State Budget Invests in Our Children & Train Station Upgrades Underway

May 7, 2026

The legislative session has come to an end after we passed a series of bills at a frantic pace. I'll break down how our state budget supports our children and working families.

We also passed a House Democrat priority bill protecting vulnerable children and their families. Please read below to learn how the new policy will make a meaningful difference.

Major upgrades are underway at the Derby-Shelton train station. I'll take a closer look at what you can expect once construction is complete. 

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

  • State Budget Invests in Education
  • Putting Children First
  • AI Regulations Await Governor's Approval
  • Children's Champion Award
  • Major Train Station Upgrades Underway
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

State Budget Invests in Education

After months of negotiation, House Democrats shepherded passage of a bipartisan budget demonstrating that compromise remains the most effective way to govern.

Together, we produced a state budget that significantly boosts support for the state’s education system, including in all four communities in the 114th District.

Our budget also takes meaningful steps to make Connecticut more affordable for working families. As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I am especially proud that we are delivering on our commitment to invest an additional $300 million into the Early Childhood Education Endowment.

This funding moves us closer to our goal of providing free early childhood education through Early Start CT for families earning up to $100,000 per year. This funding will make a real difference for those who often earn too much to qualify for traditional assistance but still struggle with the high cost of child care.

Below are additional highlights from the budget that support affordability for families across our state:

Connecticut residents made a call for help in many areas. Connecticut lawmakers heard it and answered in a strong, bipartisan way.
 

Putting Children First

In my capacity as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Children, I was proud to co-sponsor and help pass House Bill 5004, a bipartisan measure that prioritizes our children and advances meaningful reforms at the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

This legislation strengthens kinship care, expands support for caregivers and youth, enhances DCF workforce training and safety, increases transparency, and improves child welfare oversight and accountability.

Specifically, the bill will:

  • Prioritize placing children with family members and responsible adults who are already in their lives
  • Ensure coordination with sister agencies when DCF-involved children travel out of state
  • Support caregivers and children with funding for after-school programs, childcare, and incidentals
  • Uplift our child welfare workforce through improved training, stipends for mentors and mentees, and personal emergency communication devices
  • Require additional eyes on children who are the subject of multiple reports of abuse or neglect, and those residing with someone on parole or probation after incarceration for serious crimes against children
  • Provide robust real-time data for policymakers and the public on DCF performance through a user-friendly dashboard
  • Establish a new committee to gather legislators, state agencies, experts, and stakeholders to review our child welfare policies and performance and make recommendations for improvements

House Bill 5004 reflects our commitment to protecting vulnerable children, supporting the families who care for them, and ensuring our child welfare system operates with transparency, accountability, and compassion.

Our responsibility is not only to respond when children are at risk, but to build a system that prevents harm, strengthens families, and gives every child in Connecticut the opportunity to grow up safe and supported.
 

AI Regulations Await Governor's Approval

Senate Bill 5, which supports the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), now heads to the governor’s desk after getting approval from the House and Senate. The legislation creates clear standards for powerful AI systems, while preparing Connecticut's residents, workers, students, small businesses, public agencies, and institutions for an AI-driven economy.
 
AI is already affecting our economy, workplaces, online platforms, and the information Connecticut residents encounter every day. Senate Bill 5 responds to the new reality of AI through targeted protections, transparency for consumers, and system accountability.

This legislation targets areas where AI is making a meaningful impact on residents' lives, including employment-related automated decision tools, consumer disclosures, synthetic media provenance, youth online safety, and workforce preparation.

Connecticut residents are already affected by AI systems. It is our state's responsibility to take action to set clear expectations to keep residents protected from harmful AI practices.
 

Children's Champion Award

It was an honor to stand alongside the head of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance as he presented me with a Children’s Champion Award.

As Chair of the Early Childhood Caucus, I have a responsibility to advocate for policies that support young children, strengthen families, and uplift early childhood educators who lay the foundation for lifelong success. The early years and the investments we make today shape the opportunities our children will have tomorrow.

Thank you to the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance for this recognition, and I remain committed to fighting for our youngest learners and the dedicated professionals who care for them every day.
 

Major Train Station Upgrades Underway

Renovations are officially underway at four train stations along the Waterbury Branch Line, including the Derby-Shelton station. I was pleased to participate in a ceremonial event marking the launch of his long-awaited and much-needed investment in the Naugatuck Valley.

When construction is complete, the Derby-Shelton station will feature:

  • New 350-foot platforms to allow full train boarding
  • Covered canopies and enclosed windscreens to keep riders protected in all weather
  • Real-time train arrival information
  • Ticket vending machines
  • Improved lighting for safety and visibility
  • Clear signs to help passengers navigate the station

In Derby, the project will restore the historic station building into a welcoming indoor waiting space. New bus bays will strengthen connections with local transit services, creating a more seamless regional hub. The upgraded train station will be fully ADA accessible, with better pedestrian access and safer passenger flow.

To accelerate construction, Metro-North will run buses to replace rail service on the Waterbury Line from July 20, 2026 through May 31, 2027. The full project is expected to be complete in spring 2028.
Rendering of the upgraded Derby-Shelton Train Station

These improvements are part of a broader $193 million statewide initiative to upgrade all six stations along the Waterbury Branch Line between 2025 and 2028.

This investment will  make commuting safer, more comfortable, and more reliable while making it easier for residents to reach jobs and visitors to access our communities.
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Derby’s Housatonic Council, Scouting America Cub Scout Pack 3, Scout Troop 3 and Venture Crew 33 will present their 99th Annual Scout Gang Show on Saturday, May 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the historic Derby United Methodist Church near the Derby Green.

The Scout Gang Show is a lively blend of music, comedy, and classic variety entertainment. This year’s production, titled “Happy 250, USA!” celebrates America in advance of the nation’s 250th anniversary with more than 20 musical numbers performed by Derby Scouts.

Hit a homer for a great cause! You’re invited to Payden Park for a Home Run Derby on Sunday, May 17 benefiting ALS United CT in memory of Karen “Kay” Passaro.

  • Gates open from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
  • DJ, food, and raffles to keep the energy high
  • $25 entry fee — all proceeds support ALS United CT
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, May 19 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 your own bag for the food.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

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

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

Is your child ready to stay home alone? 

Orange Youth Services is offering The Home Alone Program, a FREE, one-hour class for 5th & 6th grade students to help them feel safe, confident, and prepared when home on their own. Students will learn:

  • Fire and personal safety
  • How to handle visitors
  • Responsibilities at home
  • The do's and don'ts of being home alone
Click here to register

The community is invited to celebrate the 21st Annual Pasta Festa Supper and honor four outstanding residents as this year’s Living Treasures. The event will be held on Friday, May 15 from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at St. Barbara Greek Orthodox Church. It costs $30 per person.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

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

The Valley Shakespeare Festival will perform “Julius Caesar” on Saturday, May 16 at 11 a.m. at Woodbridge Town Library. Set in the world of sports, this new innovative production imagines the drama of Julius Caesar unfolding in a sports arena, where rivalries and betrayal feel right at home. CLICK HERE to buy tickets.

Massero Community Farm is hosting Celebrate Spring, a family-friendly party to embrace the warmth and beauty of spring. The event will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. You will have the opportunity to take a stroll through an enchanting Fairy House Trail, check out unique, handmade goods from local artisans, and satisfy your cravings with delicious meals offered by food trucks.
Woodbridge Community Calendar