Energy Event, Storm Damage Grant, and more

September 6, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

I want to invite you to an important event happening soon!

On Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 5:30-7:00pm, the Fairfield House delegation will host a forum at the Fairfield Museum & History Center (370 Beach Rd.) on your electric bills.

We will be joined by Marissa Gillett, Chair of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) and Dan Dolan, President of the New England Power Generators Association to discuss why our electric bills are so high, and what can be done about it.

As you've heard me share many times over the past year and particularly the past month, our grid and energy regulation framework is deeply complex. In an effort to find meaningful solutions, I thought it would be helpful to engage with national leaders on how we got here and what can be done. I'm looking forward to hearing from you and for you to hear from us, Chair Gillett, and Dan. I hope to see you there!


 
In this week's eblast, you can read about applying for a storm damage grant, a Voter Registration Day event, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
9/11 Memorial Ceremony
Last night was a beautiful ceremony remembering the CT residents who lost their lives on 9/11 or due to 9/11. As the years pass, it is so important to continue to honor the lives lost to the senseless terror of that day and keep their memories alive.
 
It’s also important to reflect on the unity we found as a nation in the wake of this tragedy to remind us that the division we are experiencing now does not need to be the norm.
 
National Suicide Prevention Week
Next week is National Suicide Prevention Week.

We can all help reduce the risk for suicide in our community by knowing the signs and reaching out. Talking to a loved one about getting help can be hard, but it can make a big difference. Listen without judgment and speak with kindness. Remember that it takes a lot of strength for someone to open up about the challenges they face. It may take many conversations before they get help.

Below are some helpful starting points for these difficult conversations:

  • Ask open ended questions. Open-ended questions mean that the person has to reply with more than a “yes” or “no.” Usually, open-ended questions start with how, what, or where.
  • Be supportive. During your conversation, comment on their strengths. It can be easy to tell them all the things they’re doing wrong, but it can close them off to asking for help. Thank them for being willing to speak with you.
  • Show you're listening. Listen carefully to what they’re saying. When it’s your turn to talk, repeat back what you heard them say. This helps them to feel understood and corrects any misunderstandings. You can do this by saying, “I heard you say____.
  • Bring it all together. These conversations can be about many different feelings and plans. At the end of your talk, give a summary of what you heard them say and any actions they want to take. If they want to get help, ask how you can support them. Also ask if you can follow up with them to check in.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available.

Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
 
Businesses Can Apply Now for a Storm Damage Grant
The link is now live for small businesses to apply for an emergency state grant to rebuild and recover from the record rainfall and flooding that impacted the state a couple of weeks ago.

Grants of up to $25,000 are available for businesses and nonprofits in Fairfield, Litchfield, and New Haven Counties. These grants can be used to cover various expenses including cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment.

Don't hesitate - applications are accepted on a rolling basis until the $5 million grant is exhausted!

To learn more about eligibility and to access more resources, click here.
 
Fairfield Farmers Market
There will be a town-wide collection and recycling of mattresses on Saturday, September 21 from 8:30am-12:30pm at Veterans Park (909 Reef Road)!

More than 50,000 mattresses are discarded in the U.S. every day - consigning to the nation's waste stream an item that actually can be recycled into many new, useful products.

If you have an old mattress or box spring that you'd like to discard in a better, more environmentally friendly way, plan on bringing it to this free event.

Any mattress, no matter when it was purchased, can be brought to the event for no-cost recycling, if it is not damaged, heavily soiled, or posing other health or safety risks.
 
National Voter Registration Day Event
For National Voter Registration Day, the Fairfield League of Women Voters will host a voter registration event Tuesday, Sept. 17 from 1-5pm at 370 Beach Rd.

This free event will give you a chance to register to vote and learn more about early voting and absentee voting.

The right to vote is one of the most foundational rights of our democracy, and I hope you'll take the chance to get registered and prepared to vote!
 
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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