Black History Month, UI Update, and more

February 2, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor, 
 
Happy Friday! This has been a very busy week and there is a lot of information in this week's eblast. Below you can read about Black History Month, a United Illuminating update, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
       
      Black History Month
      February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of individuals from the Black diaspora, as well as reckon with the systemic racism from our past that is still prevalent today. The theme for this year's month-long celebration is “African Americans and the Arts,” which spotlights Black Americans who excelled in various fields of creative expression, and the influence they have on our country's culture.

      Connecticut was home to several notable moments in Black history. The Canterbury Female Boarding School, the first boarding school for young Black girls in the country, was in Canterbury. Abolitionist John Brown was born in Torrington. The 29th Colored Regiment, an all-Black regiment based out of Fair Haven during the Civil War, was one of the first units to enter Richmond, Virginia after it was abandoned by the Confederate Army. Click here to read more about Black history in our state.
      Thanks to the tireless work of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and other colleagues in the General Assembly in 2019, Connecticut became the first state to require public schools to include Black and Latino history in their curriculums. Black history is American history, and this law ensures that the stories and triumphs of Black Americans will be taught throughout the school year. Two years ago, I sat in on this class at Staples High School and was blown away by the quality and rigor of the content and the engagement of the students. It made me wish that I had access to a course like this when I was in high school. 

      I encourage you to take some time to celebrate and learn more about Black history, locally and throughout America. Connecticut is home to several organizations that honor and celebrate the Black experience, such as the Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford, and the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American Museum in Stratford.
       
      Click here to find more places that honor and support Black history and culture in our state.
       
      United Illuminating Update
      During Thursday’s Siting Council finding of fact meeting, the Council examined the submitted evidence and made a preliminary non-binding opinion on UI’s proposed project in Docket 516. Not one commissioner voted in support of UI’s project as proposed. Four commissioners, including the Chairman, supported the perspective that the new monopoles should be moved to the north side of the tracks, so as to avoid the creation of a second transmission corridor in such a congested region. One commissioner even voted no on the entire project. 

      Specific environmental concerns were also raised by the commissioners and will need to be addressed by UI in an updated plan to be resubmitted to the CT Siting Council.
      I wholeheartedly support the decision made by the Connecticut Siting Council. UI put forward an unreasonable proposal and the Siting Council seemingly recognized that.

      This decision comes as a result of the passionate work of the people of Fairfield. Residents have been united in their opposition to this intrusive, destructive, and opaque plan, and have raised valid and specific concerns throughout this process.

      Yesterday's Siting Council decision shows that they took seriously the facts raised by intervenors, considered them closely, and are holding our electric utility to a reasonable standard. For this, I am tremendously grateful.

      This decision is non-binding and therefore, does not mark the end of our advocacy. We will continue to monitor closely what this amended proposal looks like, who it impacts, and whether there will be easements. I will continue to advocate vigorously for an underground project. Nonetheless, today we breathe a small sigh of relief here in Fairfield.
      You can watch a New12 feature on our efforts here.
       
      Stay Connected This Legislative Session!
      With the legislative session just around the corner on Wednesday, February 7th, I am committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the democratic process. 

      The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.

      Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

      • The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document highlights and summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session. 
      • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
      • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
      • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
      • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.


      Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented. 
       
      Lactation Center Tour
      It was an honor to visit the Milk Street Lactation Support Center in Norwalk this week, where Beth Iovinelli BSN, RN, IBCLC, and her team support mothers and babysitters in their breastfeeding journeys. We spoke about the importance of licensing IBCLCs so our low-income mothers can gain access to this essential care. Thank you again to Beth and her team for an uplifting, informative visit!
      You can watch News12 coverage of my visit here.
       
      Pre-Session Legislative Town Hall at Fairfield University
      It was great to join the Fairfield delegation for a pre-session legislative town hall at Fairfield University this week. These discussions are some of the most important conversations I have before the session begins, and I will bring all of your thoughts, concerns, and priorities with me next week and throughout our legislative session. Thank you to everyone who attended. If you were not able to attend, please know that you can always reach out to me directly with your thoughts and concerns. 
       
      Nonprofit Funding Conversation with The Alliance
      Thank you to The Alliance - the statewide advocacy association for Connecticut community nonprofits - for hosting me and my colleagues this week for an important discussion on nonprofit funding.

      Our nonprofits provide critical, wide-ranging services - including tackling the fentanyl crisis and heating homes - and it is our responsibility to ensure they have the funding they need. When our nonprofits are fully funded, everyone in Connecticut is better off.
       
      One Book One Town Registration
      Registration is now open for Fairfield's One Book One Town event! The event will take place Tuesday, March 5 at 7pm at the Fairfield University Quick Center for the Arts (1073 North Benson Road, Fairfield 06824).

      Every year, a committee of members from the Fairfield community gather to select a book they think everyone in the city should read simultaneously, and then we invite the author to discuss that book with us.

      This year's selection is Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley. Here is a brief summary of the plot:

      "In this coming-of-age thriller, Perry Firekeeper-Birch always knows who she is—the laidback twin, the troublemaker, the best fisher on Sugar Island.  But as she faces missing Indigenous women in her community, her family embroiled in a murder investigation, and greedy grave robbers who seek to profit off what belongs to her Anishinaabe tribe, Perry begins to question everything.  Old rivalries, sister secrets, and botched heists and will not stop her from uncovering the mystery before the ancestors and missing women are lost forever."

      This book is a great selection, and we are so lucky to have Angeline Boulley join us. This event is free to attend, and registration is required. I hope you'll check it out!
       
      Lunar New Year Celebration
       
      Families and friends of all ages are invited to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the Fairfield Museum and History Center on Saturday, February 17 from 10am-1pm!

      Learn more about the Year of the Dragon and how people celebrate, explore “Creating Community,” the Fairfield Museum’s newly renovated exhibition, and join for a lion dance, storytime with the Fairfield Public Library - Connecticut, live animals from Earthplace, a martial arts demonstration, a paper dragon craft, a dumpling tasting with Grumpy Dumpling Co. and many more hands-on activities.
       
      Free admission. Check the Fairfield Museum website for the full schedule. https://bit.ly/48Pp6Zx
       
       
      Fairfield Father's Forums
       
      The Fairfield Father’s Forum is back for 2024! Join an amazing group of dads at one of the following sessions. It's free and open to fathers of any age! The event takes place from 9:30-10:30am at Saugatuck Sweets (28 Reef Road, Fairfield, CT).

      These events cover a range of topics, including information for new fathers, those raising teenagers, and those who just dropped their kids off at college.

      The forums will take place on:
      • Saturday, February 3
      • Saturday, March 9
      • Saturday, April 20
      • Saturday, May 18
       
      Green Team's Tip of the Week
       
      The Sustainable Fairfield Green Team's tip of the week: make your meat a side dish!

      Well over half of the CO2 emissions from the average American diet are a result of eating meat-and 45% come from beef alone.
      Tip: If you just love your Beef, try to serve meals with Meat as a “side” versus the main course.
       
      Climate Change and Coastal Communities: Exploring Resilience Strategies Event
      As the effects of climate change are felt more vividly, living in a coastal community can present unique challenges. But there are solutions.

      On Thursday, February 8 at 5:30pm at the Fairfield Museum and History Center (370 Beach Road, Fairfield), you can attend "Climate Change and Coastal Communities: Exploring Resilience Strategies."

      Vin Cipolla, president and CEO of Historic New England, will join a group of wonderful speakers to discuss strategies for a coastal community to adjust to a changing climate. This event is free and open to the public, and registration is preferred. I hope you'll check it out!
       
      I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

      Sincerely,

      Jennifer Leeper
      State Representative
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