Important Credit Rating Boost & More Road Funding

September 19, 2025

We are seeing the results of our strong budgets! Connecticut has received another credit rating increase thanks to our sound fiscal management. I'll break down why this is such a big deal for taxpayers and the state's economy moving forward.

The state is investing more in our roads to improve safety and so much more. Keep scrolling to learn how this increase in funding will improve Simsbury.

Tariffville is preparing for some milestone birthdays! You don't want to miss the festivities marking 100 and 200 years of history. Please read below to see how you can join the party while celebrating our amazing community. 

All that and so much more below!

Here are the sections in this email:

  • CT Earns Another Credit Rating Boost
  • More Funding For Our Roads
  • Celebrating Big Anniversaries in Tariffville
  • Upgrades Outside Simsbury Town Hall
  • Study Results Released on Trail Plan
  • Local Pond Drained
  • Simsbury Farm Honored
  • Connecticut's New Chief Manufacturing Officer
  • What Are Bears Up To in September
  • Community Events

 
 

CT Earns Another Credit Rating Boost

Thanks to sound fiscal management, Connecticut has earned another credit rating boost – this time from Moody's and Fitch. The two agencies attribute our strong budgets, aggressive pension liability payments, steady revenue growth, and long-term planning as key reasons for their decisions. These upgrades mark the seventh and eighth credit rating increases during the Lamont administration, a clear sign Connecticut is on the right track.

Moody’s raised Connecticut by one step to Aa2, and Fitch followed by lifting the state to AA from AA-. Both are the third-highest levels.

The boosts are more than symbolic because they:

  • Lower borrowing costs for the state
  • Create immediate and long-term savings for taxpayers
  • Make Connecticut bonds even more attractive for investors

This means we can continue paying down pension debt while freeing up resources for critical investments other core government services like education, housing, health care, social services, and much more.
 

More Funding For Our Roads

Governor Ned Lamont recently announced a 33% increase in funding for Connecticut's Town Aid Road (TAR) grant program, with state support rising from $60 million to $80 million for Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027.

The TAR program supports all municipalities across our state and covers the costs of essential transportation-related needs, including road and bridge repair, snow plowing, tree trimming, traffic signal upgrades, public transit services, and more.

Public transportation and infrastructure are two of the most essential services provided by the government, and I'm excited to see this significant increase in funding.
 

Celebrating Big Anniversaries in Tariffville

Tariffville is celebrating some major milestones this month, and you're invited to the party! These gatherings honor the people, places, and traditions that have shaped the village. They remind us of where we've been, inspire pride in where we are, and build momentum for where we're going.

Let's start with all the festivities to celebrate 100 years of Tariffville School from September 22 – 26. There will be:

  • Spirit Week events each school day
  • Interviews with past and current staff as well as alumni
  • Pictures around the school of the last hundred years and much more!

The fun doesn't stop there! You're invited to a 200 year Tariffville Celebration from September 26-28, including walking tours of historic homes and landmarks, a bicycle event, and a local business showcase.

The highlight will be the huge gathering on Saturday, September 27 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the Tariffville Green with all kinds of activities for the entire family. CLICK HERE to learn more. There are so many positive things happening in Tariffville and I hope you all take some time to get to know this unique enclave in our town!
 

Upgrades Outside Simsbury Town Hall

Have you seen the rebuilt town clock, new plaque, engraved bricks, and gardens at Simsbury Town Hall? The town came out to celebrate these upgrades on September 8, which coincided with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company's 80th anniversary!
 

Study Results Released on Trail Plan

The Capitol Region East Coast Greenway Study completed a final draft report to evaluate different proposals for trails in a 12-mile gap in the East Coast Greenway (ECG) within Simsbury, Bloomfield, Hartford, and East Hartford. The report is available if you click on the image below.

The East Coast Greenway connects 15 states and 450 cities and towns for 3,000 miles from Maine to Florida.
 

Local Pond Drained
You may be wondering why the Simsbury Public Works Department drained the pond in Town Forest Park. Crews removed sediment with the goal of improving water quality. The aim is to return the pond to a cleaner, healthier destination for recreational activities. I am told the project is expected to wrap up this month.
 
 

Simsbury Farm Honored

The state honored Rosedale Farms and Vineyards for its historic excellence! The Connecticut Department of Agriculture presented Rosedale Farms with the Century Farm Award in August. The award goes to a farm that has been in a family operation for more than 100 years and has outstanding potential to be successful for another 100 years. Congratulations to Rosedale Farms!
Courtesy: Kitty Prapayotin-Riveros and the Connecticut Department of Agriculture 
 

Connecticut's New Chief Manufacturing Officer

Congratulations to Simsbury's own Kirti Patel who started his new role this week as Connecticut’s chief manufacturing officer. In his new role, Patel will be focused on driving growth and innovation in the state’s manufacturing sector. He brings decades of global experience including:

  • leading companies through complex transformations
  • expanding product lines that serve critical industries
  • building trusted relationships across stakeholders
In addition to his new state leadership role, Patel serves as board president of Simsbury – A Better Chance.

We are excited to see the changes coming to the state under his leadership!
 

What Are Bears Up To in September?
It's September and fall is approaching quickly, which means bears are eating in hyperdrive. They are scouring for food up to 20 hours per day and can gain weight rapidly.

You may spot them gorging on fruits and nuts. Pregnant bears are doing the same while looking for a new den to eventually give birth. The more weight they gain, the better the chances their cubs will thrive. CLICK HERE to learn more.
 

Community Events
 

You're invited to stop by a local studio for the 16th annual Simsbury Open Studio Artists weekend where you will see beautiful paintings and jewelry. The event is takes place on Saturday, September 20 and Sunday, September 21 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. at 43 Farmstead Lane.
 
 

Join an annual tradition of building your own scarecrow on the front lawn of the Simsbury Historical Society from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 20. Pick out your scarecrow frame, dress it, stuff it with straw, and make it uniquely yours with provided materials. It costs $20 for your first scarecrow and additional scarecrows are $15 each. Rain date is Sunday, September 21.
 
 

Your kids have an opportunity to learn what it takes to be a detective! The crime solving seminar will be Tuesday, September 23 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:15 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall. The crime lab is for students from 2nd to 6th grade.
 
 

Your kids can meet Gizmo, a therapy dog stuffie, at Simsbury Public Library on Wednesday, September 24 from 2 p.m. - 2:45 p.m. CLICK HERE to register.
 
 
 

The Simsbury Football program will begin a new tradition of honoring the military during its home game against Hall High School on Thursday, September 25 at 6:30 p.m.

The team will recognize service members connected with our Trojan players, active duty and reservist service members, veterans, and fallen heroes. The aim is to pay tribute to their sacrifice while also recognizing the important role military families play in supporting our athletes and community.
 

The Simsbury-Granby Rotary Club invites you to participate in the 29th annual River Run at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 27. This family-friendly event features a 5k, 10k, a one-mile kid’s run, and other healthy activities. 100% of the proceeds go back into the community! CLICK HERE to sign up!
 

Join the Tariffville Mountain Bike Extravaganza at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 27 at the Tariffville Green. There will be beginner, intermediate and advanced rides. CLICK HERE for more information and registration.