Updates from State Rep. Farley Santos for Aug. 15, 2025

August 15, 2025



 

I was honored to celebrate Ecuador’s 216th Independence Day last week with a flag raising at Heritage Plaza, alongside my good friend and Mayor for the Day, Wilson Aurelio Hernández, whose dedication to our community is unmatched.

Proud to serve as the Padrino (Godfather) of the Ecuadorian Civic Center, alongside Madrina (Godmother) state Sen. Julie Kushner. We kicked off the celebration at the festival on the green with President Maria Lema, VP & City Council at-Large candidate Eva Aveiga, and Mayor Roberto Alves, embracing the rich culture, music, and spirit of Ecuador. Viva Ecuador!
 

Zen Juju Boutique Opens!

Zen Juju Boutique is officially open at the Danbury Fair Mall! Honored to join Anna and her family along with Mayor Roberto Alves and state Sen. Julie Kushner for the ribbon cutting of their beautiful new store, right across from the Apple Store.

Wishing this woman-owned business nothing but success and excited to work with Anna as she grows her brand!
 

Innovation Studios Tour

Mayor Alves and I took a tour of Innovation Studios (the former Crowne Plaza) to see the exciting progress being made.

Yes, there's the much-discussed micro-apartments, which will add residential housing to the city. But the development also includes a co-working space, a coffee shop, an arcade, a gastropub, a fitness center, outdoor pickleball courts, and more. Simply stated, it's an exciting development for Danbury in the Live. Work. Play. market.

I'm looking forward to the project's completion. 
 

Sales Tax-Free Week

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week begins on Sunday, Aug. 17, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week

  • Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
  • Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
  • This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.

This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.

A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.

A list of FAQs can be found here.
 

Hot Day, Cold Treat

One was to survive a heat wave is plenty of frozen treats with your friends and family. Last week, we started early at Il Bacio Ice Cream!
 

Free Robotics Program

Calling all future innovators!

The FREE Summer Robotics Program is back, Aug. 18–22, hosted by FIRST Robotics Team 7462 & FIRST Tech Challenge Team 8699. Kids and teens will get hands-on experience building and programming robots with LEGO while learning new skills and having fun. Spots are limited, register by today, Aug. 15, at www.danburyrobotics.org
 

As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.

Sincerely,

Farley Santos

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