Happy Labor Day, School Bus Safety, and more

August 29, 2025


 

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Dear Neighbor,

I hope everyone has a great Labor Day Weekend and is able to spend time with family and friends. In this week's email, you will find information on back-to-school bus safety, the Veterans Affairs' annual Stand Down event, and the Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Program. 
 

Happy Labor Day
 

I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend! While Labor Day marks the end of summer, it is also a reminder that the protections and rights we have in the workplace now were hard fought by the workers who came before us. This Labor Day, let's honor and recognize the contributions of workers everywhere, recommit to protecting their rights, and continue building stronger workplaces for all. 

Law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:

  • Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
  • Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
  • Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
  • Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.

 
 

Back to School Bus Safety

It's an exciting time of the year for our kids and educators who are back in the classroom! I hope every student had an amazing start to the new school year.

This is also a time to remind drivers that Connecticut law requires you to slow down for school buses in your neighborhood. Here is the breakdown for any driver who fails to stop when a school bus is displaying its flashing red signal lights:

  • First offense: $450 fine
  • Following offenses: $500 - $1,000 fine, up to 30 days in jail, or both.
Click here for more information
 

Save the Date: VA Stand Down 2025

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs’ annual Stand Down event is scheduled for Friday, September 19th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with six separate locations, including one at the University of Bridgeport in the Wheeler Recreational Center, located at 400 University Ave. The event will also have locations in Southington, Danbury, Norwich, Rocky Hill, and Stamford. This statewide event will provide one-stop access to services and programs offered to veterans by state and federal agencies, veteran-support organizations, and community-based nonprofits. Click here for more details
 

Generation Power CT Emergency Energy Assistance Program

The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program is set to open on Tuesday, September 2nd, through September 10th! This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses 🏠💡

All GPCT energy programs are accessible to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill. For the highest likelihood to be approved, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for this emergency energy assistance when you are most in need. 

GPCT has four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:

  • September 2-10
  • November 2-10
  • January 2-10
  • March 2-10 

To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, go to: https://gpct.org/gethelp/
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

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