| |
| |
|
With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws that we passed during the 2025 legislative session that took effect on October 1. Please read below for a breakdown of some of the important changes!
You're invited to an education forum where I will join my legislative colleagues to break down the impact of increased funding in our schools. Keeps scrolling to see when and where that free event is taking place.
I proudly joined some of my colleagues at a nationwide summit to tackle early childhood policy. I'll explain how this gathering has inspired me to improve legislation in Connecticut.
There are growing concerns of a drought across the 114th District due to a lack of rain. I'll dig deeper into the steps you can take to lower your water usage.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- New Laws Effective October 1
- Learn About Education Funding Increases
- Early Childhood Leadership Collaboration
- Walk to End Alzheimer’s
- Drought Concerns Across the 114th District
- Progress on Route 8 Bridge Work
- Members of Orange Police Department Honored
- Woodbridge Sustainability Award
- Hispanic Heritage Month Mural
- Spooky Orange Writing Contest
- In The News
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
|
|
| New Laws Effective October 1 |
|
|
| I want to highlight a number of new laws that hit the books on October 1. Below, you will find a brief overview of several measures we passed during the 2025 legislative session. |
|
|
Safety Updates on E-Bikes and Motorcycles
A new law raises the age from 18 to 21 for requiring motorcyclists to wear a helmet and raises the age from 16 to 18 and under for children to wear a helmet while riding bicycles, scooters, and skateboards.
The state will introduce new regulations for certain high-powered electric bikes. Riders of e-bikes without pedals and equipped with batteries over 750 watts (25-28 mph) will now need a valid driver’s license to operate them. Additionally, e-bikes with batteries over 3,500 watts (35 mph to over 50 mph) will require registration and insurance, similar to motorcycles.
Empowering Police to Tackle Street Takeovers
New rules will take effect allowing police to increase penalties and fines for street racing and takeovers. Towns will be empowered to destroy confiscated vehicles such as all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes, and mini motorcycles. Additionally, anyone with at least three violations could get their license suspended for two years.
Protecting Our Seniors
New legislation will protect our seniors by improving safety and transparency for those who are taking care of our loved ones. Long-term care facilities will be required to run background checks on criminal history and patient abuse for employees and volunteers. Residential care homes must now provide more information in notices to residents before an involuntary transfer or discharge.
Please click on the link below for the complete list of new laws, and feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
|
|
| Learn About Education Funding Increases |
|
|
Please join me at an education forum next week to learn how an increase in education funding will positively affect our children. This is a great opportunity for parents to learn about available resources, ask questions, and hear what legislation my colleagues and I have passed in the past year to strengthen our schools.
When: Thursday, October 16
When: 6 p.m.
Location: Derby Town Hall, 1 Elizabeth Street, Derby |
|
As a member of both the Education Committee and the Select Committee on Special Education, I am looking forward to hearing directly from families and educators about how we can better serve our students and our schools before the upcoming session.
Representative Kara Rochelle, Representative Jenn Leeper (House Chair of the Education Committee), Representative Maryam Khan (House Chair of the Special Education Subcommittee), and Senator Jorge Cabrera will also speak at the education forum. I sincerely thank them all for participating in this important issue with our Valley residents. I hope to see you there! |
|
| Early Childhood Leadership Collaboration |
|
|
I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate closely with policy makers from Connecticut and the other 49 states on strengthening early childhood legislation. It was inspiring to hear success stories from across the country and learn how states are addressing challenges around funding, access, quality, and more.
We also heard from true trail blazers whose passionate speeches at the Hunt Institute's Early Childhood Leadership Summit in Washington, D.C. reminded us why this work matters so deeply. I have returned home filled with new ideas and renewed hope that we can continue improving early childhood policies in Connecticut. |
|
I was honored to join the Greater New Haven Walk to End Alzheimer's, standing alongside thousands of people who are living with or have been touched by this devastating disease. It was deeply moving to see the community come together with hope and determination to raise funds for a cure and a brighter future. The display of different colors, each representing a personal connection to Alzheimer's, served as a powerful and heartfelt tribute.
Thank you to all the caregivers, loved ones, and organizers who made this inspiring event possible and fostered such a strong sense of unity. |
|
| Drought Concerns Across the 114th District |
|
|
|
The governor has declared a Stage 2 drought advisory in New Haven County, which means a continued lack of rain could affect water supplies, agriculture, and natural ecosystems.
Everyone is encouraged to do the following to minimize future drought impact:
- Shutting down automatic outdoor irrigation
- Minimizing overall water use by fixing leaky plumbing and fixtures
- Following any conservation requests from local water suppliers and municipalities
Fairfield and Middlesex Counties are also under a Stage 2 drought advisory.
|
|
| Progress on Route 8 Bridge Work |
|
|
While work remains to be done, drivers will be delighted to hear the Route 8/Commodore Hull Bridge has reopened in Derby and Shelton. During the day, two lanes are open on both sides of the bridge, and one lane is open overnight. Exit 12A southbound is closed for now, but crews have set up detours. I urge drivers to be patient, follow the detours, and remember to slow down and move over in work zones.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation believes the work will wrap up by the end of November as the team works non-stop to finish the bridge repairs. |
|
| Members of Orange Police Department Honored |
|
|
| Two members of the Orange Police Department received awards for making our roads safer from impaired drivers in the past year. Mothers Against Drunk Driving recognized Detective Tony Colon and Officer Zachary Royka. Congratulations to them! We admire your dedication to preventing tragedies in our community. |
|
|
| Woodbridge Sustainability Award |
|
|
Congratulations to Woodbridge for earning a Bronze-level certification from Sustainable CT for improving our environment through equity, resilience, efficiency, and so much more!
Bronze certification celebrates significant achievements across a range of sustainability actions, including environmental stewardship, public health, and social equity. This is a testament to Woodbridge's dedication and collaborative efforts towards creating a vibrant and sustainable community. |
|
| Hispanic Heritage Month Mural |
|
|
| Art students at Derby High School are creating a mural with bright colors and abstract shapes for Hispanic Heritage Month. The vibrant work is inspired by Spanish painter Joan Miró. This mural puts a spotlight on our students' artistic talent while paying tribute to Hispanic and Latino populations. |
|
| Spooky Orange Writing Contest |
|
|
| Are you interested in crafting a spooky story and entering it in a Halloween writing contest? Case Memorial Library invites all residents in Orange to submit their work in the inaugural Spooky Orange! |
|
|
Submissions must be:
- Set anywhere in Connecticut – past, present, or future
- A minimum of two sentences and a maximum of 10 pages
- PG-13 or less (limited foul language and gore)
- Original works: no AI-generated content (incl. ChatGPT or similar tools)
The deadline to submit your spooky story is October 31.
|
|
| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
|
There will be a Veterans' Walk on Saturday, October 18 at 10:00 a.m. at the Kellogg Environmental Center. Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families will walk a loop through Osbornedale State Park and can tour the Osborne Homestead Museum. CLICK HERE to register.
|
|
|
| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, October 21 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. |
|
|
| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
|
|
| Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
|
| Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below. |
|
| You're invited to visit the historic Stone-Otis House on Sunday, October 19 and every other Sunday through December. Tours are at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. at 615 Orange Center Road. This is a special opportunity to step inside one of our town’s most treasured landmarks and learn the history of the families who lived there. |
|
|
|
Mr. Donald's Farm is hosting three fun events in Orange in October.
- Halloween themed farm visit: Oct. 19 from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Halloween at the Orange Fair Grounds: Oct. 25 from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
- Trick-or-treating at the farm: Oct. 31 from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
|
|
| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
|
|
|
Check out the event and community calendar below.
|
|
|
Join the fun on the Woodbridge Town Green for Spooktacular Outdoor Movies! The first showing will be "Ghostbusters" on Thursday, October 16 at 6:15 p.m. Drinks are provided but please bring a chair or blanket.
Future events:
- Thursday, Oct. 23 at 6:15 p.m.: "Hotel Transylvania"
- Thursday, Oct. 30 at 6:15 p.m.: "Hocus Pocus"
|
|
|
Massero Community Farm will host a discussion about why adults need more protein as they age. The event will take place Thursday, October 23 at 5:30 p.m. on the farm. It's free to attend, but CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
