New Haven legislators applaud approval of $1M in state funding for r'kids Family Center
February 16, 2018The state Bond Commission approved $1 million in state funding for the r'kids Family Center in New Haven. This funding will be used to create a dedicated visitation space and additional childcare and programming space for the children and families.
Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, state legislators introduce voter registration drive
February 2, 2018The Secretary of the State's office will facilitate a voter registration drive that helps newly-arrived Puerto Rican families in Connecticut register to vote.
Plans to deepen New Haven Harbor channel unveiled
January 29, 2018The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is proposing to deepen the channel in New Haven Harbor from 35 feet to 42 feet. While New Haven's port is the largest in the state, it is not deep enough to accommodate larger vessels which now have to off-load outside the channel.
Giving back and welcoming our new neighbors on Three Kings Day
January 26, 2018This month, I was honored and humbled to join state Rep. Juan Candelaria, local leader Jhonathan Rivera and Joey Rodriguez to distribute donated gifts to nearly 300 children at John C. Daniels School. Many of these children were among the 180 youth who relocated to New Haven from Puerto Rico.
Quality child care for working families
November 21, 2017Connecticut families, currently on the wait-list, can start enrolling in the Care 4 Kids program, the state’s primary child care support program. Care 4 Kids helps low- to moderate-income families in Connecticut pay for child-care costs.
Legislature approves changes to Renters' Rebate Program and hospital tax
November 21, 2017Following the legislature’s approval of technical revisions to the bipartisan budget passed last month, older and disabled renters are slated to receive their state refund checks under the Connecticut Renters’ Rebate Program.
Overwhelmingly approved bipartisan budget commits to significant structural reforms
October 27, 2017Following months of negotiations, the Legislature overwhelmingly approved a bipartisan spending package that ends our state's budget stalemate. This $41.3 billion two-year plan, which now heads to the governor's desk for approval, will help close a projected $3.5 billion deficit over the next biennium by committing to significant structural reforms.
Governor vetoes "unbalanced" Republican-backed budget
October 2, 2017Referencing cuts to higher education, a reduction in aid to needy municipalities, and unsound changes to the state's pension plans, Governor Malloy vetoed the Republican-backed budget Sept. 28.