Legislative Update for 12/20

December 20, 2024


 
After six weeks (!!) of working with Meta to unlock my official Instagram account, at long last, I'm back in! With the exception of one post I was able to make when I charged up an old phone, I was completely blocked from accessing my own account.

But now that those quiet, social-media-free days are behind me I'll be able to use this account once again to share legislative updates, in-district events, and general info relevant to Ridgefield and the 111th district.

Perfect timing, with the start of the 2025 Legislative Session only a couple of weeks away.
My colleagues and I are prepping by holding lots of meetings with municipal leaders, advocates and agencies. The weeks are full of appointments as we organize and set priorities for our constituents and our state.

Please scroll down for more things of note, including the Governor issuing a severe cold weather alert.
 
 
COG-WestCOG Update
This week, along with many of my colleagues from Ridgefield and the surrounding and nearby towns, I attended the annual Legislative reception for our region's COG - WestCOG. 

What is a COG?

As a small state without any county government, Connecticut is divided into nine planning regions, which are first-level political subdivisions of the state. Each planning region is served by a regional Council of Governments (COG) that brings together the Chief Elected Officials (CEOs, or mayors and first selectmen) of the municipalities in the region to discuss matters of mutual interest and to address shared problems. These persons comprise the COG’s governing board and collectively determine the activities the COG will prioritize. (When the voters in a municipality elect a mayor or first selectman, they are also electing that person to represent them on the COG.) Deliberations of the COG are conducted at regular, public meetings. 

The chair of WestCOG, which is composed of 18 towns, is our own first selectperson, Rudy Marconi.

Some of WestCOG's priorities this year include:

  • Financial stability for our towns and cities
  • Safety of our roads
  • Housing
  • Workforce development 
  • Investment in infrastructure 

I agree that these are important areas to prioritize, and we are preparing to share WestCOG'S suggestions with the rest of the General Assembly when the session begins in just a couple of weeks!
 
Severe Cold Weather Protocol
Connecticut will experience a period of extremely cold conditions during the next several days, so Governor Lamont has activated the state’s severe cold weather protocol starting at noon on Saturday, Dec. 21, and effective through noon on Tuesday, Dec. 24.

This is the first time the protocol has been activated this season. Its purpose is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut’s network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.

Anyone in need of shelter is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services or visit 211ct.org to view a list of locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
 
Lastly, I'd like to wish everyone a very happy holiday if you celebrate anything in December!