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| Please see the electric portable space heater safety tips, and please be safe. Half of all home-heating fires happen in the winter months. |
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We said farewell to Kevin Ryan, who for many years served the people of Montville, Ledyard, and Norwich as a State Representative. Of course, also serving Norwich, I worked with Kevin often, and I appreciated his commitment to his constituents and the entire state.
He really cared about people and dedicated himself to his work. Kevin became a mentor and a good friend to me. I will surely miss him. |
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As a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee, I was proud to sit in our annual Fiscal Accountability Meeting this week, which also included the Appropriations Committee, Office of Policy & Management, and the Office of Fiscal Analysis.
It was an important meeting because we're taking a look at Connecticut's long-term fiscal outlook, including projected surpluses and more.
One of the more pressing issues we examined was the looming structural deficit in the Special Transportation Fund, which is projected to enter significant shortfalls beginning in FY28 and could reach insolvency by FY30 without legislative action. You can click on the image below for the latest OFA Fiscal Accountability Report. |
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Here's a great opportunity to provide input regarding the future of early childhood education in the state and share your thoughts with the Early Childhood Education Endowment Advisory Board.
You can make your voice heard either in public or via Zoom on Wednesday, December 10th. Please see the flyer below for more details. |
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The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is accepting applications for students entering grades 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.
CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students.
Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum.
Students are served by schools located in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham. |
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Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as these career clusters:
- Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
- Architecture and Construction
- Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication
- Health Science
- Hospitality and Tourism
- Human Services
- Information Technology
- Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security
- Manufacturing
- Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM)
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
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Graduates are prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges.
There are also opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.
The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026.
NOTE: This application process does not apply to Regional School Choice Office (RSCO) schools: Cheney Tech (Manchester), Goodwin Tech (New Britain), or Prince Tech (Hartford) current grade 8 students. The on-time RSCO application for Cheney Tech, Goodwin Tech, and Prince Tech for the 2026-2027 school year will open on December 3 and close on February 6, 2026.
Visit ChooseYourSchool.org to apply to these three specific schools. |
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A message from the American Job Center: Are you looking to increase your earning potential?
The Mortgage Crisis Job Training Program may be a great fit for you! Apply HERE or call 1-866-683-1682. |
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Getting older does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving, but it does require regular evaluation of driving abilities.
During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age. |
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Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023, drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.
State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, click HERE.
Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:
- keeping up with vision and hearing checkups,
- reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving,
- choosing daytime or less complex routes, considering adaptive vehicle equipment,
- and identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult.
Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.
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We acknowledge Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day each year as it pays tribute to the many American servicemen and women who lost their lives or were injured during the attack on Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii, during World War II, on December 7, 1941.
Sunday is December 7th. |
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