|
|
|
|
|
The events of the past week have me asking the same two questions:
Who are we?
Who do we want to be?
First, I joined a protest at the Norwalk Police Department in response to a man being tased by masked ICE agents, slamming his head against the pavement and, despite his injury, being detained in Rhode Island.
Next, my colleague and friend state Rep. Corey Paris -- after posting a simple message on social media to remain vigilant in light of reports of ICE activity, and to look out for one another -- has endured a torrent of vicious vitriol, harassment, and racist attacks, including threats against his family. (Coverage can be found here, here and here.)
Rep. Paris has been the target of a campaign of terror after ICE reposted a message from far-right-wing account Libs of TikTok on X that said, "Charge him."
Finally, a number my constituents who peacefully protest on a highway overpass have been harassed by law enforcement, including ICE.
ICE's actions are nothing short of a rogue federal law enforcement agency abusing its power.
This campaign of intimidation -- against residents, against protestors, against Rep. Paris -- is inherently un-American and completely unacceptable. Many of my colleagues, along with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, spoke at the Legislative Office Building Wednesday denouncing ICE's actions and supporting Rep. Paris.
(I have also received a letter from the DESPP stating there will be additional training measures and resources for state police and law enforcement being provided in this fraught environment. The incident on the overpass is under review.)
|
|
|
This is what true patriotism looks like: having the courage to speak out for those who live in fear.
Rep. Paris and the local protestors demonstrated patriotism by putting people before power and by choosing unity and compassion over indifference.
As Rep. Paris himself said, his fear is nothing compared to the fear undocumented people live with every day.
That is why his leadership matters, and why we must all commit to standing against warrantless raids, conducted by unidentifiable agents acting under the color of law, that tear families and communities apart.
I urge you to join me in reaffirming our shared commitment to protecting the most vulnerable members of our communities.
That is the work of justice and democracy.
Again, I ask: Who are we? Who do we want to be?
|
|
| Celebrating Social Security's 90th Year |
|
|
Last week marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security, a promise we made to protect the dignity and well-being of older Americans, people with disabilities, and families who have lost a loved one. It's the single-greatest anti-poverty program in the history of the U.S.
I joined U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, Congressman John Larson and state Sen. Matthew Lesser outside the State Capitol discussing how this vital program is under attack.
People have earned their Social Security through a lifetime of hard work, and we must stand together to protect it for today’s recipients and for future generations.
Please see my video here.
Read more here from CT News Junkie. |
|
| Sales Tax-Free Week Continues |
|
|
|
Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.
A list of FAQs can be found here.
|
|
| Reduction to Your Energy Bill |
|
|
|
Starting Sept. 1, there should be a reduction to your energy bill. The State Bond Commission recently approved the release of $155 million to decrease the public benefit charges on your Eversource bill. This action is a result of bipartisan energy affordability legislation (Senate Bill 4) that passed earlier this year.
The funding will reduce costs associated with:
- Hardship protection programs: $125 million will go towards assisting low-income customers who struggle to pay their electric bills
- Electric vehicle charging programs: $30 million will cover costs related to the state's EV charging infrastructure and integration.
The result will be about $10 to $20 off our monthly bills. While it's not a comprehensive solution we have been working toward, it is a start. I will continue pushing for real change in how we address electricity rates and fees.
In addition to looking at ways to impact our rates here in Connecticut, it is also critical that there are federal approaches to reduce costs.
I support Sen. Richard Blumenthal's call recently for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide oversight over local transmission projects that significantly increase energy costs for consumers. Read more about Sen. Blumenthal's proposal here.
|
|
| Drop Off Your Extra Produce! |
|
|
Great day to deliver bags of produce and eggs on behalf of Easton’s Commission on Aging, with our municipal agent Daniel Samonelli.
There's still time to drop off your extra grow. Donations of homegrown produce or items purchased from Easton farms can be dropped off at Shaggy Coos Farm at 53 Center Road on Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to noon, for volunteers to deliver the food to Easton’s seniors. |
|
From the town of Easton's website:
For more than 15 years, Easton Channel 79 has carried Town Meetings, Board and Commission meetings, and the bi-monthly Board of Selectmen meetings - keeping local residents informed about their town government. Effective Thursday, Aug. 21, the new Government Channel will be located on channel 1310. |
|
The Friends of the Easton Public Library are collecting donations of gently used books, DVDs and CDs for our annual used book sale until Sept. 15.
There's still time this summer to clear out your bookshelves! Drop off donations at the library during its regular open hours. All proceeds from the annual book sale will be used to support the funding of programs and supplies that benefit the entire Easton community. |
|
| Aspetuck Fall Plant Sale Online Ordering |
|
|
| Aspetuck Land Trust Fall Native Plant Sale online ordering begins Aug. 26 for Members. Join or Renew Here! Plant Pickup at Haskins Preserve in Westport, Oct. 3 to 5. |
|
|
The 64th annual Mark Twain Library Book Fair will take place Labor Day weekend -- Friday, Aug. 29, to Monday, Sept. 1 -- at the The Redding Community Center, 37 Lonetown Road.
The times are the following:
Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. prices as marked
Saturday: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. prices as marked
Sunday (half-price day): 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. half price day
Monday ($10 for a box of books): 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The book fair is the oldest and one of the largest in New England, with more than 60,000 books in 75 categories that will be on sale.
Admission is free, except there is a $20 early admission fee from 9 to 10 a.m. on Friday ONLY.
Free parking; refreshments will be on sale.
|
|
As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
