Happy Thanksgiving, Remembering Rep. Ryan, and Expanded Bus Service

November 26, 2025

I would like to wish you and your loved ones a Happy Thanksgiving. I hope this holiday brings you peace and happiness. 

I’m grateful for the strength, resilience, and community spirit that makes Windham such a special place. It is an honor and privilege to serve as your state representative.

A game-changing investment will make it easier to connect the people of Eastern Connecticut with jobs, schools, and much more. I'll break down how federal funding will affect those who ride on the Windham Region Transit District bus line.

My colleagues and I are mourning the loss of one of our own. State Representative Kevin Ryan passed away over the weekend. I'll explain how he made a difference at the Capitol and beyond.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Remembering State Rep. Kevin Ryan
  • More Reliable, Accessible, and Clean Buses
  • Small Business Saturday
 

Remembering State Rep. Kevin Ryan

I am deeply saddened by the passing of my dear friend and colleague, Representative Kevin Ryan. For more than 30 years, Kevin dedicated his life to the people of Eastern Connecticut, wanting the best for all.

I was very proud of having a colleague from our area serve as the National Chair of the Council of State Governments. Through his distinguished leadership, we established the Select Committee on Special Education for this legislative cycle. This had a direct impact on increasing funding for our special needs students. 

At the Capitol, Kevin was a constant presence with a steady hand on the dais, a trusted mentor, and a loyal friend. His good-natured humor, his warmth, and his unmistakable Eastern Connecticut accent always brought us a smile.

His jokes reminded us of the humanity at the heart of this work. The Capitol will feel emptier without him, but the impact he made on his community, on this institution, and on me will endure.

My husband, Dennis O'Brien, would like to thank Kevin for being a valuable part of developing a sense of community in Eastern Connecticut. He was very inclusive, asking us to join him at local event and conventions across the country. His regular presence at functions made a huge difference.

Kevin, you are missed. I really appreciated your dedication to helping the people of Connecticut and beyond. Rest in peace.
 

More Reliable, Accessible, and Clean Buses

Eastern Connecticut is celebrating a huge win for clean, reliable, and accessible public transportation. The Windham Region Transit District (WRTD) bus facility in Mansfield has been awarded $35.7 million in federal funding to modernize and expand its operations. The WRTD serves 23 municipalities, including Windham, and this investment will have a direct and meaningful impact on our residents.

The project will more than double the size of the existing facility, allowing it to accommodate a fleet of up to 50 low and zero-emission battery electric buses. For Windham, this means cleaner air, quieter streets, and a stronger, more dependable transit system connecting people to the places they need to go.

With these improvements, Windham residents – from Eastern Connecticut State University students to seniors, commuters, and families – will have enhanced access to major employers, health care providers, educational institutions, grocery stores, and essential services across the region. A stronger WRTD means a stronger, more connected Windham.

Thank you to our Connecticut federal delegation for securing these critical dollars. Their advocacy brings real benefits to our community, strengthening mobility, supporting job growth, and helping us build a more sustainable future.
 

Small Business Saturday - Shop Small

Small Business Saturday, November 29 this year, shines a spotlight on locally owned businesses. It encourages folks to shop small and support their communities during the busy holiday shopping season.

By participating, you can find unique, personalized gifts while contributing to the local economy. Small Business Saturday fosters connection, strengthening neighborhoods and ensuring that local businesses continue to thrive.

Thank you for supporting our locally owned businesses. I wish you and your family a happy holiday season.
Click here to find local small businesses