Update - February 16

February 16, 2024
It's been a busy week, with committee meetings, public hearings, a session day, and a well-attended press conference on educational funding. In addition to judicial nominations we approved on Wednesday, we also approved $17 million in winter heating assistance for residents who need help paying their heating bills. No one should have to choose between paying their bills and staying warm.
This e-newsletter includes:
  • Education Funding Press Conference
  • $17 Million Approved for Additional Cold Weather Heating Assistance
  • Public Comments Sought for Dyslexia & Reading Disabilities Draft Strategic Plan
  • New OFA Municipal Dashboard 
  • Optimizing Early Learning Policy Event
  • Women's Business Development Council Ignite Grant Available
Education Funding Press Conference
On Thursday, I stood with leaders from across the educational world, to speak out against pitting early childhood education and K-12 against each other regarding funding. We call upon Governor Lamont to keep the promise made to Connecticut's students last year when we passed the biennial budget. 

To watch the full press conference on CT-N, click HERE. A video clip of my remarks is below.

Article Links:   
Waterbury Republican-American
Waterbury Republican-American video
CT Mirror
CT NewsJunkie
CT Insider
CT Examiner 
 
Additional Funding for LIHEAP
& Operation Fuel
On Wednesday, we approved $17 million in additional cold weather heating assistance funds – many residents and families who receive assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Operation Fuel will have access to funds to ensure they can heat their homes through the cold weather season.

As your state representative, it is my responsibility to stand up for my constituents. This funding ensures that none of our neighbors must choose between paying their bills or freezing.

I am committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life for all residents, and I will continue to do so throughout this legislative session.
 
Public Comment Sought for Office of Dyslexia & Reading Disabilities Draft Strategic Plan

The Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD) is welcoming public comment on the Draft Strategic Plan, which can be accessed via the website or by clicking the links below. Comments will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Monday, February 26.

If the public comment form cannot accommodate the breadth of that which you wish to share, please forward your comments to Ms. Aimee Gauvin, Administrative Assistant to the ODRD: aimee.gauvin@ct.gov.

The ODRD is eager to hear your thoughts on how their Draft Strategic Plan could be improved for the benefit of Connecticut’s students and educators.

ODRD Draft Strategic Plan: ODRD Draft Strategic Plan

Public Comment Form: Public Comment Form-ODRD Draft Strategic Plan
New Office of Fiscal Analysis Dashboard
I wanted to share with you that the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA) has recently added a new municipal aid dashboard to its website.  With this tool, you can quickly see estimated state aid to each municipality over a five year period.  In addition to the amount of aid, the dashboard includes detailed explanations of each grant category. To see the dashboard, click HERE. 
Optimizing Early Learning Policy
Please consider joining us for this event on February 27. Joining us is Dana Suskind, MD, the author of "Parent Nation: Unlocking Every Child's Potential, Fulfilling Society's Promise.' RSVP to megan.villanova@cga.ct.gov.
WBDC Ignite Grants Available
There will be a one-hour information session to learn about the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) Ignite Grant on Wednesday, February 21, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. - via Zoom.

This program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut that have been in business for 2 or more years.

To register for the February 21 session, click HERE.

The grant application period will be open until March 14.

The information session will cover eligibility requirements, what the grant can be used for, the application process, and the timeline.

WBDC will share the application questions and the required supporting documentation. 

There will also be time for questions at the end of the session.