Dear Neighbor,
This week at the Capitol we addressed issues impacting people across our state, as more updates came from the White House regarding additional cuts to Federal staff, vital public programs and funding. As your State Representative, I will continue working hard to protect our values and our community.
I am happy to share that Stratford has received $544,583 in state funding from the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) Materials Management Infrastructure (MMI) Grant Program. This funding will help our town lower waste disposal costs and increase recycling and food scrap diversion. This grant is a huge step in making our community more sustainable and building a cleaner future.
On Tuesday, the Secretary of Health and Human Services started a mass firing process which included the Connecticut’s Administration for Children and Families regional office in Boston which administers our Head Start Program, Meals On Wheels Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program (TANF) , Child Support Enforcement, and services for runaway and homeless youth. Many in our town qualify for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which exists to assist Americans all across our country in need to help cover heating costs.
200,000 people in Connecticut relied on this program just last winter. Over the last few years, the LIHEAP program had bipartisan support in our legislature, because it is a vital program directly supporting residents all across the state. The uncertainty of how the program will now be managed puts our most vulnerable residents, those with disabilities, the elderly, low-income families, and more at risk.
The Human Services Committee held a press conference on Wednesday urging for reconsideration and restoration of the LIHEAP staff and to ensure a sustainable future for this program. My colleagues and I on the Human Services Committee will continue to strongly advocate on behalf of all residents in Connecticut and stand united against cuts being made to critical programs.
Public University and College students from across the state were advocating for funding for public education at the Capitol on Wednesday. It is inspiring to see their dedication to an issue so important to their education. As a proud graduate of CT State Housatonic (HCC), I was thrilled to meet and listen to these young leaders about how HCC has positively impacted and in some cases, saved their lives. Thank you for being a champion for CT’s Public Higher Education!
This week, April 2nd, was World Autism Awareness Day and April is Autism Awareness Month. This is an opportunity to recognize and support individuals on the autism spectrum and their families. Autism is a lifelong journey that affects millions of individuals and families, of all ages and backgrounds. This month, let’s continue to raise awareness and promote a more inclusive and supportive society. Let’s work together to ensure that individuals on the autism spectrum are empowered to reach their full potential and create a brighter future for everyone.
The CT Democratic First Year Legislative Caucus recently wrote an op-ed about the CT Child Tax Credit. As new legislators, we recognize the responsibility we have to fight for the people who put their trust in us. We came here to push for policies that lift up working families —not to stand by while billionaires get tax breaks at the national level while Connecticut parents struggle to afford diapers and food.
I was honored to join the Connecticut Nurses Association at their Speak Up! Speak Out! Workplace Violence and Safety in Nursing Town Hall on Thursday, April 3rd where nurses from across the state voiced their concerns by ringing the alarm about what is happening in the workplace.
These events are open to ALL nurses, you do not need to be a CT Nurses Association member to participate. I hope to see you there!
To attend one of these town halls, click here.
Big news from the Connecticut Department of Housing!
This week Governor Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Housing announced the launch of CT Home Funds, a series of three housing programs designed to preserve, incentivize, and increase homeownership opportunities across Connecticut.
These programs will be administered by Capital for Change and the Housing Development Fund.
The Connecticut Home Improvement Program
The Time to Own – Rehabilitation Program
The Homeownership Construction Program
Learn more here.
Public Hearing Updates
Don’t forget – you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in and watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
Register to testify and learn more about this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin.
Drivers should expect delays for bridge maintenance on I-95 in both directions in Stratford and many surrounding communities. The highway road work will begin on Monday, March 31st and continue through Friday, April 25th from New Haven all the way to the New York state line. Crews will ensure that drainage on our bridges on I-95 remain in good shape.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation anticipates that it will shut down the shoulder and some lanes from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. during the project. Drivers should be aware that the timeline could change based on weather delays or other unforeseen conditions so please plan ahead prior to your travels.
Read more about the project here: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/ctdot-construction-advisories/2025/bridge-maintenance-on-i95-in-various-town-in-connecticut?language=en_US
There are real lives on the line. Whether you’re driving past roadwork, a construction zone, crash scene, anyone else stopped on the side of the road, Slow Down and Move Over. It’s the law and violating it could cost you at least $2,500 in fines.
Sterling Community Center needs our help to restock their food pantry! Food insecurity is an issue for many of our residents in here in Stratford. Since the beginning of 2025 almost 1,000 people in need have utilized their food pantry. Please join me this week by donating items listed in their post below and also spread the word! Thank you in advance for taking the time to help support our community.
They’re accepting the following food donations:
- Breakfast foods (cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix)
- Pasta & pasta sauce
- Canned veggies (corn, green beans, peas, carrots)
- Soup
DROP OFF LOCATION: Sterling Community Center, 2283 Main Street, Stratford, CT 06615
The 2nd Annual Senior Health and Resource Expo will take place on April 6th from 10 am – 1 pm at Mozaic Senior Life in Bridgeport located at 4200 Park Avenue. Senior organizations from across Fairfield County will be available to answer questions and provide resources.
The VFW Post 9460 will host their annual Easter Egg Hunt on April 12th at 11 am in Booth Memorial Park. Registration for the event opens at 10 am.
The Stratford Animal Rescue Society is hosting a fundraiser to benefit animals on April 12th and 13th at the Stratford Animal Control.
The Stratford YMCA is holding their Annual YMCA Healthy Kids on April 26th from 10 am to 1 pm. This event features a variety of family-friendly activities to encourage healthy kids. The event is free and open to the public.
