Infrastructure Funding, Credit Rating Boost, and more

September 12, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

In this week's eblast, you can read about increased support for public transportation and infrastructure, an update on Connecticut's fiscal health, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
A Boost in Local Infrastructure Project Funding

Great news! Governor Lamont recently announced a 33% increase in funding for Connecticut's Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program, with state support rising from $60 million to $80 million for FY26-27.

The TAR program supports all municipalities across our state with the costs of essential transportation-related needs, including road and bridge repair, snow plowing, tree trimming, traffic signal upgrades, public transit services, and more.

Public transportation and infrastructure are two of the most essential services provided by the government, and I'm excited to see this significant increase in funding.
 
COVID-19 Vaccine Access Protected in Connecticut

The federal government has created uncertainty and confusion around access to the COVID-19 vaccine. In response to these actions, Governor Ned Lamont has implemented several executive actions to ensure that residents who wish to be vaccinated continue to have access to vaccines and that coverage remains uninterrupted under state-regulated health insurance policies. The actions will:

 

  • Permit pharmacists to order, prescribe, and administer the vaccine.
  • Establish statewide guidelines for who is eligible to receive the vaccine - Adults of all ages can receive COVID-19 vaccinations at pharmacies and medical practices while children between 6 months and 18 years of age can receive vaccinations through pediatric providers participating in the Connecticut Vaccine Program (CVP).

The accessibility of vaccines should not be determined by partisan politics. These changes will ensure that Connecticut residents and doctors alike have all the tools necessary to keep us healthy.

 

Click here to learn more.
 
Connecticut Receives a Credit Rating Boost

Thanks to sound fiscal management, Connecticut will receive another credit rating boost! Moody's and Fitch attribute the move to strong budgets, aggressive pension liability payments, and strong revenue growth. This is the seventh and eighth credit increases our state has received since the start of the Lamont administration.

So, why does this matter? These ratings upgrades will result in even greater demand for our bonds, creating savings for taxpayers, while freeing up resources for the state to make critical investments in education, housing, social services, and much more.
 
CT Veterans Affairs Stand Down 2025 Event

A reminder that on Thursday, September 19, from 9am-2pm, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event. This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
 
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day.
 
Stand Down locations are:

  • Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue
  • Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street
  • Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
  • Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
  • Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street
  • Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

Click HERE for more information. 
 
Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations

A final reminder that the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

 
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
 

Sincerely,

Juan Candelaria
State Representative

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