TAKE ACTION
Federal Policy
Full-Service Community Schools Are Working — Let’s Not Lose Them
At Dolan and Rippowam Middle Schools, FSCS Managers connect 1,300+ students and families with vital support — bringing in $2M+ in local services.
The results speak for themselves:
- School clinic enrollment ↑ 16%
- Program participation ↑ 65%
- Suspensions ↓ 5%
Teachers see the impact, too: "She brings ideas to life — from afterschool clubs to cultural events. That leads to a happier student body and happier staff." — Catherine Leeber, Spanish Teacher, Dolan
But the President’s proposed FY26 budget (starting Oct 1) would eliminate FSCS as a standalone program.
Get Involved
📣 Speak up for Stamford students. Use this email + call tool from the IEL Coalition to contact your federal delegation.
⚡ Level up your advocacy: Members of Congress are home for August recess — book a meeting to share what matters the most in our community.
UPCOMING EVENTS
IEL’s “Understanding Recent Supreme Court Decisions and Actions”
Wednesday, July 30th 3:00-3:30 PM (Zoom)
Join Instituate for Educational Leadership for a 30-minute virtual session on recent Supreme Court rulings, including Mahmoud v. Taylor, and their impact on education. Hear from Shakti Belway (National Center for Youth Law), Dan Gordon (Education Counsel) and Liz King (The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights). Learn how IEL and partners are responding — and how you can take action. 📝 RSVP Today.
CT DoAg/DoL Immigrant Farm Labor Informational Webinar
Wednesday, July 30th 6:30 pm (Zoom)
ICE enforcement is increasing across industries like agriculture, hospitality, and construction. Join this free 90-minute webinar from the CT Departments of Agriculture and Labor to learn how to prepare before ICE shows up at your farm, job site, or business. 📝 Register Today.
CT Voices for Children & CT Health Foundation, “Here’s what you should know about the One Big Beautiful Bill Act”
August 6th, 10:00 am (Zoom)
Learn what’s really in the One Big Beautiful Bill and what it means for your community. The webinar will cover key changes to SNAP, Medicaid (HUSKY), Higher Ed, Tax Cuts & Deficits, and what you need to know moving forward. 📝 Sign up TODAY.
CWCSEO Hunger Action Month Event Series – Save the Dates!
In person - Legislative Office Building
Join the Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity (CWCSEO) for a 3-part series this September and October focused on food and nutrition insecurity in Connecticut. Topics include:
- 9/17 – Data in Food & Nutrition Security
- 9/26 – Nutritious & Affordable Food Options
- 10/1 – Food & Nutrition Education for Family Wellbeing
📝 RSVP and help spread the word!
RESOURCES
Federal
Read 📰: Trump administration unfreezes $10.8 million for Connecticut after-school program funding
How federal policy changes will affect Access Health CT plans
CT Comptroller July Economic Update: Get insights on how the H.R. I could impact Connecticut. This update breaks down key economic issues affecting residents across the state.
Watch Connecticut Public Radio's "The Wheelhouse" to hear DSS Commissioner Barton Reeves speak to how HR1 will impact SNAP and HUSKY
Read 📰: New parents are paying 24% more for essential baby items since new tariffs, says a new report from the Joint Economic Committee – Minority.
State
Read 📰: Report: In CT And The U.S., Rent Is Unaffordable For Many Typical Wage Earners
Endowment eases access to early childhood education: Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont
Connecticut Serves 1.75 Million Free Summer Meals As Federal Cuts Hit School Nutrition
Check out School and State Finance’s Interactive Community Impact Tool to dive deep into how the state budget will impact education in YOUR community.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.