Early Care Roundtable, Honoring UConn Students, and Real ID deadline

April 10, 2025


 


Week of the Young Child is my favorite week of the year and this year is no exception. On Tuesday, I was a guest for the Governor's Roundtable on Early Care joining the Commissioner of Early Childhood, Beth Bye and Governor Lamont as we welcomed Dr. Walter Gilliam from the Buffett Early Childhood Institute . When Dr. Gilliam was at Yale's Zigler Center; he was a frequent guest of mine in Branford. 
 
We talked about the "Why" of investing in our youngest learners. The two main benefactors are children and the positive impact on the education system; as well as working families and businesses. He highlighted the special importance of quality and it’s interdependence on teacher compensation. The support of these investments with the Governor's Early Childhood Bill, An Act Creating the Universal Preschool Endowment is especially meaningful. Click here to watch the whole event.
 
On Wednesday, I joined the members of the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance and the Early Childhood Legislative Caucus to highlight House Bill 5003, An Act Concerning the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund.  I am a co-sponsor of this bill emphasizing improvements to our Care 4 Kids program, building a system for offering health care plans for teachers, and investing in facility improvements. 
 
This week I learned that Connecticut has the most accredited programs in the country, an impressive achievement. At the end of the day, The Governor told us he is committed to making the State of Connecticut the most family friendly state in the country.
 

Early Childhood Care and Education Community Discussion

I hope to see you tonight at 6:00 P.M. to talk about the state-wide investments that are taking form as Connecticut prioritizes our youngest kiddos. The event will begin at 6pm at Branford Early Learning Center. Hope to see you there!
 

UConn Student Management Team

I had the chance to recognize the student management team from the UConn HuskyTHON in the chamber this week where they raised $2.1 Million.  Branford resident, Matt LaCroix: Director of Corporate Partnerships was a part of the senior team. Congratulations on an incredible achievement!
 

UConn Women Victory Parade

Congratulations to the UConn Women's basketball team on winning its 12th national title on Sunday.

You can be part of a victory parade and rally in downtown Hartford on Sunday, April 13.  The parade will step off at the State Capitol building at 1:00 P.M. at the intersection of Trinity Street and Elm Street and will end at the intersection of Asylum Street and Trumbull Street.

The rally will begin at approximately 1:30 P.M. and will be held outside of the main entrance of the XL Center on Trumbull Street.
 

Real ID Deadline: May 7th

Time is running out to get your REAL ID!

Beginning May 7, you will need a REAL ID, U.S. Passport or U.S. Passport Card to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

What is a REAL ID?
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

How do I get a REAL ID? 
You must visit a DMV site in-person to get a REAL ID.  Only U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible for a verified license or REAL ID card. Customers with a drive-only license aren’t eligible for a REAL ID license.  Check the CT information portal for more information.

In Connecticut, you'll need:

  • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate
  • a Social Security card; and two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut
  • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID?
Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the above graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

For more information, visit the following:

Department of Homeland Security
CT Department of Motor Vehicles
 

Main Street Reconstruction Project

Branford’s Main Street Reconstruction Project is set to begin this spring and continue until the end of the year.  The Town of Branford has been planning for this for many years as the conditions of the roadways and sidewalks deteriorated.

They received state funding from both the Local Transit Capital Improvement Program (LoTCIP) and a Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) grant. This is a comprehensive project that will repair, regrade and enhance Branford’s Town Green.  All of the usual events that take place on the Green will be moved to other locations.

The town has said it is committed to ongoing communication to the community.  Click here to read the full scope of the project and see the current design plans.
 

Community Events

On Monday, April 14th from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. there will be a Volunteer Orientation for the Community Dining Room.  Participate via zoom or in person at the Community Dining Room at 30 Harrison Ave, Branford.

 
Click here for more information on how to volunteer or to donate.