Session Recap, Proposals To Support Veterans, and Funding For Local Farm

March 5, 2026

I joined my colleagues in passing legislation last week affecting our classrooms, law enforcement, and elections. Read below to learn how these laws will have a positive impact on our communities.

Several important bills are up for debate that would make a huge difference for our veterans. I'll break down how these measures support our heroes. 

The state is investing in farms across the state including one in Woodbridge. Keep scrolling to learn how Sperry Falls Farm is getting a major boost!

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

  • Highlighting Legislation We Passed
  • Proposals to Support Our Veterans
  • Addressing Drug Safety Laws
  • Meet Me In Person Over Free Breakfast
  • State Funding for Sperry Falls Farm
  • Take the Woodbridge Communication Survey
  • Support for Women Entrepreneurs and Child Care Providers
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

 
 

Highlighting Legislation We Passed
The governor has approved the legislation described below that my colleagues and I passed last week in Hartford. These measures represent meaningful progress, especially because they fell short of final passage last year. Moving them across the finish line this session reflects our commitment to getting important work done for Connecticut residents.

Below you will find some of the highlights.
 

Proposals to Support Our Veterans

I joined the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee on Tuesday for a press conference before its public hearing on several important bills. Among them are proposals that would build stronger pathways from military service to meaningful careers in Connecticut and another would provide free dental care for eligible Connecticut veterans.

You may recall a proposal that I have spoken about in past years to better recognize the skills service members gained during their time in the military. While this legislation doesn’t get us all the way to that goal, it represents a great step forward. Many trade programs have already fast-tracked options for veterans or National Guard members, and "Troops To Trades" initiative would make it easier to find and expand on those opportunities.

The "Troops To Trades" proposal includes:

  • Expanding career counseling opportunities through the Connecticut Department of Labor and the Connecticut Department of Veteran Affairs
  • Creating a tax credit for industries that create career pathways for veterans
  • Establishing a centralized "CT Veteran Portal" to make it easier for veterans and their families to access benefits and services

I’d like to thank my colleague, Rep. Jaime Foster, who introduced the original bill with me during our first term and who now serves as Chair of the Veterans' and Military Affairs Committee, for continuing to move this exciting concept forward.

The bill establishing the Connecticut Veterans Dental Care Access Program, prioritizes free preventative care, including:

  • cleanings
  • exams
  • X-rays
  • oral health education
  • fillings, crowns, extractions, and dentures

The program would improve overall health outcomes and quality of life for veterans while reducing costly emergency room visits for untreated dental conditions. This measure reinforces our commitment to comprehensive support services for veterans.
 

Addressing Drug Safety Laws

In my capacity as the top House Democrat on the Regulation Review Committee, I was proud that we passed legislation protecting our communities, especially children and young people, from emerging drug threats.

Our action updates controlled substance schedules for several substances, including Kratom. The proposal provides law enforcement, public health officials, and medical providers more tools to support those in need.

Many of these substances have gained popularity in recent years but remain largely unregulated. Their safety is not well established, and they have been linked to serious health risks. 

This kind of legislation ensures that Connecticut continues to lead with both compassion and public safety in mind.

If you would like to learn more, please click here.
 

Meet Me In Person Over Free Breakfast

Please join Senator James Maroney, Senator Jorge Cabrera, and me at a legislative town hall including a free breakfast buffet! Doors open at 8:15 a.m. for the St. Paddy's Day event on Tuesday, March 17 at Charter Senior Living of Woodbridge (330 Amity Road).

My colleagues and I will provide updates on the legislation we have passed this session, priority bills, and other proposals that will affect businesses, families, and the Amity region. We will also answer your questions.
Click here to register for free
 

State Funding for Sperry Falls Farm

The state awarded Sperry Falls Farm in Woodbridge a $6,170 grant to install fences to protect its Christmas tree, apple, and blueberry crops from deer damage. The investment will allow the farm to expand the amount of land actively in production, strengthening its long-term sustainability.

Sperry Falls Farm is one of 43 farms statewide to receive funding from the Connecticut Department of Agriculture's Farm Transition Grant program. In total, the state awarded more than $510,000 to help farms modernize operations, diversify production, and remain competitive in a challenging agricultural economy.

Supporting local businesses like Sperry Falls Farm helps preserve working lands, strengthen our local food system, and keep Connecticut agriculture thriving for generations to come.
 

Take the Woodbridge Communication Survey

The Town of Woodbridge is looking for your input on how it shares important information with residents.

To strengthen communication, town leaders are asking community members to complete a brief survey about how you currently receive notifications and how you would prefer to receive updates in the future. Your feedback will help improve transparency, accessibility, and ensure important news reaches you in the most effective way possible.
Complete the brief communications survey here
 

Support for Women Entrepreneurs
and Child Care Providers

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) is accepting applications for a grant program designed to support women entrepreneurs across Connecticut.

The Ignite Grant Program offers awards of up to $10,000 to help women-owned businesses grow and expand. Eligible businesses must have been operating for at least two years and report annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million. Applications are open now through March 18. Click here for more details

To help applicants navigate the process, WBDC is hosting free online information sessions that explain grant requirements and allow time for questions. Those interested can register for a live session here.
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, March 10 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring the food home.

Vet Care Everywhere will host an affordable Health & Wellness Clinic on Friday, March 13 from 10 a.m - 1 p.m. at the Derby Senior Center. CLICK HERE to register or call (203) 736-1484.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.

You are welcome to participate in a free musical theatre writing workshop with an award-winning lyricist. Find out what it takes to create a musical theatre script that captivates and engages a live audience on Saturday, March 14 from 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at Miller Memorial Library. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Orange Parks & Recreation is offering robotics fun, giving kids an opportunity to build, explore, and learn the basics of robotics using LEGOs.

  • Ages 6–9
  • Mondays, March 9 – 30
  • 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Register here

  • Ages 8–14
  • Mondays, March 9 – 30
  • 6:15 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.
  • Register here

Test your St. Patrick's Day luck at a bingo night fundraiser for the Rotary Club of Orange. The event will be held Tuesday, March 17 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at the High Plains Senior Center Cafeteria. It's $5 for adults and free for kids under 12.

Clear the Clutter offers practical, realistic strategies for decluttering and letting go responsibly. Learn how to decide what to keep, donate, recycle, shred, or discard without overwhelm or guilt. The event will be held on Thursday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. at Case Memorial Library. Register here.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

You're invited to join Woodbridge Town Library's Jigsaw Puzzle Competition on Saturday, March 7. CLICK HERE to register. Individuals and teams must check in between 9:45 a.m. - 9:55 a.m. and the competition begins at 10 a.m. Organizers will award prizes to the first and second teams.

Do you have any questions about Massaro Community Farm's summer camp? The camp director and assistant director will provide a tour, break down any changes, and answer questions on Saturday, March 14 from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. 
Woodbridge Community Calendar