Strengthening Protections in Assisted Living Communities

May 22, 2026
Dear Neighbor,

I would like to highlight legislation we passed helping those in assisted living communities, upcoming road work on I-84 and Route 8, and a local pioneer who was recognized for her tireless dedication to Waterbury.

Please read below for those important updates.
 

Strengthening Protections in Assisted Living

The House and Senate passed legislation to increase transparency and protect residents living in assisted living communities. Under Public Act 26-74, assisted living services agencies must hold an informational hearing before raising fees by more than 10%. The hearing must take place at least 30 days prior to the increase taking effect and give residents, their families, and representatives a meaningful opportunity to ask questions and share feedback.

In addition, the law strengthens consumer protections by requiring assisted living services agencies to:

  • Ensure all individual services are clearly explained and agreed upon by the client or the client's representative
  • Clearly disclose the cost of any services being provided
  • Provide at least 60 days’ notice before any fee increases take effect

For seniors and their loved ones, predictability and transparency are essential. This legislation helps ensure residents are fully informed, treated fairly, and given a voice before significant rate changes take place.
 

Delays on I-84 & Route 8 for Bridge Repairs

Commuters can expect slowdowns next week on the Mixmaster for bridge repairs. Crews will be working from Tuesday, May 26 until Friday, May 29 on I-84 and Route 8.

There will be lane closures from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. at the following locations:

  • Exit 20 Eastbound Ramp
  • I-84 Eastbound Over Jackson Street
  • I-84 Westbound Over Bank Street
  • Route 8 Northbound Neat River Street

Make sure to slow down in the work zone and give yourself extra travel time.
 

Celebrating Local Excellence

Congratulations to Yarixa Lopez on winning the Center for Health Equity, Education, and Research’s (CHEER) Champion of the Week award.

In her roles at UConn Health Waterbury Hospital and the Waterbury Board of Education, Yarixa displays tireless dedication for health equity and community-driven change. Her work is centered around strengthening maternal and child health through collaboration and culturally responsive partnerships.

I am proud to celebrate Yarixa’s leadership, partnership, and commitment to advancing maternal and child health.
 

Jewish American Heritage Month

Jewish American Heritage Month is a national month of recognition and celebration held each May, a tradition beginning in 2006. The Jewish community has shaped and been shaped by America since the dawn of our nation. Sharing the true, diverse, joyful, and powerful stories of American Jewish life across nearly four centuries highlights ingenuity, progress, and resilience.

Please join me in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month.
 

Helping Seniors Access Free Dental Care

Many seniors in Waterbury and surrounding towns struggle to access affordable dental care. The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging and community partners are working to assess the need for a free dental clinic for older adults aged 60+ who may not have insurance or the financial means to receive care.

If you or someone you know could benefit from these services, please review the information below and contact the organizers to learn more.

¿Necesita atención dental o conoce a una persona mayor que necesite ayuda? Organizaciones comunitarias están evaluando la necesidad de una clínica dental gratuita para personas mayores en Waterbury y pueblos cercanos.

Por favor vea la información en español a continuación y compártala con quienes puedan beneficiarse.