Bill Signing in Norwalk, Staying Cool in Extreme Heat, and More!

July 18, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you and your family are enjoying all the things you love most about the Summer season! Please read below for information on education cuts, a ground breaking of a housing project in South Norwalk, and more!

Federal Cuts to our Education Funding 

The federal government is withholding $53 million in education funds from Connecticut. These cuts will have a significant impact on our children, and add an unnecessary strain on our educators. 

Attorney General William Tong and 25 other state Attorney Generals have sued the Trump administration to release the funding. Click here to learn more. 

Extreme Hot Weather Protocol

Today is the last day that the Extreme Hot Weather Protocol will be in effect. Although the forecast predicts cooler temperatures in the immediate future, there is always a risk of unbearable heat returning.  If you are outside during the day, please take precautions to keep yourself safe  - drink plenty of water, avoid the sun when possible, and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable to high temperatures. See the graphic below for more tips on staying cool. 

Groundbreaking for Affordable Housing Project in South Norwalk

Last week, I joined Mayor Rilling, State Reps. Dathan and Roberts and other local officials for the groundbreaking of Meadow Gardens, an affordable housing project in South Norwalk. Once completed, Meadow Gardens will consist of 59 units: 15 one-bedrooms, 19 two-bedrooms, 18 three-bedrooms, and seven four-bedrooms, including seven ADA-accessible units. I am thrilled that Norwalk has continued to build a community that is accessible to all. Click here to learn more about the project. 

Bill Signing Ceremony in Norwalk 

On Thursday, I joined State Rep. Kadeem Roberts and Governor Lamont at the Carver Center in Norwalk for a ceremonial bill signing. Governor Lamont signed SB 1542, which restricts the conditions when the use of handcuffs on children under fourteen years of age can be used. It will limit the exposure of children to the traumatic experience of being handcuffed, helping prevent unintended mental health consequences from that experience later in their lives. Connecticut is the first state in the country to pass this type of legislation.

Thank you to Rep. Roberts - your hard work and dedication helped  push this bill over the finish line. Click here to watch the press conference. 

Governor Lamont Signs Two Bills into Law 

Here are a few other bills that Governor Lamont recently signed into law. 
 

Public Act No. 25-9 puts patients first and holds insurance companies accountable.

Here’s what it does:

  • Caps excessive premium hikes. Allows the Connecticut Insurance Department to limit rate increases for insurers that have a track record of hiking costs.
  • Enforces mental health parity—with real consequences. Insurers must treat mental health like physical health, and those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000 and must publicly report how they’re doing.
  • Ends harmful “step therapy” delays. Patients with MS, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression will no longer be forced to try cheaper meds first while their condition worsens, and trial periods are also cut from 60 to 30 days.

Governor Lamont also signed a pair of bills that pertain to agriculture. 

Among the provisions:

  • 20% tax credit for “farm investment property”
  • Crop loss reimbursement
  • Drone regulations to boost innovation
  • Support for shellfish, agritourism & more
  • Expanding land access grant

National Pet Fire Safety Day 

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 500,000 pets are affected by house fires each year, with 1,000 house fires started by pets themselves. Whether the fire is caused by an appliance, outlet, or your pet, the following tips can help keep them safe during and after a fire.

Renumbering Exits on Route 15

The  Connecticut Department of Transportation will begin changing exit numbers on Route 15 on July 28. The project is expected to take 4-5 weeks to complete. Click here to learn more about the state wide exit renumbering project. 

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Free Summer Lunches for Young Norwalk Residents 

Norwalk Public Schools’ Food Service Division has launched their annual Summer Meals Program. The program provides any child, 18 years of age and under, with free, nutritious meals, no questions asked. This summer, Norwalk is home to 10 open meal sites serving free breakfast and free lunch through mid-August. Children must eat the meals onsite, and no registration is required to receive a meal.

Click here for more information. 

American Legion Hosts Golf Tournament

The American Legion in Norwalk is hosting its first golf tournament in over 20 years! The tournament will be held on October 6 at the Silvermine Golf Club. Click here for more information, including how to register. 

Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of the ADA

The City of Norwalk holds an annual event to celebrate the anniversary of the American Disabilities Act, the historic civil rights law that protects the rights of people with disabilities. The celebration will be held on Thursday, July 24. Please the flyer below for more information. 

SONO Saturday Market

The next SoNo Saturday Market will be held on Jul 26. Over 30 vendors & exhibitors will cover the lawn at 50 Washington for a fun day of shopping, snacks, music & outdoor fun for all! Please see the graphic below for more upcoming dates. 
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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