April 2026

Commissioner's Corner

Dear Legislative Partners,

As we move further into the legislative session, DAS continues to focus on delivering the core services that support agencies, municipalities, and residents across Connecticut. We appreciate your continued partnership as we work together to strengthen state operations and improve outcomes for the communities we serve.

In this edition of DAS Newsline, you’ll read about recent progress toward statewide digital accessibility compliance ahead of the upcoming federal deadline, continued outreach to connect residents with public service careers, investments in critical research infrastructure, and partnerships that advance clean energy and public safety initiatives.

We look forward to continuing our work with you this session to deliver effective, responsive government for the people of Connecticut.

Sincerely,

Michelle Gilman
Commissioner, DAS
michelle.gilman@ct.gov

Advancing Digital Accessibility

As the April 24, 2026 federal accessibility deadline approaches, the executive branch continues to make strong progress improving access to Connecticut’s digital services.

Led by DAS BITS, agencies across state government are reviewing and updating websites, applications, and online content to meet new standards.

Statewide accessibility compliance has increased from 57% in July 2025 to 97% today, reflecting a coordinated, enterprise-wide effort to prioritize and address barriers.

This work supports more equitable access to information and services for residents and reinforces the state’s commitment to accessibility.

Valley Lab Groundbreaking

In late March, Governor Ned Lamont joined DAS Commissioner Gilman and state agency partners to mark the start of construction on the renovation and expansion of the Valley Laboratory in Windsor.

The $37.9 million DAS-administered project will modernize research facilities at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES), supporting agricultural innovation, environmental protection, and public health efforts statewide.

The facility is being named in honor of former CAES Directors Dr. John F. Anderson and Dr. Louis A. Magnarelli, recognizing their longstanding contributions to the field. Delivered as a Project Labor Agreement (PLA) project, the development will support skilled workforce opportunities and advance sustainable, energy-efficient public infrastructure, with completion anticipated in late 2027.

Certification Clinic Supports Small Businesses

DAS partnered with the Minority Construction Council to host a hands-on Certification & Prequalification Clinic, providing contractors with direct assistance navigating Small Business Certification and Contractor Prequalification applications. DAS staff offered one-on-one support, answered questions, and helped participants advance their applications, expanding access to state contracting opportunities and strengthening engagement with Connecticut’s small and diverse business community.

DAS Recognized for Solar Partnership

On March 17, DAS was recognized by the Connecticut Green Bank as an Outstanding Partner through the Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+). The award highlights ongoing collaboration to support state agencies in advancing clean, sustainable energy solutions across Connecticut. This partnership continues to drive progress toward energy efficiency and long-term cost savings for the state.

Fire Safety Product Awareness

The Office of the State Fire Marshal, within DAS, in partnership with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, is reminding residents to check for proper safety certifications when purchasing smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and fire extinguishers. Officials warn that non-listed products sold online and in stores may not meet nationally recognized safety standards or function properly in an emergency. Residents are encouraged to look for certification marks such as UL, ETL, or FM and to replace any existing devices that do not display a recognized listing. Suspected non-compliant products can be reported to the Department of Consumer Protection.

Share the video: Before You Buy a Smoke Alarm or Fire Extinguisher, Watch This (YouTube)

DAS Continues Outreach Efforts

DAS Talent Solutions and Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) teams have continued outreach efforts across Connecticut, recently connecting with prospective employees at events at UConn, the University of Hartford, and the American Job Center at CT State Tunxis, as well as near-daily engagements statewide.

Through participation in career fairs and community-based recruitment events, staff provided guidance on state employment opportunities, answered questions about the application process, and helped job seekers explore careers in public service. These efforts support DAS’s ongoing work to expand access to state jobs and build a strong, diverse workforce.

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