August is Black Business Month, Early Voting Ends Sunday

August 6, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

August is Black Business Month, and you can check out ShopBlackCT (created by an Avon constituent) or our link at the CTVisit website.

It’s always a good chance to discover new small businesses to support. 

As a reminder, Early Voting is underway for the Democratic and Republican primaries. You must be registered with one of those parties to participate in that party’s primary. Primary Day if you aren’t voting early or by absentee, is this Tuesday, August 11. 

Flock cameras have been in the news again this week with Senators Duff and Maroney calling for a pause on them. I’m sharing information on those and other cameras from House Chair Aimee Berger-Girvalo below. 

The rest of the e-news is pretty full this week. Hope you enjoy. 

Have a great weekend, 

Eleni

Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative

August is Black Business Month

Check out ShopBlackCT.com and CTVisit.com.
 

Early Voting Ends Sunday

Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.

In Connecticut, only registered members of a political party may vote in that party's primary.

In Avon, the early voting location is: Avon Room, 60 West Main Street.

In Canton: Canton Community Center, Room B, 40 Dyer Avenue.

Voters who wish to participate in a different party's primary must first update their party affiliation. Under Connecticut law, voters who change their party affiliation must wait three months before they are eligible to vote in their new party's primary.

If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.

Click here to access the absentee ballot request portal.
 

About Those Flock Cameras

I wanted to share a few thoughts from Aimee Berger-Girvalo, House Chair of the Transportation Committee, on the issue of Flock Cameras. I am in full support of her position. Please see below:

"There has been a great deal of understandable confusion about how towns and states are permitted to use and share data collected by automated license plate readers (ALPRs), commonly referred to as Flock cameras, named for the private company Flock Safety, which develops and maintains these systems.

It is important to distinguish these systems from speed and red-light cameras. ALPR/Flock cameras are primarily investigative tools used by law enforcement to help locate missing people, recover stolen vehicles, and support criminal investigations.

For example, the Ridgefield Police Department uses Flock’s real-time alerting to notify officers when a vehicle associated with a missing person, kidnapping, AMBER Alert, Silver Alert, wanted criminal, or criminal investigation passes a license plate reader.

By contrast, speed and red-light cameras are traffic safety tools designed to discourage dangerous driving behavior and improve safety for motorists and pedestrians.

"In Connecticut, we have placed very strict limits on how speed and red-light cameras may be used. Municipalities can only use them in specific locations and under a detailed approval process, and violations generally must involve speeding at least 10 miles per hour over the limit or failing to stop for a steady red signal. The first 30 days after installation are warning-only; citations must be reviewed locally before being mailed, and fines are capped by law.

It is also important to note that speed and red-light cameras are not intended to be a revenue source. Ideally, they should generate no revenue at all, because the goal is not to collect fines — it is to create safer streets where drivers slow down, stop for red lights, and everyone is protected. In the best-case scenario, there is a significant, rapid decrease in crashes and violations, resulting in a safer environment for both drivers and pedestrians. In fact, in the first towns that have implemented these, we have seen exactly that.

At the same time, there are legitimate and understandable concerns about privacy and civil liberties. Automated license plate reader technology has been used in ways that raise serious concerns, including tracking individuals seeking reproductive health care and supporting immigration enforcement activities, and we are now seeing that there have been out-of-state entities, including Florida Highway Patrol, who have accessed CT’s camera data.

To strike a balance between public safety and individual rights, the Connecticut General Assembly passed legislation this session, signed into law by Governor Ned Lamont in May, that establishes some safeguards governing the use of ALPR data.

Under this new law, ALPR data may only be shared with law enforcement agencies in neighboring states — Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island — and only if those states agree not to use the data for immigration enforcement or for investigations related to reproductive or gender-affirming health care.

The law also requires that any agency requesting ALPR data provide a specific, judge-approved probable cause warrant. Broad or vague justifications, such as “investigation,” are no longer permitted. In addition, the legislation reduces the amount of time municipalities may retain license plate data from 30 days to 21 days.

I recognize the privacy concerns surrounding this technology, as well as the very real potential for abuse if these tools are not used responsibly.

Even as we have strengthened Connecticut’s laws, I will continue paying close attention to how these cameras are being used, and I will remain prepared to support additional protections as they are needed to further safeguard the rights and privacy of Connecticut residents."
 

One-time Boost for SNAP Recipients

A new one-time grocery benefit of $300 each is being distributed to low-income Connecticut residents who have been pushed out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to federal changes.

The grocery benefits, through a partnership the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) arranged with Connecticut’s network of community action agencies, with support provided by the Connecticut Association for Community Action (CAFCA), will be distributed as prepaid virtual grocery cards—not loaded onto existing EBT cards.

Eligible residents are expected to be able to access the benefits starting today, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026. For more details, please visit the Department of Social Services website here.
 
We understand this one-time benefit will hardly blunt the impact of the federal changes, but it will provide immediate relief for those who are really in need.

Who qualifies for the grocery benefit?

Any individual in a household who lost SNAP eligibility due to the new federal changes—commonly referred to as ABAWD, or Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents requirements—since December 1, 2025, and who is no longer receiving SNAP, qualifies for the benefit. The benefit is available per individual, not per household, and the amount is the same for every eligible recipient.

Connecticut residents who received a DSS notice stating they do not meet the ABAWD requirements and who are identified in that notice as having reached their three-month SNAP benefit limit should reach out to their local community action agency about how to request the benefit. Eligibility will be confirmed at the time of request.

Losing SNAP eligibility due to ABAWD does not necessarily mean an entire household loses benefits—other household members may still be eligible.

Receiving the $300 grocery benefit will not affect a resident’s eligibility for any other assistance program.

How the grocery benefit works

The grocery benefit functions like a prepaid Mastercard or Visa and can be used at any food retailer that accepts standard credit cards. It does not expire, and any unused balance remains on the card until spent. The benefit is intended for SNAP-eligible food purchases.

Community action agencies will lead outreach, verify eligibility, distribute the cards, and connect individuals with wraparound supports to help them work toward regaining SNAP eligibility. The state and its administrative partners are also establishing processes to prevent duplicate payments.

In Connecticut, we will continue to push back against the federal administration’s relentless attacks on the most vulnerable among us.
 

Laptop ConneCT Program

Connecticut residents will soon have greater access to technology thanks to the launch of Laptop ConneCT. This program, in partnership with the Connecticut State Library, will put laptops and related accessories in the hands of the state residents who need them most.

Over 100 principal public libraries have already signed up to participate in this long-term lending system.

The Laptop ConneCT program, which will distribute Dell Pro 16 computers running Windows, aims to expand digital opportunity and connect more people to education, employment, healthcare, and essential resources.

Residents are eligible to receive a laptop if they are at least 18 years old, have a valid library card with a participating library, and participate in one of the following assistance programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicare
  • HUSKY Health (Medicaid/The Children’s Health Insurance Program)

Questions about the program can be directed to DEEP.Broadband@ct.gov
 

Avon Sustainability Commission Internship 

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending Avon’s Sustainability Commission internship final presentation at Fisher Meadows.

These students worked for over the last month on an independent study observing and documenting a plant of their choosing within this beautiful recreational area. Some chose native plants, and some chose invasive species.

The students led us on a walking tour to their individual plants and shared what they learned, specifically how the plant helps or hurts the larger environment.
Special thanks to Carrie Firestone and Grace Brickley for their incredible work supporting these students.

The students led us on a walking tour to their individual plants and shared what they learned, specifically how the plant helps or hurts the larger environment.

Special thanks to Carrie Firestone and Grace Brickley for their incredible work supporting these students.
 

Sales Tax Free Week is Aug. 16-22

The 2026 Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week is Sunday, August 16th, through Saturday, August 22nd.

This week provides a chance for families to save money, whether it is taking children back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

During this week, sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax.

This exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers. 

There are, however, certain items that are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption.

The following items are excluded from the scope of the Sales Tax Free Week exemption:

  • Any special clothing or footwear primarily designed for athletic activity or protective use that is not normally worn except when used for the athletic activity or protective use for which it was designed; and
  • Jewelry, handbags, luggage, umbrellas, wallets, watches, and similar items carried on or about the human body but not worn on the body in the manner characteristic of clothing.
  • Click here for a list of items that ARE EXEMPT from sales tax and a list of items STILL TAXABLE.

This legislative session, we passed a state budget to expand eligibility during Sales Tax Free Week, making this the first year for Sales Tax Free Week to include items, such as clothing, shoes, and backpacks, under $300 from $100 in previous years.

Click HERE for more information on Connecticut's Sales Tax Free Week and frequently asked questions
 

Flood Risk Open House in Avon  

A FEMA Open House for the Farmington River watershed (Hartford County) flood map update project will be held on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 pm at the Avon Public Library.

This is a free event and open to the public. FEMA and state staff will be at the event to answer any questions and review revised flood maps with attendees.
 

WBDC Grant Opportunities

Through Ignite, WBDC offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut for a clearly defined project that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth, and profitability.

Since its launch in 2020, the program has provided more than $4.8 million in grants to 519 women-owned businesses in Connecticut. In the latest grant round, 50 Ignite grants totaling $476,787 were awarded.

A new application period begins August 5 and runs through September 13.

You can learn more about the Ignite Grant, including dates and times of upcoming information sessions, here.

The WBDC Child Care Business Support Program, in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), offers grants of up to $25,000 to qualified childcare providers across the state.

These grants help licensed and aspiring home- and center-based childcare businesses cover critical start-up costs, expand operations, and increase capacity to serve more families.

Since its inception in 2020, the program has provided over $9.4 million to childcare providers across Connecticut.

During the latest round, more than $600,000 in grants was distributed to 50 early childhood businesses.

Start-up grants can be up to $5,000 for family homes, $10,000 for group homes, and $25,000 for centers, while expansion grants of up to $25,000 can support growth goals that create additional slots and strengthen business sustainability.

The upcoming application period runs from August 3 to August 31.
 

Minimum Wage Increases in 2027

Connecticut’s minimum wage will adjust to $17.48 per hour beginning January 1, 2027—an increase from the 2026 rate of $16.94 per hour.
 
The change is required under a state law Governor Lamont enacted in 2019 requiring the minimum wage to receive annual adjustments at the start of every calendar year based on economic indicators from the prior fiscal year. This law ensures that as the economy grows, the minimum wage grows with it.
 
According to the Current Population Survey as calculated by the U.S. Census Bureau and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 60% of minimum wage earners in Connecticut are women and people of color.
 
Continuing forward under this law, Connecticut workers and employers can anticipate that announcements declaring the adjustment in the minimum wage that will become effective on January 1 of the approaching year will be made during the second half of each calendar year.
 

CTLCV Scorecards Are In!

The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters Scorecard highlights key environmental legislation from the past session and provides a clear record of how legislators voted on issues impacting public health, energy affordability, and Connecticut’s natural resources.

It is designed to give both lawmakers and constituents a transparent look at how these decisions shape communities across the state.

Here is a complete look at the scorecard.
 

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