Anthony Nolan

I was thrilled to see the Community Investment Fund approve $500,000 for New London last week for the following projects:

• $250,000 for Mitchell College. Mitchell College will plan for a Living-Learning Ecosystem designed to serve individuals aged 23 and older with diverse abilities, including neurodivergent adults, individuals with physical and developmental disabilities, and those with mental health conditions, through an innovative residential community that integrates independent living with lifelong learning. The Pathway Lab will serve as a corporate and organizational training hub connecting residents to career placement opportunities.
• $250,000 for the New London Public Market Corporation. The planning project will include a feasibility study of a proposed site and architectural and engineering concept plans with cost estimates for the public market buildout. The project will also include a community engagement analysis to identify essential target population and other users based on existing community conditions and a proposed plan for how the market can best engage the target population

 

This week I stood with Connecticut Tenants Union, fellow Legislators and some great Advocates in regards to my support for SB257 Just Cause Bill. This bill aims to restrict no-fault evictions by requiring landlords to provide a specific, legitimate reason to evict tenants who are in good standing, particularly in complexes with five or more units. It also aims to reduce housing instability and prevent retaliation, strengthening renter rights.

Thank you to all those who came out. This week the Bill passed out of the Housing Committee.

Clip: https://youtube.com/shorts/ROumwoofoZo

Full video: https://youtu.be/KDufaQ-EX7U

 

This week, I stood alongside fellow legislators, advocates from End Hunger Connecticut! and School Meals for All CT, as well as pediatricians, teachers, parents, and students to support the governor’s school breakfast proposal and HB 5144.

This bill is about making sure no child starts their day hungry.

HB 5144 would help cover the gap between federal reimbursement rates, allowing schools to provide free breakfast to more students without placing additional financial strain on districts.

I’m proud to support this effort because we know a simple truth—students learn better when they’re fed.

I also hope to see this effort go even further, with both breakfast and lunch included so students have consistent access to meals throughout the school day.

I want to recognize Alexandria, a sixth-grader from Stamford, who spoke at the press conference and shared her experience. Seeing young people use their voice to advocate for themselves and others is powerful. This is about access, equity, and giving every child a fair shot to succeed.

Today was about listening, learning, and taking action. Young people had the opportunity to sit down directly with policymakers during a luncheon to speak openly about what they’re facing—barriers to meaningful employment, the need for real skill-building opportunities, and what it takes to succeed in today’s workforce
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These weren’t surface-level conversations. They were honest, direct, and necessary. Following the luncheon, the JJPOC hosted its annual Youth Day event, centered on employment, access, and opportunity. The program highlighted why Youth Day matters and how it connects to the broader work of creating real pathways for young people across our communities.

If we’re serious about building stronger communities, we have to be just as serious about investing in our youth—listening to them, supporting them, and removing the barriers standing in their way.

This is how change starts.