BPS Scones & Unclaimed $$$

February 1, 2024

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Dear Neighbor,

With the legislative session about to begin, I wanted to provide you with some important updates. In this email, you will find valuable information regarding the following:

Branford Public Schools Legislative Breakfast
United Way ALICE Presentation
Coffee with Comey
Resources for the Upcoming Legislative Session
National Unclaimed Property Day
Route 146 Corridor Working Group
The Office of the Poet Laureate
Walsh and Branford High Dance Teams
Restart: Divorce Support Group
Lawyer Time Program

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Branford Public Schools Legislative Breakfast

The excitement is building as we approach the start of the 2024 legislative session, which is less than a week away. Legislators are actively engaging with key stakeholders, gathering valuable insights that will shape the critical work ahead.

I recently had the pleasure of attending the Branford Public Schools Legislative Breakfast, a wonderful event where the students of the Branford Culinary Arts Program showcased their skills by whipping up an array of mouthwatering dishes. I have to admit, the blueberry lemon scone was truly amazing and I've found myself daydreaming about them ever since.

We discussed the importance of the investment into the school breakfast and lunch programs for our students, as well as the financial impact of past legislation around reading. As an Education Committee member, I can't stress how much this open communication with Branford Public Schools makes a difference.

United Way ALICE Presentation

Representative Rader and I had the opportunity to attend a captivating presentation by the United Way about ALICE-- a term meaning the Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed populations in our region. A full 33% of Branford residents fall into this category. These individuals and families earn wages insufficient to cover the fundamental expenses for a basic cost of living, placing them beneath the ALICE threshold and highlighting the pressing issue of financial insecurity within our community.

(L-R) State Representative Moira Rader and State Representative Robin Comey at the United Way Alice Presentation on Monday, January 29, 2024.

Many ALICE households are one emergency away from a financial crisis, impacting their ability to feed their families, heat their homes, maintain their housing, and ensure their medical care. We listened to personal emotional stories and experiences, especially regarding their access to food, transportation, and housing. The 2023 ALICE report can be found here.

Coffee with Comey

I wanted to remind you that I will be hosting my Coffee with Comey event this Saturday, February 3rd at 9:30 AM. This is an excellent opportunity for us to connect, discuss pressing issues, and address what matters most to you.

The event will take place at Four Seasons Market (875 West Main Street) on Route 1 across from the Dunkin Donuts on Branford Hill. I look forward to seeing you there!

Resources for the Upcoming Legislative Session

With the legislative session just around the corner on Wednesday, February 7th, I am committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the democratic process.

The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:

The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document highlights and summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session.
You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress.
Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented.

National Unclaimed Property Day

Do you have money waiting to be returned to you? There’s a good chance you do—and it’s easy to check. Today is National Unclaimed Property Day, a great time to take a moment to see if YOU have money to claim.

Visit CTBigList.com, Connecticut’s official unclaimed property website, to easily search for your property for free. If you find something, you can instantly file a claim. There is no time limit to claim your funds.

Connecticut has returned more than $1 billion to rightful owners through the unclaimed property program. It’s estimated that one in seven Americans has unclaimed property waiting for them. Visit CTBigList.com today and find out if you have money coming to you, too.

Route 146 Corridor Working Group

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has a public survey to elicit feedback for the Corridor Management Plan. If you're interested in sharing your thoughts, please click here.

Please consider providing your input before the survey closes on Friday, February 16th at 5:00 PM.

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

The Office of the Poet Laureate

It was great to be out and about this weekend despite the dreary weather. The Town of Branford, along with the Blackstone Library, has established the Office of the Poet Laureate.

I had the honor of saying a few words to recognize Dr. Judith K. Liebmann, Branford’s first poet to hold the title. Her eloquent reading of two pieces captivated all of us in attendance, leaving us deeply appreciative and inspired.

Walsh and Branford High Dance Teams

I headed to the Branford High School gym on Sunday to watch the Walsh and Branford High Dance Teams. These talented dancers are on the brink of an exciting journey to Florida, where they'll showcase their skills at the national competition later this week.

The teams have been rebuilt after the pandemic and I was especially impressed with the growth of the program. Good luck to all the athletes!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Restart: Divorce Support Group

The Restart: Divorce Support Group is designed to provide information, skills, and support for those contemplating or navigating divorce. With the guidance of a divorce attorney/coach, participants will learn the essential skills needed to thrive through and after divorce.

To register for the program, please call (203) 458-6699 or send an email to info@womenandfamilylife.org.

Lawyer Time Program

The Lawyer Time Program provides individualized legal education to women and families. During a 30-minute consultation, attorneys will answer questions related to legal rights and legal process.

To meet with a volunteer attorney, please email info@womenandfamilylife.org or call (203) 458-6699.

I hope you find this information valuable and informative. As always, if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,