Federal Funding Cuts, Students Visit the Capitol and Early Childhood Care and Education Community Discussion

April 4, 2025


 



Now that regular committee meetings have nearly wrapped up, I’ve been spending my days keeping up with the federal funding landscape. As your elected representative I have a duty to ensure our state budget funds for essential services like education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure and social services.

As DOGE and the Trump administration are carrying out drastic reductions of staff, there are no indications yet as to what alternative agencies will be assuming responsibility for providing services. Many of our regional agency offices have been closed and this has impacted us. I am in the process of reaching out to local agencies to understand the situation and sharing information as I get it.
 
Reducing waste is a laudable goal and one everyone should embrace. Meanwhile, the current approach is haphazard and dangerous, designed to create chaos. I know many people are feeling anxious about their future federal benefits. We simply don’t know what is ahead.
 
Please know that I am here for you, just as I was throughout the pandemic. You can reach out to me, and as always, I will do everything I can to connect you with state assistance.

Here are just a few of the most recent reductions:

Connecticut has lost $150 million in federal funding, jeopardizing critical public health, mental health, and addictions services. These drastic cuts threaten lives, eliminate jobs, and terminate essential contracts, severely weaken the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) ability to track and prevent public health crises. Without these grants, DPH will face significant challenges in monitoring emerging health threats and sharing real-time information to effectively protect our communities.

The consequences extend beyond disease tracking. These cuts will significantly disrupt:

  • newborn screenings
  • childhood immunization programs
  • testing for viruses and other pathogens
  • timely laboratory diagnostics
  • staffing to respond to outbreaks including in nursing homes

The Connecticut Department of Public Health released a comprehensive report detailing the full impact of these devastating funding cuts.
Click here to learn more
 

The Trump Administration has also eliminated 10,000 employees from the Department of Health and Human Services.  This purge of federal workers includes eliminating the entire staff of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).  We do not know what this means for thousands of Connecticut low-income seniors, people with disabilities, and families who rely on the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program to stay alive through the winter.  

The closure of five Administration for Children and Families (ACF) regional offices, including the regional office in Boston, could significantly impact the ability to deliver essential services to Connecticut residents who rely on these programs.  ACF is a federal partner in the administration of numerous programs, including, but not limited to: Child Support, Child Welfare, Head Start, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Social Services Block Grant (SSBG), and Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).  The full scope of the impact on Connecticut remains uncertain.
 

Food Allergy Accommodations

I was interviewed by Allergic Living Magazine about the gutting of the Office of Civil Rights as it relates to rights and protections of students with food allergy accommodations.  As I shared with you last week, I have been working on a bill that will codify 504 protections into state statute with HB 7219. This law will adapt Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and clarified by the ADA, that the 504 plan ensures students with disabilities equal access to education in publicly funded schools. I shared with Allergic Living readers, “Connecticut is committed to ensuring our students maintain protections from disability-based discrimination as we are seeing the federal landscape continue to deteriorate.” I added, “The closing of the regional Boston OCR office, which served Connecticut, has amplified the need for the state to act.”  

To read the full article: https://www.allergicliving.com/2025/03/27/u-s-education-cuts-whats-the-impact-on-school-allergy-rights/
 

SCSU School of Social Work

This week I enjoyed meeting students from SCSU’s School of Social Work. Branford resident Tori Howe visited the office in Hartford, along with Lindsey. It’s not every day that I get the opportunity to spend some time talking about policies with the next generation. I’m grateful when students reach out and I am happy to connect with them and listen.
 

Around Town

I visited a new coffeehouse in Branford this week. The Coffee Bean is at 845 West Main Street near Jersey Mikes. I ordered a large coffee with almond milk creamer and I definitely enjoyed it. It’s in a great location too and I appreciate that I can stop by on my way to work. I wish them all the best with the new business and encourage everyone to stop by and taste for yourself.
 

Women in Blue Luncheon

Last Thursday I joined the Connecticut Federation of Democratic Women for the Women in Blue legislative luncheon.  The Women in Blue Luncheon was created to promote diversity and elevate inclusion by recognizing the achievements of female leaders in the public safety sector and celebrating women who excel in an occupation traditionally pursued by men.
 

Early Childhood Care and
Education Community Discussion

Next week, join my colleagues and me on Thursday, April 10th, at 6:00 P.M. to talk about the tremendous 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!
 

Community Events

Traditionally, the Branford early childhood community celebrates the Week of the Young Child in April. To kick things off, this Saturday, April 5th the Branford Parks & Recreation Department will be hosting an Early Childhood Family FUN Day in collaboration with our local providers.

Want a great read just in time for spring break? Sign up to receive a box filled with books selected with your interests in mind, a snack, and extra goodies.

Please fill out this form by 4/7 to receive a box: https://forms.gle/xKVct1ukwgjDVCrWA. Boxes will be ready for pickup at the youth services desk at the Blackstone Library the week of April 14. 
 
 

The Shoreline Theatre Company is actively seeking actors and actresses ages 16 and older for their summer production of Rent!
 
In-person auditions are encouraged, however, if you are unable to attend the live audition for the show, video submissions are also being accepted.


Due to high demand,  an additional in-person audition date has been added!
 
Audition Date: April 8th
Time: 7:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Location: Branford Community House; 46 Church St, Branford
 
Click here to sign up for an audition slot or click here to submit a video.
 
Rehearsals will be Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 6:30 P.M. - 9:00 P.M. starting May 5th. All rehearsals are subject to change! Performances will take place on June 19, 20, 26, & 27.
 
For more information on Shoreline Theatre Company and audition information, including how to submit if you are unable to attend the audition, please visit : www.shorelinetheatrecompany.com
 

It's Final Four Game Day!  
 
Good Luck to the No. 2 seed UConn Women as they face the No. 1 seed  UCLA Bruins tonight at 9:00 P.M. 
 
Let's Go Huskies!!