Upcoming Events and Updates

January 24, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
I wanted to reach out to provide you with some important updates and resources that I believe will be of great value to our community. In this email you will find information on the following: 
  • Coffee with Comey
  • Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers
  • Connecticut Association of School Board Legislative Breakfast
  • The Alliance Regional Meeting
  • Early Childhood Caucus Meeting
  • Celebrating Dante Bunnell's Eagle Scout Badge
  • Adapt Divorce Workshop 
 
LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Coffee with Comey
As a reminder, I will be hosting my Coffee with Comey event on 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!

 

Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers
Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.
Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources. Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:
  • Powerful job search tools
  • Job search tips and personal help
  • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
  • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with the variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.
The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.
 
Connecticut Association of School Board Legislative Breakfast
Shelton Public Schools hosted the regional Connecticut Association of School Board Legislative Breakfast. Each year, their priorities provide valuable insights into the broad issues facing our state's public schools. I returned from the breakfast with a long list of policy recommendations and feedback for the next legislative session. 

I'm grateful to Superintendent Tranberg and Board of Education member Adam Greenberg for their presence at the meeting. While Representative Rader and Senator Cohen will attend a meeting in another district, I'm eagerly anticipating a Branford-specific discussion with our local administration and Board of Education scheduled for the end of this month.
 
The Alliance Regional Meeting
The Alliance, known for its advocacy on behalf of community nonprofits, hosted a regional meeting with an impressive turnout of nonprofit leaders. Despite the sizeable audience, the discussions remained personal and engaging.
I heard about the increase in insurance costs-- specifically, there's been a notable 17% rise in health insurance costs, alongside a significant 19% hike in property and casualty insurance rates. Additionally, our state is facing a concerning surge in homelessness, which has doubled recently, and there's a growing issue in the lack of mental health support for children. Staffing was the universal pain point felt by all those in the room. The business and legislative leaders in the room all agreed Connecticut has an ethical, moral, and clinical responsibility to serve the most vulnerable people in the state. 
 
Early Childhood Caucus Meeting
The Early Childhood Caucus held a very productive meeting this week. We had our usual faces as well as many new voices joining us. We welcomed guests from the CT Project Action Fund and a presentation from CHEFA on a childcare tax credit framework. 
We also had an update on the Children’s First Fund, which the legislature established last year. Although it has no funding attached yet, we are setting the groundwork for future investments. 
 
WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO
Celebrating Dante Bunnell's Eagle Scout Badge
Celebrating the success of the youth in Branford who accomplish amazing goals is always a joy. I had the honor of presenting a General Assembly Citation to Dante Bunnell, as his family and friends acknowledged the earning of the coveted Eagle Scout Badge.
Walking on the Branford Green, you may have noticed the addition of the Little Library that stands to the left of Trinity Church. Dante led this community service project and persevered through the local red tape to get the final approval necessary. Congratulations Dante! 
 
UPCOMING EVENTS
Adapt Divorce Workshop
The Adapt Divorce Workshop empowers those facing the challenges of divorce with targeted workshops designed to navigate the complexities of the process. 
The next workshop will be held on Tuesday, January 30th at 6:00 PM via Zoom. To learn more, please click on the graphic above. 
 
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,

Robin Comey
State Representative
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