Dear Neighbor,
We had another productive week at the State Capitol, with a number of important bills passed, as well as work being done as the end of the session is in sight.
This week I met with the New England Refreshment Services Association, including the owners of Berkshire Food Inc., which calls Danbury home. |
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We have some critical pieces of legislation coming down the pike, not least of which is a budget proposal to fund, among other things, Medicaid payments. Every budget cycle has its share of challenges and moving parts. But with the uncertainty coming out of Washington, this year's budget discussions have proven to be particularly difficult.
With that said, Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves and I, along with other mayors of large municipalities, met with House Speaker Matthew Ritter to highlight the necessity of protecting the investments made in education. Budgets are, at the end of the day, reflections of a community's values. While balances and compromises always have to be made, they should never be made on the backs of our students and educators. |
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I was raised by parents who taught me to love this nation deeply. My father always reminded me, “To whom much is given, much is required.” That principle shaped the way I view service, opportunity, and community. When we invest in our young people — regardless of where they were born — they grow up to become our doctors, entrepreneurs, lawyers, educators, and yes, even State Representatives.
Yes, we must hold those who endanger our communities accountable. But we should never paint entire communities with a broad brush. Immigrants love this country. People like me, and like my parents, will do anything to protect it and help it thrive.
That’s why I stood proudly at a press conference on Thursday in support of strengthening the Trust Act. House Bill 7212 would prevent Connecticut public agencies from sharing information with ICE and stop individuals from being arrested or detained at courthouses based solely on civil immigration detainers. It’s a bill rooted in fairness, dignity, and public safety.
My family’s story is personal. My parents and I were undocumented immigrants. For years, they worked hard, paid taxes, and contributed to our community in every way they could, all without ever being able to benefit from the system they supported. Their sacrifices and unwavering belief in the promise of this country are why I’m here today.
I am proud to support HB 7212. Because I believe in a Connecticut, and a country, that values its people not by where they were born, but by how they live, serve, and give back.
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| Strengthening Protections for Survivors |
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| House Democrats took action on Tuesday to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors. |
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On Tuesday, House Democrats voted to improve interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness.
This council will bring together representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to ensure that our state agencies are coordinating and developing long-term solutions. |
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| Dominican Community Center Gala |
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Congratulations to the Dominican Community Center on its 7th Annual Gala! I’m so proud of my colleagues Zoraida Cabrera and Jason Nova for the incredible work they continue to do as part of the leadership team.
Wishing the Center nothing but continued growth and success. It was also great to see my colleagues, State Reps. Bobby Sanchez and Hilda Santiago, showing their support. I’m excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to partnering with the Center. More to come |
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| Danbury PAL Spotlight Awards |
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Danbury Police Activities League is special to me. As a Past President of the Board, it was an honor to return this morning as the emcee for their Spotlight Awards Breakfast, an event that shines a light on those making a lasting impact in our community.
We proudly recognized Eileen Kline and Arthur Haddad, two outstanding individuals who have dedicated themselves to Danbury’s youth as mentors, teachers, coaches, and so much more.
Mr. Haddad is especially meaningful to me. He retired from Abbott Tech as a beloved Guidance Counselor the same year I graduated high school. In my graduation speech, I called him a Danbury legend and he’s truly even more than that.
Wishing both Eileen and Mr. Haddad continued happiness, success, and strength as they keep inspiring and giving back. Proud to celebrate such incredible role models today. |
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New England Uniform's 50 Years:
A Danbury Institution |
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New England Uniform is celebrating an incredible 50 years in business right here in Danbury!
For five decades, Ed and Val McGee have built more than a business, they've created a community cornerstone. As a local, family-owned company, their longevity reflects a deep commitment to Danbury and its people. Multigenerational businesses like theirs play a vital role in supporting our local economy, creating jobs, and keeping our downtown vibrant.
Congratulations to the McGee family and the entire New England Uniform team on this remarkable milestone! |
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Saturday's daddy-daughter date took us to Sycamore Drive-In Restaurant to support our 4th Ward neighbors, the Austins.
There’s nothing like a Dagwood burger and great conversation! Special thanks to Patrick for the strawberry shake — it’s Khloë approved! |
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| Retiring After Nearly a Quarter Century |
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| Congratulations to Jose Sousa on his retirement after working for 24 years for the City of Danbury. Mr. Sousa worked in a number of different roles for the city and I wish him a happy and healthy retirement. |
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| Where would we be without the incredible mothers in our lives? Today, I’m celebrating the love, strength, and beauty of the amazing women who shape my world. Happy Mother’s Day to my wonderful wife, my mothers, my sister, my mother-in-law, and all the incredible moms I’m lucky to know. Your love is the heart of our families and the foundation of our lives. |
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| Memorial Day Parade in Danbury |
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| The Memorial Day Parade in Danbury will take place Monday, May 26, at 9:30 a.m. The step off will be at the intersection of Crosby Street and Main Street and the parade will travel to Roger’s Park. |
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Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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