Proposals to Expand Early Child Care

April 17, 2025


 

I would like wish a joyful and peaceful Easter to all who celebrate! May this day bring hope, renewal, and time well spent with loved ones. 

A new proposal may improve early child care in Bridgeport and across the state. Please keep scrolling to learn about the groundbreaking plan to expand preschool access!

The state is expanding benefits for firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. I'll break down why this is such an important development for the health of our firefighters who keep us safe.

The state is offering a new resource to keep track of the Trump administration's cuts in our state. I'll walk you through how it works and how to report the impacts of those federal policy changes.

Here are the sections in this week's email:

  • Proposal to Expand Early Child Care
  • Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
  • Keep Track of Federal Funding Cuts
  • Summer Job Opportunities
 

Proposal to Expand Early Child Care

My colleagues and I in the House, Senate, and Governor's Office are working collaboratively to advance legislation that strengthens early childhood care across the state. Our goal is to make high-quality childcare more accessible and affordable for our children while allowing parents to return to the workforce.

The governor has proposed the largest expansion of preschool access in state history by depositing a portion of the state’s anticipated surpluses over the next several years into a brand-new fund known as the Universal Preschool Endowment. 

The plan aims to expand affordable preschool options for families by: 

  • Making preschool available at no cost to families earning up to $100,000 per year
  • Limiting the cost-share for families earning between $100,000 per year and $150,000 per year to a maximum of $20 per day
  • Creating 20,000 new preschool spaces by 2032
  • Reducing the cost to families for approximately 19,000 preschool spaces
  • Being simple, easy to access, and flexible to meet family needs

We are also working on passing House Priority Bill 5003, which I co-sponsored, to expedite funding for families, attract and retain childcare educators, and enhance both new and existing childcare facilities. The entire legislature is working collaboratively to ensure this priority is addressed before the end of the session on June 4. 
 

Cancer Screenings for Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe. The last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.

I am happy to share that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means more than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years. 

Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
 

Keep Track of Federal Funding Cuts

The state has launched a reporting tool for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in Connecticut that have been affected by federal funding cuts, layoffs, tariffs, or other recent actions.

The state will compile the data into a central database and provide policymakers with a better understanding of how these directives impact various groups, geographical regions, and sectors of the economy.
Click here to access the reporting tool

Users will need to create a login and then will be prompted with a series of questions to report any impacts they may be experiencing. Report only confirmed issue that you’ve encountered, not potential impacts. Any information that is reported will become public information. 
 

Summer Job Opportunities

The WorkPlace is excited to launch the 2025 Connecticut Summer Youth Employment Program through CareerHub, providing young adults ages 16-21 with valuable paid work experience. You can apply until 4 p.m. on Friday.
 
Participants will gain essential workplace skills while getting paid through placements at local businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. Job opportunities include roles such as office assistants, retail associates, and camp counselors. 

Applicants must:

  • Be at least age 14 and not older than 24 by July 1, 2025
  • Be a resident of Derby or any of the other 19 towns The WorkPlace serves
  • Be eligible to work in the United States
Apply now for summer jobs!