Honoring our Veterans and Special Session

November 5, 2025


 

I hope this email finds you and your family well. Thank you to all those who participated in our democratic process and casted your vote on Tuesday, every vote matters.

In the coming week, we take time to honor and thank all the Veterans across our state and nation for their service and dedication. Below you will find information on Branford's Veteran's Day parade, I hope to see you there!

We are facing uncertain times with federal funding cuts to vital programs. Here in Connecticut, we are prepared to support those in need in a Special Session next week. Keep reading to learn more about assistance currently available.

On National Civics Day, “The Power of Civics” was launched, an innovative online learning initiative aimed at empowering residents with a deeper understanding of government and civic engagement.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

  • Honoring our Veterans
  • Special Session on November 12
  • Around Town
  • Food Assistance
  • Heating Assistance
  • Summary of 2025 Public Acts
  • The Power of Civics
  • National Civics Bee
  • Drug Deactivation Pouch Initiative
  • Community Events

Thank You Veterans

In honor of Veterans Day, I want to pause and extend my deepest gratitude to those who have served in the United States military. Your unwavering courage, steadfast dedication, and selfless sacrifices have safeguarded our freedoms and strengthened the foundation of our nation.

I am profoundly grateful for your service, your commitment to duty, and the enduring legacy of liberty you uphold. Today and always, I honor your contributions to the security and values of our country.

Thank you for your service.

I hope everyone joins me this Sunday, November 9 for this year's Veteran's Day parade. The program to honor our veterans will begin at 1:00 P.M. on the Branford Green and the parade will step off shortly thereafter at approximately 1:30 P.M.

Special Session: November 12

The House of Representatives will convene for a special session on Wednesday, November 12, to address the urgent challenges posed by federal funding cuts. Our focus will be approving state funds to protect essential programs that support Connecticut families.

Around Town

Old Mother Hubbard traveled from her cozy cottage in Yealmpton, Devon, England, to read to the students at Tisko Elementary on Halloween day.

Things got a bit spooky when the curious students asked how old I really was! While in town, I also stopped by the Branford Early Learning Center to wish everyone a Happy Halloween.

Food Assistance

Earlier this week, I joined Senator Christine Cohen, Representative Moira Rader, and community leaders to discuss the realities facing our community. The insights shared about the challenges surrounding food insecurity and other human services needs were invaluable. Hearing directly from those doing this critical work makes all the difference.

The stories shared about the families being served and the obstacles navigated daily painted a vivid picture of both the urgent needs and the gaps in our current system. The frontline perspectives of our community leaders are exactly what we need to guide thoughtful policy decisions that impact our community.

In the coming weeks, we will share this feedback with key decision-makers, including the Governor and his staff. We are committed to keeping you informed on relevant policy and funding discussions, because we know that lasting solutions are needed. Below are links to resources for food assistance and on how to make donations.

Local food pantries across the state are providing essential assistance to those in need and are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.

Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1, or 1-800-203-1234.

Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.

For those neighbors who are not struggling, please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Branford food assistance programs. Click the links below for more information.

Branford Food Pantry
Community Dining Room
Feed Branford Kids, Inc.

Heating Assistance

During the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month this November, Branford is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of the programs available to help pay or lower heating bills, and keep homes warm this winter.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:

Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):

  • Click here to apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. 

Energy Efficiency:

  • Click here to take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.

Winter Protection:

  • If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.

Click here to learn more about these programs provided through Eversource.
Click here to find your Community Action Agency (CAA) or call 2-1-1 to learn more.

2025 Public Acts

The 2025 Office of Legislative Research Public Act Summary Book is now available. The Public Act Summary Book contains concise summaries of all legislation passed so far in 2025. It is fully searchable by key word, hyperlinked throughout for quick navigation, and organized by committee. 

Click here to access the digital copy of the book.

National Civics Day

Last week we celebrated National Civics Day, a time to recognize the importance of civics education and commemorate the anniversary of the first release of the Federalist Papers in 1787.

Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas launched the “Power of Civics” online learning course, an initiative designed to boost civic education and engagement across the state.

The course is designed to help residents better understand how government works, how laws are made, and how individuals can participate effectively in democracy. It includes interactive lessons, videos, and quizzes covering topics like voting, the Constitution, and the role of local and state government.

Click here to access the new "Power of Civics" platform.

National Civics Bee

Attention 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders!

You’re invited to participate in the National Civics Bee, an exciting opportunity to expand your knowledge of American democracy, strengthen critical academic skills, and learn how to engage respectfully and constructively in civic life.

Through this experience, you’ll also connect with other young community leaders and share your ideas for improving your community.

To apply, students must submit responses to a four-question essay prompt outlining their ideas for community improvement. Selected students will advance to regional competitions taking place in the spring.

All students, whether in public, private, charter, or homeschool settings, are welcome to apply.

It’s free to participate, and applications are due by February 3, 2026.

Click here for more information. 

Drug Disposal Pouch

Last week, Governor Ned Lamont and The Governor’s Prevention Partnership announced the launch of a new initiative to distribute 50,000 drug-deactivation pouches across Connecticut. The effort aims to help families safely dispose of unused medications at home, reducing the risk of drug misuse and protecting the environment.

The state is mailing 50,000 Deterra drug-deactivation pouches to residents in about 40 communities. The pouches, particularly targeted at households with children, provide a simple and environmentally friendly way to prevent prescription drug misuse.

The Deterra pouches deactivate prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as liquids, patches, and creams. To use them, individuals place the unwanted substances in the pouch, add warm water, seal it, and dispose of it safely in the household trash.

The initiative, which will distribute approximately another 50,000 pouches each year through 2029, is part of a $2 million prevention program funded by the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services through the Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee.

Click here for more information on the Governor's Prevention Partnership and click here to request a Deterra pouch.

Community Events

Attention teens, sign up to receive a box filled with books, snacks, and extra goodies. Click here and fill out the form by Monday, November 10 to receive a box. 

Boxes will be ready for pickup at the youth services desk the week of November 17.