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| I am proud to co-sponsor a House priority bill that would invest in early childhood care and education. I'll break down how this legislation supports our kids, parents, and the economy.
Speaking of education, Derby High School has changed its rules surrounding phone use. Please read below to learn how this will affect students in the classroom.
The entire nation is celebrating Women's History Month. I'll break down what that entails and what progress we still need to make to ensure gender equality.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bill
- Derby High School Changes Phone Policy
- Celebrating Women’s History Month
- Help for Displaced Federal Workers
- Remain Vigilant Around Sick Birds
- 1,000 Meter New England Champion!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Affordable and Accessible Childcare Bill |
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| Affordable and accessible childcare is essential for Connecticut families and businesses to thrive. I am proud to co-sponsor House Bill 5003, a top legislative priority for House Democrats this session, which would expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities.
This proposal builds upon Public Act 24-91, passed unanimously last year and signed by the governor, which established the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. Investing in early childhood care and education produces better educational, health, social, and economic outcomes, driving increased revenue while reducing the need for costly spending. |
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| Connecticut is home to approximately 181,000 children under the age of five, with 73% of these young children receiving care outside the home while their parents work.
By providing targeted funding and expanding access to childcare, House Bill 5003 will put more money back into our economy by opening new opportunities for stay-at-home parents to re-enter the workforce. This is not just an investment in childcare—it is an investment in our children and the prosperity of our state. |
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| Derby High School Changes Phone Policy |
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| Students at Derby High School will not be able to keep their cell phones on them during class. The city’s board of education voted last month to change the rules, which require students to turn their phones off and place them in cubbies at the start of every class. They can grab their devices at the end of each class. |
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| Celebrating Women’s History Month |
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| March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the extraordinary contributions women have made to our society. Throughout our history, women have shaped our nation through their leadership, innovation, and resilience -- often overcoming immense barriers to create a more just and equitable world. This month, we recognize trailblazers in every field, from science and politics to education and the arts, while also uplifting the countless women in our communities who work tirelessly to make a difference every day. |
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| As we celebrate, it is also a time to reflect on the ongoing fight for gender quality. Women continue to face disparities in wages, healthcare access, and representation in leadership. It is our responsibility to not only acknowledge these challenges but to actively work toward solutions that empower and support women in all aspects of life. By advocating for policies that promote economic opportunity, reproductive freedom, and workplace equity, we ensure that future generations of women can thrive. |
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| Help for Displaced Federal Workers |
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| If you live in Connecticut and were fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know we are here for you. Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers in the state are eager to benefit from your expertise. |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time. Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.
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| Remain Vigilant Around Sick Birds |
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| Wildlife experts are warning the public to be vigilant and report it when you see sick birds of prey. This beautiful eagle, that was found at Lake Chamberlain in Bethany, was euthanized over the weekend after most likely contracting avian influenza. |
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| You can see the bird was clearly injured. If you see a sick bird, stay away, and call the DEEP Wildlife Division at (860) 424-3011. CLICK HERE to learn more about the avian influenza. |
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| 1,000 Meter New England Champion! |
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| Congratulations to Alex Medina who is the New England champion in the 1,000 meters! He earned a gold medal at the New England Indoor Track and Field Championships last week with a time of 2:28.8. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Enjoy a nature walk with the community every Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the meadow at Kellogg Environmental Center. Registration is required. |
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| Join the fun on Saturday at 11 a.m. and create a framed glass mosaic at Derby Public Library. CLICK HERE to learn more and register. |
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| Make sure to register now for the low-cost pet health and wellness clinic. The deadline is Monday, and the event will take place next Friday, March 14 from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Derby Senior Center. CLICK HERE to sign up. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Stop by the Whitneyville Library Branch on Monday at 11 a.m. to create marbled shamrocks to make a card or decoration! The library will provide all of the materials. This program is best for ages 3 and up. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange. |
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| CLICK HERE to reserve your seat to the Saint Patrick's Day Meat-O, which will be held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Post Road Fire House. The event benefits the Orange Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
Check out the flyer and community calendar in Woodbridge below.
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| You're invited to learn about composting on Saturday at 3 p.m. at Woodbridge Town Library. It's the final event of the Sustainability Lecture Series that the library. CLICK HERE to register. |
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