform this process! We did this together!
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| Promises Made, Promises Kept, Part 1 |
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In case you missed it, since the start of the legislative session, I’ve worked alongside my colleagues and Mayor Roberto Alves to secure the resources our city deserves. I’m proud to announce our democratic state delegation successfully delivered a historic $47.3 million increase in state aid for Danbury, to be distributed over Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.
STATE AID INCREASE HIGHLIGHTS:
$12,000,000 in Municipal Grants in Aid
$1,000,000 in Supplemental Revenue Sharing Grant
$295,241 in Town Road Aid
$297,465 in PILOT (Payment In Lieu of Taxes)
$9,135,613 in ECS (Education Cost Sharing) increase
$552,480 for Special Education and Expansion Development
$385,334 in Excess Cost
ANNUAL TOTALS:
FY26: $23,666,133
FY27: $23,666,133
Two-Year Total: $47,343,266
This is the kind of meaningful, sustained investment our city has never seen before. And it’s more than just numbers — it’s resources that will directly improve education, infrastructure, youth services, and the quality of life for every Danbury resident.
$700,000 IN ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY AID:
$300,000 for Danbury Police Activities League (PAL)
$100,000 for City of Danbury Kids Summer Camp
$100,000 for Friends of the Danbury Museum & Historical Society
$50,000 for Cultural Alliance of Western Connecticut
$50,000 for Danbury Grassroots Academy
$50,000 for Danbury Police Cadets
$30,000 for Dominican Community Center
$20,000 for Danbury Youth Soccer Club
In further partnership with Senator Kushner, we also secured an additional $4.675 million for local entities split between FY26 & FY27:
$2,000,000 for Regional Hospice Center for Pediatric Care
$1,231,904 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
This is what happens when your mayor and state delegation work together with one goal: Delivering for Danbury. Proud to fight for the city I love and the people who make it great. |
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| Promises Made, Promises Kept, Part 2 |
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I’m proud to announce that, working together with Rep. Ken Gucker, Mayor Roberto Alves, Senator Julie Kushner, Reps. Bob Godfrey, and Raghib Allie-Brennan, we’ve secured $7 MILLION in state bond funding for critical renovations and safety upgrades at King Street Primary School.
Even better? The state is covering 80% of the cost, much higher than Danbury’s usual rate of 64.29%!
This funding will finally bring permanent walls to classrooms that haven’t had them since the 1970s. As a former King Street student for 2nd and 3rd grade, this means a lot to me personally. Huge shoutout to Principal Dom Pereira for being a fierce advocate for her students and school throughout this entire process. Her passion, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the kids at King Street Primary made a real difference.
This is what happens when local and state leaders work together for our kids and our city. Let’s keep building a better Danbury! |
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Every Connecticut family deserves affordable, high-quality child care. The passage of House Priority Bill 5003 and Senate Bill 1 expands access, supports educators, and invests in our children, families and the economy.
These smart, sustainable investments position Connecticut to lead the nation in delivering affordable, high-quality child care and establishing universal pre-K by 2032. |
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Specifically, the bills:
Provide Sustainable Investment in Care
- Fund the Early Childhood Education Endowment to invest in child care now and in the future
Lower Costs and Increase Access
- Child care and Pre-K will be free for families in state-funded programs earning up to $100,000 and families making over $100,000 will pay no more than 7% of income
- Add 16,000 new child care and Pre-K slots across the state
- Create an online portal to help families find and enroll in programs
Attract and Retain Early Childhood Educators
- Pay qualified educators on par with public school teachers
- Provide funding for health insurance coverage for educators
This legislation delivers lasting solutions for families, educators, and the economy. Together, these measures provide relief for families, bolster recruitment and retention of child care educators, and invest in the construction and renovation of early learning facilities. These bills represent a step forward in Connecticut’s commitment to children and their future.
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| Today we passed legislation that includes an increase on the Farm Investment Tax Credit from $100,000 to $250,000 for farm operation, machinery, equipment, land, and increases protections for agritourism businesses with destinations like corn mazes, pick-your-own offerings; invests 10 million in bonding for a crop-loss reimbursement grant, increases investment in land trusts, open space grants, and increases funding for our State Veterinarian and other resources to invest in our farm communities. |
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| More Support For Veterans |
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The House of Representatives passed the final portion of the CT Hero Act via House Bill 6438, a crucial step toward strengthening and expanding the services veterans rely on.
The bipartisan legislation represents our commitment to ensuring services for those who’ve served our country.
This measure reaffirms Connecticut’s commitment to honoring our veterans and standing with those who have served. |
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| We passed legislation that will foster a more inclusive and responsive system that better meets the needs of individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities. |
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The bill:
- Tracks delays & gaps in critical services
- Requires public reporting on abuse & neglect cases
- Reviews DDS investigation policies every 5 years
- Launches statewide autism needs assessment
- Studies future of Southbury Training School
- Proposes urgent help for complex autism cases
Such policies recognize the inherit dignity and potential of every person as we move closer to a future where everyone can participate fully and equally.
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I had an early start Wednesday at the The Center For Empowerment And Education Hearts of Hope Breakfast, where we celebrated the Ridgefield Thrift Shop for its incredible support of the Center’s life-changing work.
We heard a moving story of survival, strength, and hope in the face of domestic violence, a reminder of why the services Center provides matter so deeply. These powerful personal stories lift others up, and our community is stronger because of it. |
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| Supporting Jericho Partnership |
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Another early morning well spent supporting the incredible work of Jericho Partnership, Inc.
Mr. Bill Beattie’s vision has made a lasting, positive impact on our community, changing lives through compassion, service, and faith-driven action.
Executive Director Mark Lounsbury reminded us today, 'If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.' Truer words have never been spoken. Grateful to Mr. Beattie for his unwavering love and commitment to Danbury and the people who call it home. |
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Dia de Portugal is one of our family’s favorite traditions, a day to celebrate our roots, heritage, and vibrant community (yes, according to Ancestry, I’m 51% Portuguese from the Azores!)
This year was extra special as we honored Mr. Luis Tomas, a true pillar in the Danbury and Portuguese communities and a true role model of a community member. The day kicked off with a tribute to John Perry at his memorial field, followed by a beautiful Holy Mass at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and then it was parade time!
Huge shoutout to all the participants and an extra special one to my wife and in-law family for proudly riding with the Holy Spirit float, keeping our Azorean traditions alive. We even had friends from Providence join in with traditional singing where they presented a special offering of blessings to the Mayor!
And listen… those homemade sweet breads my mother-in-law’s been baking for weeks were handed out by the folks who participated in our float and GONE in minutes.
We wrapped up the perfect day at the Portuguese Cultural Center surrounded by family, friends, and great food. The Portuguese community has played such an important role in Danbury’s story and I’m so proud to be a part of it. Viva Portugal, today and always!
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| Public Service Runs in the Family |
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Proud Dad Moment:
Public service often means missing special family moments, and tonight was one of those nights. I couldn’t be there in person for Khloë’s middle school awards ceremony, but thanks to FaceTime, I was able to catch a bit of it in between votes here at the Capitol.
I’m beyond proud of my not-so-little girl for earning three awards, including the President’s Award for Educational Excellence and High Honors Distinction. She continues to amaze us every single day.
Even from the floor of the legislature, I’m her biggest fan. |
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A legislator is only as strong as the team around them, and I’m lucky to have some of the very best. Huge thanks to Rebecca, my Legislative Aide; Julianna, my Outreach Coordinator; Ted, my Press Aide; and Ana who was my Legislative Aide and went on to bigger and better things. Their hard work, talent, and heart fuel so much of what we’re able to deliver for our community and our state.
I’m also grateful to all of the dedicated staff who work at the Capitol. Their work makes us shine, and the progress we make wouldn’t be possible without them. Happy Sine Die to the team behind the scenes who make it all happen. |
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Please feel free to contact me with any thoughts or concerns that you may have at farley.santos@cga.ct.gov or (860) 240-8585.
Sincerely,
Farley Santos
State Representative |
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