High-Speed Rail, School Bus Safety, and more

August 22, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

In this week's eblast, you can read about a new high-speed stop at New Haven's Union Station, school bus safety, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Next-Gen Acela Service

Exciting news for New Haven rail riders! Starting Thursday, August 28, Amtrak will add a high-speed stop at New Haven’s Union Station as part of its NextGen Acela service.

This new addition means passengers can now enjoy faster, more efficient travel along the Northeast Corridor, connecting Washington, D.C., New York City, New Haven, and Boston aboard Amtrak’s state-of-the-art NextGen Acela trains.

Whether you're commuting, traveling for business, or heading out on a weekend getaway, this new high-speed stop brings increased convenience and connectivity right to our community.

As part of this expanded service, Connecticut stops will include New Haven’s Union Station and Stamford. In total, 14 stops will be serviced by the NextGen Acela, offering broader and faster travel opportunities throughout the Northeast Corridor.

 This historic launch introduces:

  • More trains on the way: Five sleek new trainsets will be in service initially with 28 brand-new trains entering service through 2027 that can reach speeds of 160mph
  • More seats: 27% more seats per departure
  • More service: Expanded weekday and weekend schedules, trains will also be equipped with 5G-enabled Wi-Fi, USB ports and power outlets, reading lights and a cafe
 
School Bus Safety

It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who will head back to the classroom soon! I hope every student has an amazing start to the new school year. 

This is also a time to remind drivers that the law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

  • First offense: $450 fine
  • Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both

Click here for more information.
 
Volunteer Readers Needed

The 2025–2026 school year is just around the corner, and the United Way is looking for passionate individuals to join United Way Readers.

Just 60 minutes a week can change a child’s life. By volunteering, you’ll help young readers:

  • Build confidence
  • Strengthen reading skills
  • Discover the joy of books
  • Unlock a lifetime of opportunities

Help a child thrive — one page at a time. Click here to sign up.
 
Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund

The Early Childhood Education Endowment Fund is here—Connecticut’s first permanent savings account to sustainably fund early childhood education.

What’s happening now:

  • $300 million initial investment to grow over time and strengthen child care statewide
  • Launch of Early Start CT, combining multiple programs into one, making access simpler and more equitable
  • $36 million in the first year (started July 2025) to expand and improve the child care system
  • 1,000+ new spaces added by June 2026
  • Higher pay & better benefits for early childhood educators
  • Facility improvements funded for providers
  • Health insurance study underway for child care workers

What’s ahead:

  • By 2027, families earning under $100k will get free Early Start CT care
  • Families earning over $100k will have costs capped at 7% of income
  • More spaces and programs through a competitive process
  • Expanded pre-K from part-day to full-day, with inclusive environments for all children

This is just the beginning-a long-term investment in affordability, quality, and equity for Connecticut’s youngest learners.
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

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