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It’s been a busy and productive time at the Capitol as we head toward the end of the legislative session on June 4. My focus remains on supporting legislation that makes a meaningful, positive difference for the people of Danbury.
This week, I was proud to vote in favor of House Bill 5279, a measure that, among other provisions, strengthens Connecticut’s Trust Act. The bill passed with strong support in the House.
If approved by the Senate and signed into law by Governor Lamont, this legislation will help protect personal privacy and ensure that individuals are not detained at courthouses based solely on civil immigration matters. It’s an important step toward fostering fairness, dignity, and public safety in our communities.
As I said previously, it’s a bill rooted in fairness, dignity, and public safety.
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I shared my family’s story on the House floor (watch the video below) in support of the Trust Act expansion. My parents and I were, for lack of a better term, 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 have cast my vote in favor of expanding the Trust Act, 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.
Our immigration system is broken, but it’s not beyond repair. Because at the heart of it, we’re not just talking about policy, we’re talking about people. |
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| Other Legislation that Passed |
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House Democrats passed legislation on Monday that saves money for every employer in the state, since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling. This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saves them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.
Connecticut is joining states like Oregon and Colorado and taking a step toward harm reduction. The House just passed a bill to decriminalize psilocybin in small amounts. |
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Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents.
I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.
What to expect
Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Deb. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.
Who qualifies?
- Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
- Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income
This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. View a sample of what this letter looks like at https://shorturl.at/6XUQs.
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| New Hope Celebrates 130 Years |
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| What a blessing to join New Hope Baptist Church in celebrating 130 years of faith, fellowship, and resilience. As I reflected on the trials and tribulations this congregation has endured, I was reminded of a scripture my mother instilled in me, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13). I imagine those words carried generations of believers through difficult times and gave them the fortitude to keep moving forward. |
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| Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Sapp Jones, Interim Pastor, this beautiful church family, and to Rev. Dr. Tyrone P. Jones IV, whose powerful, Spirit-filled message inspired us all. Grateful to stand in fellowship with this congregation alongside my fellow elected leaders Mayor Roberto Alves, State Senator Julie Kushner, City Treasurer Dan Jowdy, and Danbury City Councilman Joe Britton. |
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Today marks the last day of our 8th grade Confirmation Sunday School! Since September, I’ve strived to bring these incredible young minds hope, compassion, and faith through each Sunday’s lessons. I’m so proud of the growth I’ve seen in them as they prepare to be confirmed in our faith.
A huge thank you to Nicole for joining our class this year, she brought so much fun, energy, and warmth to every lesson. Wishing each of these amazing kids a lifetime of blessings. It’s been an absolute honor to have been one of their teachers! |
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Khloë’s Musical Theatre Group performed at the 2025 Celebration of Danbury Arts at DHS today, singing away a few of their standout songs from "Beauty & the Beast".
It was a fantastic showcase of talent, creativity, and community spirit, with so much to see both inside and outside the school.
Proud to see the arts thriving in Danbury! |
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On Saturday, we celebrated Joe Pepin Day at ACE!
One of my proudest accomplishments as a City Councilman was leading the effort to have this school building named after Joe Pepin, a visionary leader who established and led this incredible alternative center of education and positively impacted the lives of so many students.
Great to be at the school with two of its biggest advocates, Town Clerk Laurie Esposito and Principal John Webber!
Honored to help keep Joe Pepin’s legacy alive in our community. |
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Stopped by the Holi celebration on the City Green today! Holi is a beautiful Hindu festival that celebrates the arrival of spring, love, and new beginnings and of course, it’s known for the fun tradition of throwing colorful powders!
Thank you to Mimi Santosh for organizing such a joyful, vibrant event for our community. |
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Clean City Danbury Day was a huge success! It was great to see so many members of our community come together to help keep our city clean and beautiful.
A big shoutout to my colleague Hisham from the Mayor’s Office for organizing this event. Having organized this last year, I know firsthand how much work goes into making a day like this happen.
Endless thanks to all the volunteers, especially the many high school students who gave their time to staff drop-off sites, pick up trash on our streets, and clean up our parks. Your hard work truly makes a difference! |
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| Always Room for Ice Cream |
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| Saturday was nonstop from the moment we got up. But we also made time for some of the finer things -- while Khloë was hanging out at a friend’s house, mom and dad treated themselves to some of the best ice cream in the 109th District at Il Bacio Ice Cream. |
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Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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