Jennifer Leeper

Do you have a plan to vote in the November 3rd general election?

Connecticut offers three ways to cast your ballot for federal, state executive, legislative, and local offices, and you can read about them all here.

As you know, our community has recently been impacted by heavy rainfall and flash flooding that caused unexpected damage.

If you have questions or concerns about flood insurance or a flood-related claim, the Connecticut Insurance Department's Consumer Affairs team is here to help.

According to the department, flood damage is generally covered by a flood insurance policy, but is not typically covered by a standard homeowners policy. For vehicles, flood damage may be covered under comprehensive auto insurance.

Now is a good time to ensure you maintain your HUSKY D health care coverage as new federal Medicaid rules take effect in 2027, requiring some individuals to provide more information. HUSKY D is Connecticut's Medicaid program for low-income adults aged 19 to 64 who do not have dependent children and are not eligible for Medicare.

Effective January 1, 2027, to keep your HUSKY D coverage, you may need to show proof that you work, and/or go to school, and/or volunteer, do community service, or cannot work.

It is important to note that not everyone is impacted. If the changes apply to you, you will receive information from the Department of Social Services. DSS may also ask you to provide information showing that these rules do not apply to you.

This Friday marks the 25th anniversary of the attacks on September 11. This morning at the town remembrance Police Chief Paris shared powerful words, reminding us that 25 years ago, we all woke up to a beautiful sunny day without the slightest idea of how our lives would be forever changed. For our first responders, they had no idea that they would face the choice to put their lives on the line to help their neighbors and also to help strangers; and thousands of them did exactly that and did so without hesitation.

His words resonated deeply with me. As we live through a particularly divisive period in our history, 9/11 and the days following, remind us of the true American spirit. We are a nation of people who stand up for one another, offer help whenever we can, and are generous. We believe in freedom and the beauty of the American promise. It is so important that we remember this is who our fellow Americans are and we are stronger when we are united.

My family, like countless other American families, was altered forever by 9/11. For those of us old enough to remember that day, we will never forget these tragic events and the scars they left. For those who were not old enough, or not yet born, it’s important we share our stories and the stories of the everyday heroes that answered the call that day and in the years following through our armed services, because that legacy is who we are as Americans.

Please take a moment and give special remembrance to every life lost—including the 161 that had ties to Connecticut.

Monday is Labor Day - a time to reflect and honor the workers that keep our economy working and make our country strong.

Connecticut is powered by the incredible efforts of its workers, and I can't thank them enough for all they do to keep our state moving forward!

Like many across the world, I was so sad to learn of Dolly Parton's passing this week.

Dolly was a rare figure who transcended societal divides and inspired all through her music, kindness, and advocacy.

And though she has passed, Dolly's legacy lives on in her many philanthropic efforts, including the Imagination Library, which she was inspired to create because her father could not read or write. Dolly saw how being illiterate held her father back and made it central to her life's work to prevent any other child from experiencing illiteracy.

The Imagination Library is an initiative that gifts free books to children every month from birth to age five and currently serves over three million children. Since its inception, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library has tackled early literacy by gifting over 330 million books! I hope Dolly's passing reminds us all of the power of generosity and the freedom that comes with literacy.

The state of CT, along with the United Way, partnered with Dolly's Imagination Library to bring books to children in Hartford and New Britain!

A new school year is just around the corner! As summer comes to a close, families are getting ready to settle into new routines, gather school supplies, and embrace an exciting year filled with learning, growth, and new opportunities.

Don’t forget that this year’s Connecticut Sales Tax Free Week runs through Saturday, August 22, so there’s still time to save on back-to-school shopping for your children.

During the tax-free week, certain items of clothing and footwear costing less than $300 per item are exempt from sales tax. The exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as qualifying purchases from online retailers.

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.