Connecticut Outreach: Billboard Is Up—and Our Team Is on the Ground

Dmitriy Sashchenko
June 24, 2025

We’ve been building toward this all year — and now it’s here.

After months of targeted outreach, the Freedom Foundation has reached a major milestone in Connecticut. Our bold new billboard is now live in Hartford, declaring exactly what thousands of public workers need to hear: Public employees, opt out of union dues.

Strategically placed along I-84 and within walking distance of key state agencies and union offices, the billboard is more than just a sign. It’s a message public employees are seeing as they drive to work, step into government buildings and make decisions about their paychecks and their future.

But we’re not stopping at visibility.

This week, our team hits the ground in the state — going door to door and visiting the downtown, walking into public offices, talking to workers and putting educational materials directly in the hands of those who need it most.

From the Department of Developmental Services to the Legislative Office Building, we’re covering every major building in the Capitol Triangle.

Everything we’ve done this year has led to this moment, And now, as we enter the summer months, we’re headed into the most critical window of all — the teacher opt-out period, ending Aug. 31.

That’s why the billboard matters. That’s why boots on the ground matter. And that’s why we’re pouring everything we’ve got into this summer push.

Connecticut has long been known for its union-dominated government workforce — the most heavily unionized public sector in the nation, with nearly 70 percent of government workers under collective bargaining.

But that era is ending. With every conversation, every flyer, every e-mail and every new opt-out, we’re turning the tide.

This isn’t just a campaign. It’s a movement. And this week in Hartford, the momentum is visible to everyone.

If you’re a public employee in Connecticut and still paying union dues, now is the time to ask why.

And if you’ve already opted out, help someone else take the same step.

Visit OptOutToday.com. Share the site. Share the truth.

This is what a record-breaking year looks like — and we’re just getting started.

- Outreach
, Billboard, Connecticut

Dmitriy Sashchenko

Oregon Outreach Director

Before coming to work at the Freedom Foundation, Dmitriy worked on multiple outreach efforts including the 2020 U.S. Census, nonpartisan candidate campaigns, and Slavic Vote–an organization focused on helping the Russian, Ukrainian, and Slavic communities get out and vote. He is active in his state and local party and has enjoyed volunteering at White House events in Washington, D.C. Dmitriy enjoys working with people and has extensive experience in customer service and conflict resolution. Before getting involved in politics, Dmitriy attended Oregon Culinary Institute and earned his culinary certification while running a private catering business. In his free time he loves cooking and entertaining his friends & family, practicing with his band, and traveling to new places.