Crisis Response Reform, Supporting Schools, and more

March 7, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

This week I was proud to speak in support of our public schools with teachers from the Connecticut Education Association.
When we are stripping away what is estimated to be just shy of a half-billion dollars from our schools, or even eliminating the Department of Education completely, every child in every school is impacted.

As Chair of the Education Committee, we are prioritizing getting every dollar we can into our education cost sharing formula because we know that's how we manage class sizes, caseloads, and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality public education.
In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about legislation reforming crisis response drills, an early childhood care and education fund, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Reforming School Crisis Response Drills
This week the Education Committee held our third public hearing, where we heard unanimous support for our bill to reform crisis response drills!

The bill would implement the recommendations of the School Crisis Response Drills Working Group regarding how crisis response drills are conducted in schools.

While it is of course important for our children and educators to understand the dangers of gun violence in schools, we need to make sure we are conducting these drills in a way that is effective, responsible, and not traumatizing for our students.

I am so grateful for all of the students and advocates who came to support a smarter and trauma-informed way to teach our kids about safety.

To read the bill, click here.

To listen to an interview I did with Melissa in the Morning about this bill, click here.
 
Funding Approved for Special Education
I am thrilled to announce that a deal was reached with the governor and our state will soon be sending $40 million to more than 140 school districts in our state for special education!

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.

You can read about the bill signing I attended with the governor today here.
 
Next Week's Public Hearings 
There are 15 public hearings scheduled next week, including one on Wednesday, March 12 at 10am for the Education Committee. Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:
 
Job Assistance for Displaced Federal Workers

If you are a Connecticut resident who has been fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know this…Connecticut has your back.

The federal government may have turned its back on you, but Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers here are eager to benefit from your expertise.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time.

Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol.

 
Powerful Voices: Women Changing Democracy
The Fairfield Museum has another great exhibit, called "Building an American Voice," available for viewing Tuesday, March 18 from 7-8pm (370 Beach Rd, Fairfield).

The exhibition is a partnership with the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame and will share some of Connecticut's powerful female voices for change in our democracy.

This exhibition will help you realize the power of your own voice by exploring inspirational stories of suffrage advocates like Alice Paul, female leaders like Ella Grasso, and social activists like Helen Keller.

The event has a $5 suggested donation. I hope you'll check it out and learn about some of the powerful women that came from our very own state!
 
Fairfield's Community Garden
Below is a message from the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department about Fairfield's beautiful community garden:

Did you know we have a community garden? It's more than just a place to grow fresh produce, it's a space for connection, learning, and sustainability! Rooted in organic and eco-friendly practices, it brings people together to share gardening knowledge, cultivate healthy food, and enrich our local environment. Every plot helps nurture the land and build a stronger community.

Click here to learn more!
 
Experience Fairfield's March Calendar of Events
Experience Fairfield has released their March calendar of events, which includes theater performances, art exhibits, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 
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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