Federal Funding Cuts & Local Artist Honored

April 11, 2025


 
 

Connecticut is already feeling the effects of widespread cuts from the federal government. I spoke to my friend and colleague, State Rep. Kate Farrar, to get a breakdown of how slashing these vital services will affect our state.

Our community is getting some much-needed help for the Windham Inn. I'll walk you through how new state funding will revitalize this historic gem.

The man who owns Willimantic Records was honored with an arts hero award. Please keep scrolling to get a closer look at his impact on our community.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Federal Funding Cuts Affecting Connecticut
  • Let's Talk About It: State Rep. Kate Farrar
  • $250,000 to Revitalize the Windham Inn
  • Local Artist Honored
 

Federal Funding Cuts Affecting Connecticut

Thousands of people across Connecticut joined the nationwide “Hands Off” protest against President Donald Trump and Elon Musk, the de facto head of the Department of Government Efficiency. The pair are responsible for tanking the economy, slashing services, enforcing inhumane immigration practices, and much more.

The Trump Administration is also committed to mass layoffs and funding cuts that will provide a significant blow to low-income residents of all ages in Connecticut. In less than three months since taking office, President Trump has delivered the following cuts to our state:

  • $150 million to the CT Department of Public Health
  • $14 million in academic and other programs for CT schools
  • $5.6 million to the Local Food for Schools program
  • $3.7 million to the Local Food Purchase Assistance program
  • $1 million in canceled real estate leases  

My colleagues and I are urging the federal government to reconsider these cuts, and we will continue to assess their potential impact on Connecticut. Our top priority is ensuring the well-being of our residents.
 

Let's Talk About It: State Rep. Kate Farrar

State Representative Kate Farrar discussed the impact federal funding cuts will have on Connecticut on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.”

Since Rep. Farrar is a member of the Finance, Revenue, and Bonding Committee as well as a member of the Higher Education Committee, she has a deep understanding of the situation. She talked about our responsibility as legislators to protect you as more cuts could come to education, public health, infrastructure projects, and more.

We also talked about some of the incredible work Rep. Farrar has accomplished including:

  • programs to reduce the cost of higher education
  • support for the Family Paid Leave Act
  • on-going work to provide a child tax credit

These policies don't just make life easier for families, they strengthen our workforce, provide a boost to our economy, and are get us closer to making Connecticut more affordable for all.

You can listen to our entire conversation by clicking on the video below.
 
Rep. Kate Farrar shares how federal funding cuts will affect our communities.
 

$250,000 to Revitalize the Windham Inn

I’m happy to share that our community will receive state funding to help revitalize the historic Windham Inn. The State Bond Commission awarded $250,000 to Windham Preservation for pre-construction planning to restore and repurpose the building as much-needed housing.

Thank you to Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission for approving this investment and embracing our vision for the future of the Windham Inn. Your continued commitment to Windham is deeply appreciated and does not go unnoticed!
 

Local Artist Honored

Congratulations to Joe Malinowski for winning an Arts Hero Award after nearly four decades of presenting art and music in our community.

The Connecticut Office of the Arts and the Cultural Coalition selected Malinowski due to his incredible work at his business Willimantic Records, a vibrant hub for artistic expression. Willimantic Records has become a beacon for creativity, hosting a variety of programming that includes a monthly film series, comedy nights, art exhibitions, lectures, and poetry readings.

Joe has connected legendary musicians with emerging talent, facilitating collaborations between renowned artists and younger musicians to create opportunities for inspiration and growth. He continues to work tirelessly, opening the doors of Willimantic Records to hundreds of touring musicians from around the globe.

He has also organized many cherished community-driven events, such as The Sticky Pad Art Show, where the walls were transformed into a vibrant gallery featuring artwork created on Post-it notes by local residents.

We are so proud of all of your accomplishments and can't think of a more deserving person for the Arts Hero Award!