Great Economic News, Safety Tips, and more

July 19, 2024

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

I wanted to take a moment to address the horrifying situation we were presented with over the weekend. While details are still emerging, we nearly lost a former president and current presidential candidate to what seems to be an act of political violence. Political violence is a fundamental threat to our democracy and can not ever be the norm, period. No exceptions.

That is not what our country is and is not how we resolve our issues. While we may have passionate ideological debates, political violence must always be vigorously denounced regardless of political affiliation.

My heart aches for the innocent man who was killed - it is shameful someone lost their life to such hate.

Despite our differences, we are all Americans first, and we need to remember that now more than ever.

I'm thrilled to see this great news from the CT Department of Labor's mid-year labor report! With strong job growth, recovery of jobs lost to the pandemic, and more, I'm optimistic about the second half of the year!

With a seemingly endless amount of heat waves hitting Connecticut this summer, residents are understandably looking for ways to beat the heat while still enjoying time outdoors. Below, please find some important graphics on water, heat, and tick safety tips. This summer, stay safe and stay cool

CitySeed is launching a membership-based Commercial Kitchen and Food Business Incubator in New Haven, located at 162 James St!

This location will create important infrastructure for our supply chains and economic opportunities for local farmers and new food entrepreneurs.

The location will have community open hours Tuesday, July 23 at 11am and 6pm and Tuesday, August 6 at 11am and 6pm. I hope you'll check out this great New Haven business!

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and its Artist Fellowship program is now accepting applications. The Artist Fellowship program provides recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists to pursue new work and advance their artistic careers. All artistic disciplines are eligible!

Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.

Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:

Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000

The deadline to apply is is on or before September 20.

Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying at

bit.ly/466gXzs or contact the COA program manager by email at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov with any questions.

Tom Scanlon from the Governor's Office is currently seeking individuals to fill positions on various boards and the commission below. If you or someone you know think you are qualified for any of these positions, please contact him with the contact information at the bottom of this list! The positions are the following:

Connecticut Examining Board for Barbers, Hairdressers and Cosmeticians – [CGS § 20-235a]

Licensed Master Barber
Registered Hairdresser and Cosmetician
Public Member (1)
Public Member (2)
- A note on Public Members – “Public Member” is a defined term in statute under CGS § 4-9a(b)(1): Public member means an elector of the state who has no substantial financial interest in, is not employed in or by, and is not professionally affiliated with, any industry, profession, occupation, trade or institution regulated or licensed by the relevant board or commission, and who has had no professional affiliation with any such industry, profession, occupation, trade or institution for three years preceding his appointment to the board or commission.