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The Connecticut Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities is hosting a summer symposium on “The State of Our Vote: Policy, Progress, and Protections in America,” on Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford.
The symposium will feature a panel discussion that covers many of the challenges voting rights face in the modern era. The speakers -- Gus Hamilton, Kevin Brown, Corey Paris, Patricia Rossi, Laura Smits, and James Jeter -- will offer a variety of perspectives on the ways voting rights have changed as a result of Supreme Court cases, federal and state laws, and public engagement.
Centering on redistricting, mail-in voting, the SAVE America Act, and other current events, the panel will look at where voting rights stand in the present moment and where it goes from here.
LWVCT's co-presidents will participate in the panel discussion. LWVCT will also have a table with voting accessibility and election information.
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| Red Cross Needs Blood Donations |
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The American Red Cross needs our help — there is an emergency blood shortage, which means the blood supply is critically low - about a one to two day supply on hand — and could cause hospitals to triage blood products, prioritizing the most critical cases, delaying non-emergency procedures, and causing risks for patients who require timely transfusions, including trauma patients, women giving birth, and patients with chronic blood disorders.
Blood donors, especially those with types O+ & B- blood (the biggest shortages right now), and platelet donors are urgently needed to help ensure lifesaving medical care isn't delayed for patients.
Basic eligibility for whole blood donation:
- Donation frequency: Every 56 days, up to 6 times a year
- You must be in good health and feeling well
- You must be at least 16 years old in most states
- You must weigh at least 110 lbs.
Basic eligibility for platelet donation:
- Donation frequency: Every 7 days, up to 24 times/year
- You must be in good health and feeling well
- You must be at least 17 years old in most states
- You must weigh at least 110 lbs.
There are also options to donate Power Red and plasma (eligibility can be found here - https://www.redcrossblood.org/donate-blood/how-to-donate/eligibility-requirements.html
Find a blood drive near you: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/find-drive
The need for blood is constant. The supply isn't.
YouTube video link on eligibility myths - https://youtu.be/qm9DZFrLWQU?si=AWW24B9ZlB3fdBsq
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As our youth enjoy these summer months away from school, don't forget that nutritious meals are available at no cost to all children in the state!
As part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Summer Food Service Program, any child 18 and under may receive meals at participating locations - no application, proof of income, or identification required.
You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.
Whether they're in the classroom or enjoying vacation, a healthy meal is critical to a child's physical and mental development. I encourage you and your family to take advantage of this great opportunity. |
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The first Summer Family Fun Day on the Greenway is at Platts Mill Road & South Main Street, on Saturday, Aug. 1,11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 2.
Members of the community are invited to come out and enjoy an afternoon of family fun with the Friends of the Waterbury Greenway, Waterbury Police Department, Waterbury PAL, and other community organizations.
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ICYMI: Substitute Busing for Trains
on the Waterbury Line |
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation is alerting riders that due to major upgrades to four Metro-North Waterbury Branch Line (WBL) stations in Derby-Shelton, Ansonia, Beacon Falls, and Seymour, substitute bus service will replace all train service through May 31, 2027.
Substitute bus service will be effective for all weekday and weekend trains, and all buses are accessible. Please note that buses will operate earlier than scheduled trains.
Click here for a link to the bus schedule.
Click here to read the CTDOT release with additional information.
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| Reminder: Highway Lane Closures |
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Drivers can expect lane closures from 7:30 p.m. to 5:30 a.m., Sunday through Thursday, through Friday, Oct. 9. The work will affect the following bridges:
- Route 8 North and South Near Exit 27 in Waterbury
- I-84 East and West over Route 188 in Middlebury
- I-84 East and West over Route 63 in Middlebury
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While the road work may cause temporary inconveniences, these improvements are designed to enhance safety and extend the lifespan of critical transportation infrastructure that thousands of area residents rely on every day.
Please allow extra travel time, remain alert in work zones, and slow down to help keep construction crews and fellow motorists safe. Work schedules may be adjusted due to weather or other unforeseen conditions. |
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As always, please reach out to my office for any comments, questions or concerns.
Sincerely,
Larry B. Butler |
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