Investment in More Affordable & Accessible Health Care
July 31, 2025
The legislature is taking bold action to tackle a major obstacle in Connecticut: child care. I joined the governor in touting the start of a revolutionary investment that aims to provide free and affordable, high-quality child care across the state. Read below to learn more about this fantastic program.
We also celebrated the signing of a new bill aimed at supporting maternal and infant health. I'll break down how these actions will change the lives of mothers, fathers, children, and many others.
Our community is working on improving road safety in Derby. Keep scrolling to see how new technology is making a difference.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
More Affordable & Accessible Child Care
Maternal & Infant Health Laws Signed
Apply For Small Business Grants
Cracking Down on Left Lane Camping
Improving Road Safety in Derby
Derby Elks Support Texas Flood Victims
In The News
Derby Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Orange Events Calendar
Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
More Affordable & Accessible Child Care
As the Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I was proud to stand alongside the governor, our house majority leader, dedicated educators, tireless advocates, and so many others to celebrate a historic step forward for families in Connecticut: a $300 million initial investment in the newly created Early Childhood Education Endowment.
This transformative program will help expand access to quality, affordable child care for families across the state. The endowment will be used to:
Expand capacity by adding tens of thousands of new child care slots in Connecticut’s state-funded system, allowing more children to enroll in high-quality early learning programs.
Provide free early childhood education to families enrolled in Early Start CT earning up to $100,000 annually, and ensure that no participating family pays more than 7% of their income for care.
Affordable child care is about supporting our children and mothers.
This is just the beginning. In the years ahead, the endowment will continue to grow through annual contributions from budget surpluses and strategic investments – ensuring that we build a lasting foundation for Connecticut's children and families.
Governor Ned Lamont signed two maternal and infant health care bills into law. When mothers are supported, families and communities benefit. These critical pieces of legislation will support new moms, babies, and fathers as they embark on a new chapter of the lives.
Establishes a task force to study perinatal health care, which will provide a report card for birth centers and hospitals providing maternity care
Requires the Commissioner of Public Health to convene an advisory committee to study the pros and cons of doula-friendly practices in hospital and make related legislative recommendations
We are continuing to lead the way in advancing health equity to make sure every parent, every family, and every baby can thrive here. By investing in the earliest stages of life, we not only safeguard the physical and emotional well-being of families, but we also strengthen our communities and build a more equitable, prosperous society.
Apply For Small Business Grants
The Women's Business Development Council invites women-owned and child care businesses to apply for grants.
Let's start with the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, which 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. Qualifying child care businesses can apply from Friday, August 1 through August 31. CLICK HERE for more information.
The Ignite Program is taking applications for up to $10,000 that support the growth of women-owned businesses in Connecticut. Here are some of the qualifications:
The company must have been in business for two or more years
Applicants must have revenues between $25K and $2 million
Applications are open from August 5 - September 16. Learn more HERE.
Cracking Down on Left Lane Camping
Do you ever get annoyed with a driver hanging out in the left lane on the highway, holding up traffic? Here's a big win for public safety:
⚠️Left lane = Passing only ⚠️Lingering = Ticket
It’s straightforward and saves lives by cutting road rage and making our highways run smoothly. Pass then move over - everyone gets there safer.
This is for three lane highways, but it is always good to move over to the right if you have cars lined up behind you.
Improving Road Safety in Derby
You may spot speed feedback signs in Derby on your next ride. The two, new signs aim to improve safety on our roads by encouraging drivers to stop speeding. You can always report dangerous driving or speeding by calling 911 for emergencies, 203-735-7811 for routine calls, or by emailing complaints@derbypd.org.
Derby Elks Support Texas Flood Victims
I would like to thank Derby Elks Lodge 571 for coming together and raising $3,000 to support communities in Texas that were devastated by recent deadly floods. The "Hearts and Tacos Fundraiser for Texas" showed that Connecticut's compassion has no borders – when others are in need, we step up.
The Derby Elks will send the donations to the Kerr County Flood Relief fund to directly support flood victims and help them rebuild. Thank you for your generosity, your heart, and your commitment to making a difference.
Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, August 12 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.
Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.
National Night Out is an opportunity for the community to connect with first responders for an evening of fun, food and entertainment! The free event will be held Tuesday, August 5 from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m. at Villano Park.
Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.
The Orange Volunteer Fire Department (OVFD) is proud to host the 100th Anniversary Spectacular Carnival, a four-day event filled with fun, tradition, and community pride.Stop by the Orange Fairgrounds for all the rides, food, and classic games. The fireworks will be on Saturday night. CLICK HERE to learn more.
Join Woodbridge’s Poet Laureate, Charlotte Allen, for a poetry workshop on Wednesday, August 6 at 10 a.m. at Woodbridge Town Library. The first half of the workshop will include a short hike through local trails to engage your senses, and will include opportunities for meditation and quiet contemplation. After the hike, return to the the library for a guided writing exercise focusing on your experience. Be sure to bring a notebook and something to write with. CLICK HERE to sign up!
