Labor Day, and more

August 29, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Labor Day is upon us, and it is a time to reflect on the contributions of workers across every industry. Their dedication, resilience, and continued fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job have shaped our nation and continue to move us forward.

As we celebrate the American labor movement, we honor the hardworking people who have built and strengthened this country.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and restful Labor Day.
 

It was so special welcoming home Fairfield Metro's National Little League team this week. We all had so much fun cheering them on their historic run to the national finals, ultimately placing third in the entire Little League World Series!

They made our town and state so proud in this tournament, and I'm glad they got the "hero's welcome" they deserved! It really was very inspiring to watch the way this team united our community as we all shared in their joy!
 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about the passage of the lactation consultant bill, the VA's 2025 Stand Down event, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Stay Safe this Labor Day! 

This Labor Day, law enforcement is reminding drivers to make safety a priority by not getting behind the wheel while impaired. You can expect to see an increased police presence across the state. If your plans include drinking, plan for a sober ride home.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation encourages these safe alternatives:

  • Designate a sober driver. Even one alcoholic beverage can impair your ability to drive; don’t take the risk
  • Use a taxi, a rideshare program, or public transportation. Plan by downloading apps and checking local transit schedules
  • Be a good friend. If someone is about to drive impaired, take their keys and help them find a safe way home. They might be upset in the moment, but they’ll thank you later
  • Report impaired drivers. If you see someone driving erratically, slow down, keep your distance, and call 911 when it’s safe to do so

For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.gov.
 

Lactation Consultant Bill Passes! 

This week, I was so lucky to be with my friend and colleague Rep. Kai Belton at the Middletown Community Health Center to celebrate the passage (finally!) of our bill to license International Board Certified Lactation Consultants.

Any mom who wants to successfully breastfeed should have access to this clinical care, not just the mothers who can pay out of pocket or whose insurances covers it.

Any day I can help get a win for mothers and babies is a good day in my book.
 

CT VA Stand Down 2025 Event 

On September 19, from 9am-2pm, the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event. This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
 
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day.
 
Stand Down locations are:

  • Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue
  • Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street
  • Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
  • Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue
  • Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street
  • Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza

Click HERE for more information. 
 
 

Veterans Hall of Fame Nominations 

The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service. 

To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.

The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
 
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
 
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:

Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
 

Fire Safe CT 

Governor Lamont has officially launched Fire Safe CT, a new statewide initiative aimed at reducing fire-related tragedies through public education and community support.

This coordinated effort brings together state and local agencies, fire service professionals, and health care experts with one shared goal: to protect Connecticut residents and their communities from the dangers of fire.
Core Objectives:

  • Public Education: delivering clear, actionable fire prevention tips through multimedia campaigns—highlighting home safety, outdoor fire management, and burn injury prevention
  • Community Empowerment: providing local fire departments and municipal fire marshals with enhanced tools, educational materials, and support to boost community-level fire risk reduction efforts

To learn more and get involved go to ct.gov/firesafe and for tips on outdoor fire safety, visit DEEP's Forest Fire Prevention Tips to learn how to protect your home, property, and the first responders who serve us.

Together, we can create a safer, more fire-aware Connecticut.
 

Local Summer Events
Fairfield Restaurant Week
Now through September 7
Read more here


Sweet Sounds of Summer
Sherman Green (1451 Post Rd., Fairfield)
August 30, 6:30pm
Read more here
 

Summer Saturdays at the Museum Commons 
Summer Saturdays at the Museum Commons
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Road)
Now through August 30, 11am-2pm
Read more here
 

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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