Funding for West Haven, New Regulations for E-Bikes, and More!

August 1, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about funding for West Haven, a coffee hour recap, and more!

Funding for West Haven

Great news! Earlier today, the State Bond Commission allocated $2.4 million to West Haven. The funds will be used to improve the roads around Washington and Savin Rock Schools. Some of the changes include:

ADA improvements
Crosswalk upgrades
Traffic-calming measures such as bump-outs and traffic islands

Developing a walkable neighborhood is a great win, especially when it creates safeguards for the young people in our community. Once this project is completed, the areas surrounding Washington and Savin Rock will have the infrastructure necessary to protect individuals traveling by foot. This means local students will be able to safely walk or bike to school.

These changes will make the area more accessible for all, which will greatly benefit the community. Thank you to Governor Lamont and the Bond Commission for their investment in West Haven.

Woodmont Day and the Savin Rock Festival

Over the weekend, I attended Woodmont Day and the Savin Rock Festival! Huge thank you to everyone who helped make these community traditions so special. I didn’t go up in the helicopter, but it was super cool to see that as part of the Savin Rock festivities!

Coffee Hour Recap

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our coffee hour at Cafe Atlantique last week! It was great to connect and answer your questions as the full Milford state delegation. We’re always glad to hear directly from the community we serve.

Amity Chamber of Commerce’s Symposium and Expo

On Thursday, I attended the Amity Chamber of Commerce’s Symposium and Expo. It was great to hear from Governor Lamont, Comptroller Scanlon, and local financial professionals about Connecticut’s 2025 economic outlook.

WBDC Small Business Grants

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from August 5 through September 16, 2025. You can find additional information on Ignite here.  

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from August 1 through August 31, 2025. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.

60 Years of Medicaid

On July 30th, Medicaid had its 60th birthday! This program has transformed American healthcare over the past six decades. Medicaid is a lifeline for millions of children and families across the country, and for almost one-third of Connecticut residents. This program provides access to essential health services to our most vulnerable communities. Let's celebrate this milestone and do what we can to support Medicaid services while they are under attack by the Trump Administration.

To honor 60 years of Medicaid, Connecticut Children's Medical Center created a list of 60 ways Medicaid continues to promote health, dignity, and opportunity for everyone. Click here to read more.

New E-Bike Regulations

New regulations will take effect for some electric bikes, or e-bikes, on October 1. The new law pertains to E-bikes without pedals and with batteries over 750 watts. They will be classified as motor-driven cycles and require a driver's license to operate them. E-bikes exceeding 3,500 watts will require registration and insurance, like motorcycles.

E-bikes are gaining popularity but medical professionals are warning that these bikes can be dangerous. Connecticut Children's Medical Center treated 25 e-bike injuries in May and June 2025, compared to three in May and June 2024.

Here’s what parents and kids need to know about riding e-bikes in Connecticut:

Speed limits matter: Class 2 e-bikes (the ones with a throttle) are capped at 20 mph. Class 3 models can go up to 28 mph—but only if they’re not throttle-powered
No passengers unless built for two: Most e-bikes aren’t designed for a second rider
Stay off the sidewalk: Unless otherwise posted, e-bikes are considered vehicles. They belong on the road, in the right lane
Be courteous and cautious: If riding on sidewalks or shared paths, yield to pedestrians
New in 2025: Class 1 e-bikes are now allowed on bikes and multi-use trails statewide, unless a town says otherwise.

Click here for more information.

Platoon 32 Gradation

Congratulations to Platoon 32 on your graduation from the Milford Police Academy! Wishing you all the best as you begin your careers in public safety and service to our communities.