Cristin McCarthy Vahey

Due to the impending winter storm, Rep. Marcus Brown and I have decided to postpone our upcoming legislative coffee hour, which was scheduled for this Sunday. We will follow up as soon as we have rescheduled!

I hope you are all staying safe and warm in the midst of this cold spell. I am thinking a lot about the 3,500-4,000 people who are homeless and battling the elements this week. There are many ways to combat homelessness and one is assuring adequate housing supply. Below you can find information on this week’s housing forum as well as some of the other events and issues I have been working on as we prepare for the legislative session, which begins February 4th.

The Fairfield House delegation is pleased to convene a panelists of local, regional, and state planning experts to discuss the recently passed HB 8002 - An Act Concerning Housing Growth. The event will take place on Thursday, Jan. 22 from 7-8:30pm at the BOE Conference Room (501 Kings Hwy E., Fairfield). You can join us either in person or online. I hope to see you there!

As we approach the Martin Luther King Day weekend, I am reminded of an MLK quote on a poster hanging in my office, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that."

In these days following the death of Renee Good in Minnesota, and the protests happening here at home, in Hartford, and throughout the country, I am struck by how these words challenge us to draw upon our better angels.

Light and love can be hard to choose in the face of violence, aggression, and uncertainty, and when we strongly disagree with one another's perspective. The truth remains that we are all neighbors living together with one another. May we choose light and love as we stand strong for the values we believe in.

As we end 2025 and begin the New Year, I wish health, safety, and joy for you and your families. The end of the year is a time for reflection on our personal and communal triumphs and tragedies, a time for assessment, and a time for resolutions.

As the holiday season approaches and we gather with family and friends, the Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is reminding us that it is not too late to get your Flu Shot and updated COVID vaccine, both of which are recommended for all those who are 6 months and older. Adults over age 60 and pregnant women can also get an RSV vaccine.

Like my family, many people will travel in order to spend time together this Thanksgiving. Whether you are nestled at home, out on the road, or still searching for a place where you belong, I hope this Thanksgiving is an opportunity to experience and share gratitude. I am grateful for all of you, those who challenge me and those who support the work I do on your behalf. Thank you for caring, for engaging, and for working collectively to build community.

The legislature voted to address the need for temporary adjustments to the Budget Reserve Fund and to appropriate funds to offset reductions in federal programs that directly affect Connecticut residents.

House Bill 8003 represents the state’s $500 million response to recent federal funding cutbacks.