White House Visit on Child Care Legislation

I was honored to participate in a discussion at the White House on Wednesday to discuss how Connecticut is improving child care.
July 21, 2023


 
This week, I had the pleasure of hearing our First Lady, Dr. Jill Biden, at the White House as she discussed the critical issue of child care in our country. I attended with other lawmakers from around the country to talk about child care, early childhood education legislation that passed in 2023, and the future of our kids. To read more about that or to find out what's happening in the 114th district, click on any of the links below to jump to that section of the email.
 
White House Visit
I was honored to participate in a discussion at the White House on Wednesday to discuss how Connecticut is improving child care. 91 legislators from 41 states convened to share recent child care policy achievements and to support their work to make child care more affordable, increase child care providers, and improve job quality for child care workers. I thank House Speaker Matt Ritter for nominating me for this incredible opportunity.
In the 2023 legislation session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a state budget, which promises to bring expanded child care services by cutting business taxes. The budget also funds pay raises for licensed and unlicensed providers, but there is more work to be done. Hearing concepts from other leaders across the country inspires me to continue that progress in Connecticut and pass more child care legislation in the 2024 legislative session.
I was delighted to join Jenn Bernstein for a segment on "The Real Story" to share my thoughts about the trip and how we can improve child care in Connecticut. It will air on Sunday, July 23 at 10am on Fox 61. I hope you can watch! 
 
Meet Me In Person

Please join me and Sen. James Maroney on Monday, July 24 to talk about what the Connecticut General Assembly accomplished in the legislative session. We will provide a session overview and discuss some of the laws we passed this year including historic tax cuts, historic investments in education, and updating gun violence statutes.

The 2023 Legislative Recap will take place on Monday, July 24th at 6 P.M. at the pavilion at the High Plains Community Center on Orange Center Road in Orange.
Anyone from the 114th district is encouraged to attend, ask questions, provide feedback, and share their concerns at this event. I look forward to seeing you on Monday!
 
Unemployment Benefits Fraud & Identity Theft
The pandemic created an influx of fraudulent activity across the nation, primarily unemployment claims submitted using stolen identities, and Connecticut was not immune. Connecticut and eight other states are currently experiencing another uptick in fraudulent applications.

If you didn’t file for unemployment and received a 1099 form or monetary determination letter, you may be a victim of identity theft.
Click Here To Report ID Theft Immediately!
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) continues to aggressively protect personal information by implementing safeguards, promoting resources, and educating claimants and Connecticut employers about fraud. The CTDOL has provided information and advice below to prevent fraud.
 
Freezing the Diesel Tax

During the 2023 Legislative Session, I worked with my colleagues to pass a new two-year state budget that stands up for consumers, including a freeze of scheduled increases on the diesel tax, which helps lower the price of groceries and other commodities while reducing the cost of doing business in Connecticut.

Fuel costs are a significant percentage of expenses not only for the trucking industry, but for all markets that rely on the sale of goods, which makes this a significant cost savings for businesses and consumers alike.
Our state budget was crafted with middle-class tax relief and investments that grow our economy, protect our quality of life, and make Connecticut more affordable for everyone.
 
New Date for Orange Concert & Fireworks Show
The Town of Orange Concert and Fireworks show has been rescheduled for Saturday, September 2 with a rain date of Monday, September 4 (Labor Day). The new date is designed to accommodate more families who may have traveled over the summer. The fireworks are typically held around July 4, but wet weather forced organizers to delay the show. I hope you can attend and enjoy all the fun in September!
 
In The News
Valley Independent Sentinel: "Welander Attends White House Meeting On Child Care"

CT Post: "Fishing Pier Two Decades in the Making Opens in Derby"
 
Summer Fun at Our Local Libraries

More individuals and families are traveling and keeping up with busy schedules over the summer, but please make sure to visit one of our local libraries. They are great resources, offering a wide range of benefits and opportunities for children and adults. You can take advantage of new books, reading programs, or resources for research.

Our libraries are a safe space for the entire community where you can beat the heat in peace. Click on the links below to see which programs are available in the 114th district:

Woodbridge Town Library

Case Memorial Library

Derby Public Library

Hamden Public Library
 
Derby Events Calendar
To see what's going on in Derby, please look at the fliers below and click the button to access the community calendar.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.

Concert: Audrey Mae Bluegrass Band on Saturday, July 22 from 2 P.M.-3 P.M. at Case Memorial Library
Click Here to Register
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below, and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Community Calendar