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| Connecticut and the rest of the nation are dealing with more uncertainty after drastic federal cuts to early childcare and home heating assistance programs. Please read below to learn how these mass layoffs will affect low-income residents of all ages and their loved ones across the state. |
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It was a privilege to welcome a new business to the 114th District! Keep scrolling to learn more about Atlas Eye Care and Eyewear in Woodbridge.
The state is taking some big steps to improve road safety in Orange. I'll let you know where crews will install wrong-way detection technology and how it will keep drivers safe.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Federal Cuts Threaten CT's Most Vulnerable
- Students Visit State Capitol
- New Business Opens in Woodbridge
- Early Childhood Care & Education Discussion
- Roadway Safety Tech Coming To Orange
- Summer Job Opportunities
- Hamden Fire Chief Retirement
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Federal Cuts Threaten CT's Most Vulnerable |
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| The federal government continues to make significant cuts that could have devastating consequences for Connecticut and the rest of the country. These drastic moves threaten essential services, creating uncertainty and hardship for our most vulnerable. |
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This week, the Trump Administration closed at least five regional Head Start offices, including the one in Boston, which oversees programs in Connecticut. All federal Head Start staff in these offices lost their jobs immediately, delivering a crushing blow to children from low-income families who rely on comprehensive early education and childcare services. I am deeply saddened and concerned about the impacts this will have on Head Start programs in our communities.
According to the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood, the federal government allocated more than $71 million in funds, with the state contributing $5 million in aid in 2024. Connecticut is home to 22 Head Start programs serving more than 5,500 children and families. The closures of regional offices raises concern about future support for these programs. |
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The Trump Administration also terminated all federal employees responsible for administering the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). The move could leave up to 200,000 people in Connecticut without essential heating assistance. LIHEAP benefits vulnerable seniors, people with disabilities, and low-income families.
While there is no word on funding cuts, the future of LIHEAP is in jeopardy due to the mass layoffs. With significantly less personnel to administer the program, its effectiveness and reach are at serious risk. Experts believe LIHEAP will stop functioning without federal support or expertise.
My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our state’s most vulnerable residents. |
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| Students Visit State Capitol |
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| I was thrilled to welcome students from Beecher Road School’s fifth grade class to the State Capitol on Tuesday! We had conversations about how important it is to get civically involved. |
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| The kids shared some great ideas about possible bill proposals! The big winners were free school lunches, more options for lunch, and more recess time for all students. I can definitely support those ideas! |
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| New Business Opens in Woodbridge |
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| Courtesy: Bob Creigh, Amity Chamber of Commerce |
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| It was an honor to celebrate the opening of Atlas Eye Care and Eyewear in Woodbridge last weekend! This new family business offers many services including vison checkups, contact lenses, designer frame fitting, dry eye therapy, and much more. Congratulations on the grand opening and welcome to Woodbridge! |
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| Courtesy: Bob Creigh, Amity Chamber of Commerce |
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| Atlas Eye Care is open five days per week at 245 Amity Road, Suite 106. CLICK HERE to learn more about the practice and schedule an appointment! |
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| Early Childhood Care & Education Discussion |
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| I invite you to a community conversation on Thursday about proposed legislation to strengthen early childhood care and education in Connecticut. This is an opportunity to learn about key proposals aimed to support our children, families, and educators – and to share your thoughts on what more we can do. |
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State Representatives Robin Comey, Kate Farrar, and I will discuss Democratic House Priority Bill 5003, which we all co-sponsored. This transformative legislation intends to:
- deliver faster and more reliable funding to families in need
- attract & retain dedicated childcare educators with better wages and support
- create and improve current childcare facilities to meet growing demand
We hope you will join us and be part of the conversation on Thursday at 6 p.m. at Branford Early Learning Center. I look forward to seeing you there!
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| Roadway Safety Tech Coming To Orange |
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| The state will install wrong way detection technology on I-95 south at Exit 41 in Orange. The work will take place on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. until Friday at 5:00 a.m. unless the weather does not cooperate. Exit 41 will be closed during the project. CLICK HERE for detour information. |
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| The technology uses video cameras to detect wrong way vehicles and activate multiple sets of flashing red lights to alert the driver they are traveling in the wrong direction. The system also alerts the CTDOT Highway Operations Center and local State Police Troop barracks in real-time. |
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The WorkPlace is excited to launch the 2025 Connecticut Summer Youth Employment Program through CareerHub, providing young adults ages 16-21 with valuable paid work experience. You can apply now through April 18 at 4 p.m.
Participants will gain essential workplace skills while getting paid through placements at local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Job opportunities include roles such as office assistants, retail associates, and camp counselors. |
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Applicants must:
- Be at least age 14 and not older than 24 by July 1, 2025
- Be a resident of Derby or any of the other 19 towns The WorkPlace serves
- Be eligible to work in the United States
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| Hamden Fire Chief Retirement |
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| Hamden Fire Chief Jeffery Naples received a proper send off as he retired from the department with a distinguished career. He worked there for nearly 20 years, starting as a firefighter and climbing up the ranks. Chief Naples dedicated his life to the Hamden community and guided the fire department through challenging times. Congratulations on your retirement and best of luck! |
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| Assistant Fire Chief Shelly Carter is now serving as Hamden’s Acting Fire Chief. She is the first Black woman to serve in that role. The Town of Hamden is confident in her leadership skills and expertise to lead the fire department with dignity and grace. The Hamden Legislative Council must approve her new appointment. Congratulations on your pioneering promotion! |
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| Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar. |
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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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| 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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| Look and click on the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events. |
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| Check out the fliers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The Orange Historical Society is sponsoring “A Taste of the Past,” an afternoon filled with good company, live entertainment, and delicious soups. A Victorian Lady of the 1900’s Edwardian Era will welcome guests on Saturday from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Orange Congregational Church. CLICK HERE to get your tickets, which cost $35 per person and include bread, soup, dessert, and coffee. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar. |
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| Your kids can learn more about Massaro Community Farm’s summer camp at an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The camp director will be there to discuss the program. |
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| Stop by Woodbridge Town Library on Saturday at 2 p.m. for a creative and fun mixed media collage craft! The event is for children ages 5 and up. Participants will use hot glue. CLICK HERE to sign up! |
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