Cristin McCarthy Vahey

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.

There has been a lot of activity this week in both state and local government. At the federal level, we saw Governor Lamont agree to fund SNAP benefits, with federal payments restored when the federal shutdown ended yesterday. This is welcome relief for families relying on these benefits.

With Election Day behind us and Veterans’ Day approaching, I would like to thank all who choose to serve our community as elected leaders, volunteers, and members of the military. Congratulations to all candidates on the ballot. Whether you achieved an electoral victory or not, I applaud your willingness to step up and serve. And thank you to our Veterans for helping to provide the framework of freedom that gives us access to the ballot box, or new tabulator machines as the case may be.

By now you have likely heard that the Connecticut Siting Council turned down United Illuminating’s monopole plans for Bridgeport and Fairfield. I am grateful to all of the community members, local leaders, including First Selectman Vitale and Mayor Ganim, and my fellow legislators, led by Representatives Leeper and Stafstrom, for their successful leadership in defeating this proposal.

In the days since, there have been comments that this decision was just about aesthetics and will drive up rates for consumers around the state, perspectives I disagree with. Our collective opposition was rooted in the economic impact to local businesses, losses to historical and religious sites, disagreements regarding the estimated costs, and more. United Illuminating has submitted a Freedom of Information Request for all of my communication regarding the matter during recent weeks, as well as the communication of my colleagues. I am happy to share that communication and remain steadfast in my hope that UI will enter into real negotiations with the city and the town for a compromise solution.

Happy Friday - I hope you had a great week!

Please join me and State Representatives Jenn Leeper and Sarah Keitt next Tuesday, October 7 at 7pm at Little Pub (2133 Black Rock Turnpike, Fairfield) for a Pints & Policy discussion.

At this event, we will discuss our accomplishments in the 2025 legislative session, look ahead to the 2026 session, and, most importantly, hear what issues are top of mind for you. These events are some of the most important ones we do as your state representatives, as we get to hear from you directly about the what matters most to you in our community. I hope to see you there!