BMRS Funding, Legislative Updates, Happy Easter, and more

April 18, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this message finds you and your family well. We are officially halfway through the 2025 Legislative Session!

Last Saturday 04/12, I had the pleasure of joining State Representative Joe Gresko to deliver a $25,000 check for the Boothe Memorial Railway Society (BMRS)! This additional state funding will allow them to continue showcasing Stratford’s railroad history. I am excited and proud to see BMRS continue to thrive and bring our community together to learn about our history. The dedicated volunteers at BMRS have worked hard to educate our community, and their efforts do not go unnoticed. The Railroad Museum at Boothe Park will open in May!

BMRS will allocate the state funds to:

Replace 25-year-old window shades, providing both security and energy savings
Purchase and install an Automated External Defibrillator
Purchase and install new outdoor benches
Improve security and webcam systems
Install new equipment to support the museum’s collection and displays

This week, I spent my time standing up and speaking out for our working families and most vulnerable residents across the state. Here in Stratford, I met with the Stratford Chamber of Commerce and had the opportunity to meet with some of our small business owners. At the Capitol, the Public Safety and Security Committee held a meeting on Tuesday, where we passed a bill giving Police Officers the ability to choose their behavioral health professional when seeking mental health needs and/or evaluation.

I also had the opportunity to attend and speak at several press conferences this week where my colleagues and I advocated for different issues impacting Connecticut's residents. I attended a press conference with the Tax Equity Caucus and urged for tax justice which would include requiring the top 1% to pay their fair share of taxes in order to help fund Connecticut's essential services, programs, and initiatives. Next, I attended the HIV/AIDS Awareness Rally where I stood in solidarity with advocates and community leaders who are currently struggling with the elimination of federal public health funding for medical research, prevention, and treatments. I also joined the CT Students for a Dream advocating for expanding HUSKY Healthcare and strengthening the TRUST Act to protect our students and their families. Finally, I attended a press conference urging the federal administration to reinstate funding for Title IX at Planned Parenthood of Southern New England which provides essential reproductive healthcare services to over 41,000 residents across our state.

I am wishing a Happy Easter to all who celebrate! I hope you all have a day filled with love, laughter, and great company!

Happy Earth Day

This coming Tuesday, we are celebrating Earth Day! I hope you all are able to spend some time outside and enjoy our beautiful Stratford. Earth day is a great reminder to appreciate the beauty of our planet and do our part to protect it.

Department of Education Update

On Wednesday 4/16/25, the Connecticut State Department of Education and Governor Lamont reaffirmed our state's commitment to support and inspire diversity in our public school systems. Connecticut's goal is to create a learning environment where every student is valued and has access to endless learning opportunities. The Connecticut State Department of Education responded to the U.S. Department of Education's recent request regarding Title VI compliance in a letter stating our state has and will continue to comply with Title IV.

Read the full CSDE letter here

Black Maternal Health Week

April 11th -17th is Black Maternal Health Week, a time to bring national attention to the urgent need to improve maternal health outcomes for Black women. Black mothers in the United States are more likely to suffer from pregnancy-related causes than white mothers. This week is a chance to advocate for policies that ensure equity and justice in maternal health for all.

UCONN Championship Parade

Last weekend, we celebrated the UCONN Women's Basketball team at the Capitol during their championship parade on Sunday. Congratulations to the 2025 NCAA Women's Basketball Champions, the UCONN Huskies!!

Local Updates

Below you can find information on the different activities and programs being offered at the Baldwin Center this month! Find more information on what programs the Baldwin Center offers for Seniors around Stratford here.

The Stratford Health Department is offering Community Gardening Workshops every Tuesday at Birdseye Municipal Complex now through May 13th from 6 - 7:30 pm. The workshops are FREE and open to everyone!

The Stratford Volunteer Corps is hosting a Black Family Community Conversations on April 26th from 10 am - Noon at Unitarian Universalist Church. For more details and to RSVP, email stratfordvolunteers@gmail.com

The Stratford YMCA is holding their Annual YMCA Healthy Kids on April 26th from 10 am to 1 pm. This event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids. The event is free and open to the public.

Saturday April 26th is the 12th Annual Independent Bookstore Day. On this day, take some time to support our local independent bookstores here in Stratford and around Connecticut. Each participating bookstore will have different specials and activities!