Bigg News - January 17th | Connecticut House Democrats

Bigg News - January 17th

January 17, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I would like to start this edition of Bigg News focused on Martin Luther King Jr. There are so many things about his life that are very inspiring, but my favorite quote has to be "Darkness cannot drive out darkness only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate only love can do that." This speaks to me because it is a constant reminder to do two things, live with love in your heart, find love in all situations, and let my light shine to create opportunities for others to shine their light. As I serve you at the capital, I hope that my light shines and my love grows, and allows you to do the same.

I would like to thank you all again for your trust in me to sit in this seat and do what I can to make our State better for all. I have been getting acclimated to the building, attending committee meetings, and writing bill ideas. I have been building connections to hopefully get those bills into committee and eventually onto the floor. Replacing Jeff Currey is an impossible task, but I am working very hard to learn and become an effective legislator like him. Your support means the world to me as I take on this challenge.

This week's newsletter topics include:

Severe Cold Weather Protocol Goes into Effect Sunday
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday
Manchester Honors Dr. King on Tuesday
Thank You, Manchester for Attending Our Town Hall
Join Us in East Hartford on February 13th
Congratulations, Lesbia!
CT Paid Leave Reaches $1B in Benefits Paid
$11.6 Million in Rail Funding Headed Our Way
Unpaid Toll Text Scam Alert
Health Resources
Resources For Our Seniors
Resources Available For Veterans
An Unforgettable Opening Day...in Pictures Enjoy,

Patrick

Severe Cold Weather Protocol Goes Into Effect Sunday

With Connecticut set to experience a period of brutally frigid conditions over the coming days, the state’s severe cold weather protocol will go into effect beginning at 6 p.m. on Sunday and remain in effect through noon on Friday, January, 24th.

During this period, temperatures are expected to remain below freezing throughout the daytime hours, and overnight temperatures are anticipated to drop into the single digits and possibly below zero.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to these services, or they can visit

211ct.org to read a list of available locations.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is Monday

As we approach Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, let's take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary legacy of a leader whose vision of justice, equality, and nonviolent resistance transformed our nation and inspired the world. Dr. King's unwavering commitment to civil rights reminds us of the power of courage, compassion, and collective action to create meaningful change.

Let's honor Dr. King's memory by recommitting ourselves to the pursuit of equity, inclusion, and unity in our communities.

Manchester Honors Dr. King on Tuesday

Thank You, Manchester for Attending Our Town Hall

I would like to thank all of those who came out to the Manchester town Hall. It was awesome to see the community support and engagement. The vulnerability that you all showed to share your stories and how the state government might be able to help was very impactful. The delegation is very strong and has a variety of focuses, so we can best serve all our constituents.

Thank you for your kind words and wishes, as well as for sharing your concerns and issues you're facing - and others you want to see addressed. I can assure you none of it fell on deaf ears. I look forward to serving you!

Join Us in East Hartford on February 13th

I hope you can join us!

Congratulations, Lesbia!

Lesbia I. Nieves of Manchester is among 14 veterans who have been selected as part of the 20^th class of honorees for induction into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame, Connecticut's official tribute recognizing former members of the United States Armed Forces who are from Connecticut and have continued making significant impacts in their communities after leaving military service.

Congratulations, Lesbia!

This year’s class will be celebrated during an induction ceremony that will be held at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025, in the Gold Star Families Memorial Auditorium on the campus of the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs in Rocky Hill. To read more about Lesbia's service as well as the other veterans selected for induction, please click HERE.

CT Paid Leave Reaches $1B in Benefits Paid

From inception to date, CT Paid Leave has paid over $1 billion in connection with more than 190,000 approved claims. Claim volume has increased by 17% since 2022 and 9% in the last twelve months. To learn how many paid leave claims have been filed in Manchester, East Hartford, or any other district, as well as the application rates on a per 10,000-person basis, please click on the map below.

$11.6 Million in Rail Funding Headed Our Way

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is awarding Connecticut $11.6 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to increase and extend service along the CTrail Hartford Line.

The CTrail Hartford Line Expanded Enhancement Project will:

Add one-weekday round trip from New Haven to Hartford, addressing a midday service gap of up to three hours.
Increase customer service hours at Hartford Union Station by 75%.
Extend the weekend 6456, 6457, 6458, and 6459 trains to Windsor Locks station.
Extend the weekday 4401 train from Windsor Locks to Springfield.
Continue previous 2020 funding for the addition of two-weekday trains between New Haven and Springfield.
Enhance connectivity of the existing rail service along the Northeast Corridor.

For more details, please click HERE.

Unpaid Toll Text Scam Alert

I want to make sure all of you stay safe and informed! A new scam is circulating where fraudsters are sending text messages claiming you have an unpaid toll and asking for payment. Please DO NOT click any links or provide any personal information.

Some tips from the FBI:

If you receive one of these messages, file a complaint with the IC3,

www.ic3.gov. Include where the number of the originating text came from, and the website from which the number was generated.

⚠️Delete any scam texts received.

⚠️If you clicked any link or provided your information, make efforts to secure your personal information and financial accounts. Dispute any unfamiliar charges.
⚠️Always verify any toll-related charges directly through official state websites or customer service.

Stay vigilant and share this message with your friends and family to help protect our community!

Health Resources

Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.

Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit

arrayrxcard.com.