Protecting Workers' Rights & Support for Dairy Farmers

May 21, 2026
Dear Neighbor,

Now that the legislative session has ended, I will provide updates on important laws we passed, highlight state funding, and share community events that matter to you.

Thank you for your continued support. It is an honor to serve as your state representative.

Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:

  • Protecting and Enhancing Workers' Rights
  • Memorial Day Weekend Events
  • Support For Our Dairy Farmers
  • Funding for Affordable Rides in Derby
  • Beware of Phone Scam
  • Explore America 250 Essay Contest
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
 

Protecting and Enhancing Workers’ Rights

Governor Ned Lamont signed Public Act 26-12 into law aimed at protecting and enhancing workers’ rights across Connecticut.

The bill addresses:

  • wage theft in the building trades
  • job protections for services workers
  • compensation for workers who are assaulted on the job
  • wage range and benefit descriptions in job postings
  • reasonable break time for breastfeeding or pumping

The law also strengthens support for police, firefighters, and veterans through expanded benefits, mortgage assistance for first responders, stronger recruitment and training efforts, and support for the families of fallen volunteer firefighters and state marshals.

The bill helps veterans transition into civilian careers by expanding access to jobs, benefits, and tuition assistance opportunities here in Connecticut.

At the same time, we strengthened protections for workers by improving support for nurses and teachers injured on the job, increasing stability for paraeducators, and advancing fairer and safer workplace standards. 

This legislation is about standing with the people who serve, protect, educate, and build our state.
 

Memorial Day Weekend Events

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, I want to extend my wishes for a safe and meaningful holiday to all.

Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our nation. For those of us with deep personal connections to the military, this day carries profound significance. We pause to remember, to reflect, and to honor the heroes whose courage and sacrifice safeguard the freedoms we cherish.

I encourage you to join the community at the Memorial Day events and parades listed below as we come together to pay tribute to our fallen service members and ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

Derby: 

  • Ceremony on Friday at 6 p.m. at Derby High School
  • Parade on Monday at 9 a.m. starting at Howe Avenue and Kneen Street in Shelton and ending on Cottage Street in Derby (more details here)

Orange: 

  • Ceremony on Sunday at 10 a.m. at High Plains Community Center immediately followed by the parade down Orange Center

Woodbridge:

  • Ceremony on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Monument at 4 Meetinghouse Lane. The event will include patriotic music, a memorial wreath presentation, and much more. CLICK HERE for more details.

Hamden: 

  • Parade on Monday at 10 a.m. (more information below)
 

Support For Our Dairy Farmers

The state is committing $22.5 million from our Federal Cuts Response Fund to support Connecticut’s dairy farmers. Many small, family-owned businesses are working hard to stay afloat amid federally set milk prices that often favor large corporate operations over our local farms.
 
This investment will help protect jobs and ensure our communities continue to have access to fresh, nutritious, and locally produced food. When we support our farmers, we strengthen our food supply chain and our economy at the same time.

I was proud to support the creation of the Federal Cuts Response Fund during a special session last year to help stabilize Connecticut’s economy in the face of federal uncertainty. This is exactly why we established the fund.
 

Funding for Affordable Rides in Derby

House Democrats worked across the aisle to pass a bipartisan budget that delivers $10.5 million in funding for microtransit services across the state, including Valley Transit District (VTD2GO), serving Derby, Ansonia, and Shelton.

This investment provides reliable, affordable transportation options for residents and connects them to jobs, medical appointments, grocery stores, and other essential destinations in the Valley.

VTD2GO offers affordable, shared rides on a fleet of mini buses that operate on a reservation basis for about $2 per ride. Riders can request a shuttle using the VTD2GO app or by calling (203) 735-6408. 

Service hours:

  • Monday – Friday: 6:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday & Sunday: 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

The state’s microtransit program is available in 18 cities and towns across Connecticut, helping expand access, increase mobility, and strengthen local economies. I’m proud we were able to secure funding that supports Derby.
 

Beware of Phone Scam

The Woodbridge Police Department is warning everyone of a phone scam involving suspicious packages. The criminals ask for personal information while pretending to work for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

If you receive one of these calls, hang up immediately and report the incident to local police. DHS will not call to request personal information over the phone.

Please share this post to help spread awareness and protect others in our community.
 

Explore America 250 Essay Contest

The Town of Orange invites all fourth, fifth, and sixth graders to enter the “Explore America 250” Essay Contest as we commemorate 250 years of independence!

Students are encouraged to reflect on the stories, people, and events that shaped our country or share their hopes for the next 250 years. The contest is open to students in Orange public schools, those who are homeschooled, and children who live in Orange but attend schools outside the district. They must submit their typed essays to Orange Town Hall by Monday, May 25.

The winners will read their work at the Orange Fourth of July Fireworks Celebration on July 3. Good luck!
 

Derby Events Calendar

Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below.

Join the shellabration on Saturday, May 23 for World Turtle Day at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby. Presentations and activities about local turtles and wildlife conservation will begin at 10:00 a.m. followed by crafts, displays, and challenges until 2:00 p.m.
Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday, June 2 from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Organizers will hand out tickets at 2 p.m. to everyone in line. Make sure to bring your own bag for the food.
Derby Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Hamden

Look at the flyers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden.

You’re welcome to join an artist, costume designer, and recycling coordinator to clean the stream, then embellish your old clothes with the litter we find. The event will be held from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 23 at Brooksvale Park & Veteran’s Memorial Hall. CLICK HERE to learn more and get tickets.
More Hamden Events
 

Orange Events Calendar

Check out the flyers and community calendar in Orange below.

You’re welcome to learn about a female visionary thinker and advocate during the American Revolution. Case Memorial Library will host a multimedia performance bringing Abigail Adams to life through her own words, blending live theater, music, and immersive visuals. The event will be held on Saturday, May 30 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. CLICK HERE to register.
Orange Community Calendar
 

Upcoming Events in Woodbridge

Take a look at the upcoming events to see what’s happening in Woodbridge.

You’re welcome to join Massaro Farm for a relaxing and creative evening to slow down, connect with others, and get your hands in the soil while enjoying a glass of wine in a beautiful farm setting. The event will be held Thursday, May 28 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $40. Get yours here.

You can celebrate the launch of 2026 Woodbridge Town Library Adult Summer Reading at the Woodbridge New England Brewing Company! On Thursday June 4, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., there will be a free book exchange, free supplies for bedazzling your books, and sign-ups for the Adult Summer Reading program. CLICK HERE to register.
Woodbridge Community Calendar