House Passes Hero Act to Support Veterans

May 2, 2025


 
 

The legislative session has shifted from our various committee rooms to the House floor. My colleagues and I are trying to pass as many good bills as possible before our June 4 deadline. Please keep scrolling to learn why the House voted unanimously for legislation supporting our veterans and their families.

I joined early childcare advocates to keep pushing to improve our facilities, especially for independent providers. I will share a report below that outlines our current situation and how to improve our early learning spaces.

You can expect to experience faster and more reliable internet the next time you're riding on Metro-North. You can learn more about that announcement below.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Push to Improve Early Childhood Facilities
  • House Passes Connecticut Hero Act
  • Better & Faster Internet on the Rails
  • Students Go Biking with Orange Police!
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Push to Improve Early Childhood Facilities

Early childhood education and care remains one of our top legislative priorities because investing in our youngest learners is investing in the future of our state. As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, it was an honor to host a roundtable in which we reviewed a new report outlining the current condition of early childhood facilities in Connecticut. The analysis provides an assessment of where we are and offers real strategies to improve the spaces where children grow, learn, and thrive.
Read the report!

Many of these facilities need upgrades to meet the standards the state requires. Without financial support, it will be difficult for providers to make the necessary changes to create safe, high-quality environments for children and the dedicated professional who take care of them. These are not just buildings, they are spaces where children develop lifelong skills, and where caregivers carry out one of the most important jobs in our communities.

Early childhood care is essential to our economy. Families cannot work or pursue education unless they have access to dependable care. When we support early childcare infrastructure, we support working parents, strengthen our workforce, and build a stronger Connecticut for everyone.
 

House Passes Connecticut Hero Act

On Wednesday, the 50th Anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, the House of Representatives unanimously approved the Connecticut Hero Act, which makes important changes to better serve our veterans and their families. Each section addresses different challenges to ensure that our heroes are recognized and supported.

Let's explore how this legislation makes a difference:

"Thank you for your service” isn’t enough. The Connecticut Hero Act is how we turn respect into real action. We stand with our veterans every day.

The Senate still needs to pass the measure before it can become law.
 

Better & Faster Internet on the Rails

You may notice faster and more reliable internet the next time you ride the train on the Metro-North New Haven Line. AT&T invested $6 million in collaboration with the state to install infrastructure at more than 30 new sites from New Haven to the New York state line.

This project stems from the governor’s push to improve cellular connectivity and speed up the deployment of high-speed technology along Connecticut’s rail corridors. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Students Go Biking with Orange Police!

The adorable students at Orange Community Nursery School showed off their driving skills to the police. They rode their bikes as Detectives Chris Artabane and Joe Guandalini promoted equipment checks and safety! Thanks to our local police for serving as role models for our kids!
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

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.
Click here to register

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.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below.

Those who live in Orange are invited to safely get rid of unwanted household items at a recycling event this weekend! The Orange Recycling event is taking place on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at High Plains Community Center on Orange Center Road. You can:

  • shred sensitive paper documents
  • dispose e-waste and electronics
  • remove hazardous household waste like aerosols, paint thinner, or gas
  • get rid of mattresses and box springs
CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Residents are also encouraged to bring non-perishable food donations for local food pantries.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Check out the events and community calendar below.

You're invited to join Massaro Community Farm on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. for a beekeeping workshop with routine hive inspection. Participants will evaluate the brood pattern and look for swarm cells.
Reserve your spot here!
Woodbridge Community Calendar