Jill Barry

I am happy to announce Glastonbury is among the 77 small towns across Connecticut that received over $31 million in total state funding through the Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) for various capital improvement projects.

New voting laws passed last year make it easier to vote absentee by ensuring availability of drop boxes, allowing voters with temporary disabilities and chronic illnesses to automatically receive absentee ballots, allowing absentee voters with visual impairment to receive a ballot electronically, as well as other provisions.

This week we raise awareness and ensure individuals, friends, and families have access to the resources they need to discuss suicide prevention and to seek help.
Suicide prevention begins with all of us. Learn about the risk factors, protective factors, and warning signs of suicide here: https://bit.ly/3qhYJqM

​​​​​​​I want to alert you about a recent communication from the Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) on a series of text scams that include links to fake webpages resembling CTDOL unemployment pages, including the unemployment benefits login page.

Connecticut's 2022 Sales Tax Free Week is August 21 through August 27. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving.

Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, offering consumers even more savings.

Insurance companies have requested that the Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) approve a rate increase by an average of 20.4% for plans starting in 2023, a steep spike from the 8.6% average rate increase request for 2022. Insurers claim this proposed hike is a result of the rising costs of healthcare and pharmaceuticals, but it comes at a time when we are already facing the highest inflation rates in 40 years.

Those who are experiencing a mental health crisis no longer need to remember 1-800-273-8255 or wait hours for help. They can now call or text the 988 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, to connect with mental health professionals who are trained to respond to these emergencies.