State Senator Jason Perillo (R-Shelton)
Represents Connecticut’s 21st District
(Stratford, Seymour, Shelton, and Monroe)
Dear friends,
This week at the Capitol has been very busy. We are in the part of the legislative process where bills are becoming law. Below you will see information about the bills I am supporting to help improve school safety precautions in CT and how we are advancing firefighter healthcare. You will also see local updates and events.
My door is always open, I look forward to hearing from you and being your voice in Hartford. You can always contact me with your concerns at Jason.Perillo@cga.ct.gov.
AT THE CAPITOL
I proudly voted in favor of an act (S.B.1216) concerning school emergency response systems, which will create a more direct and immediate line of communication with emergency responders in the event of a crisis. This legislation enables schools to implement advanced alert systems that can notify first responders instantly at the push of a button—dramatically reducing response times. In an emergency, every second counts, and this bill will help ensure faster, more effective coordination with law enforcement to protect our students and staff.
Looking ahead, I believe this legislation should continue to grow. I strongly support expanding it to provide funding for additional safety measures, such as hiring school resource officers. School safety is not something to be taken lightly. Each district faces different challenges, and they deserve the flexibility, tools, and technology that best fit their unique needs. I will continue to advocate for policies that give educators, students, and families the peace of mind that their schools are safe, secure places to learn and grow.
Yesterday, I supported a bill (S.B. 1426) that marks a critical step forward in protecting the health and well-being of Connecticut’s firefighters and their families. The legislation expands the Firefighters Cancer Relief Program to include coverage for skin cancer, extends benefits to state-employed firefighters, and ensures that surviving dependents of firefighters who have applied for relief remain eligible. It also strengthens the program by improving its overall effectiveness and accessibility.
Firefighters face serious, cancer-causing risks every time they respond to a call, and this bill honors their service by ensuring they and their families are supported in times of need. No one who puts their life on the line for others should have to face a health crisis alone, and this legislation helps ensure they never do.
LOCAL UPDATES
I had a truly heartwarming visit to the Stratford YMCA in celebration of Volunteer Week. It was such a joy to thank the amazing volunteers who give their time and energy to make a real difference in our community.
I also got to spend some fun moments with the kids in the childcare center — their laughter was contagious! Later, I sat down with the YMCA leadership team to talk about some exciting ideas to improve the space for everyone.
The whole visit reminded me just how inspiring and powerful community spirit can be.
LOCAL EVENTS
As we begin Autism Awareness Month, Stratford Fire Department and Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 998 are launching a fundraiser to benefit Linked – Autism Safety Project. Linked is a nonprofit that helps first responders better understand and communicate with those with autism through training and sensory kits that all of our apparatus carry.
Shelton farmers market is back! The Shelton Farmers Market is located at 100 Canal St in Shelton across the street from the beautiful Riverwalk and Veterans Memorial Park. It runs every Saturday from 9am to 12pm starting on May 17, 2025 thru October 25, 2025. The outdoor market offers a variety of produce and goods from local farms and vendors. All of our local farm vendors are verified growers through our inspection team, so you can be sure all of the produce you’re buying is grown directly by the hands of the farmers selling it.
TIME: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
PLACE: 100 Canal ST, Shelton, CT
DATE: May 17, 2025DISTRICT NEWS
The National Association of Naval Veterans will host their Annual Boothe Memoria Park Antique and Classic Car Show. Proceeds benefit many veteran and community charities. A short list is: Freedom Guide Dogs, Homes for the Brave, (the Veteran Men’s and Women’s Homeless Shelter), the Veteran’s Food Pantry, West Haven Veterans Hospital, CT Burns Camp Foundation and the Seymour Lions Club.
This event will consist of: Dash Plaques – Goodie Bags – Food – Music – Flag Raising Ceremony to honor all veterans. $20 per show vehicle – no cut-off year!
The Ladies Auxiliary will have a bake sale and a large selection of raffle baskets with fabulous prizes. Food sold will include egg sandwiches, hot dogs, hamburgers, and other hot sandwiches.
TIME: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
PLACE: Boothe Memorial park and Museum
DATE: May 18, 2025
As this legislative session continues, I look forward to hearing from you and being your voice in Hartford. You can always contact me with your concerns at Jason.Perillo@cga.ct.gov.
All my best,
Jason
