Memorial Day, Absentee Voting, and more

May 22, 2026



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Monday is Memorial Day, which is always an important opportunity for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude. However, this year as it is our 250th anniversary as a nation, it feels even more significant to recognize that America has been the world's beacon of freedom precisely because of the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to protect the ideals of our nation, our democracy, and our freedom.

This weekend is not only about gathering with friends and family but also about making the time to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and the values we hold dear. We also recognize the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day.

As a community, let us come together to remember their service, support one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of courage, service, and patriotism that define our country. 

Memorial Day events in the area:

  • Saturday, May 23, 10am - Sea Ceremony at South Benson Marina
  • Sunday, May 24, Noon - Military Remembrance Mass at Assumption Church
  • Monday, May 25, 10am: Memorial Day Parade steps off from the corner of Post & South Pine Creek Roads, finishing in front of Old Town Hall. This year’s theme celebrates America 250 – Fairfield in the Revolution

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about absentee voting, a community event on preventing hate crimes, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

Absentee Voting for All Bill Signed Into Law 

A new law provides all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballots.

Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.

The voters of Connecticut approved Absentee Voting For All after they overwhelmingly supported a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately.

The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard. 

To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.
 

Stop Hate Together: A Community Conversation About Hate Crimes 

On Thursday, June 11 from 6:30-8pm, there will be a community conversation about hate crimes at the Board of Education Conference Room 295A/B, 2nd Floor (501 Kings Highway East, Fairfield). 

Featuring First Selectperson Christine Vitale, Fairfield Police Chief Michael Paris, and CT State Police Hate Crimes Investigative Unit and Assistant State's Attorney Stacey Miranda, the event will go into how the Fairfield community is responding to the alarming rise of hate crimes in Connecticut in recent years.

You can learn how hate crimes are identified, reported, and investigated, and learn how you can play a role in preventing them. It is up to us to stand up to hate as a united community, and I would heavily encourage you to attend this event!
 

Public Comment Hearing on Rate Increase 

You may have seen in the news several months ago that Aquarion, the state's largest public water supply company, is seeking a 42% rate increase later this year.

While companies need to make rate adjustments to keep up with inflation and recover infrastructure improvements, a 42% rate increase from a company that serves about 722,000 in 62 municipalities across the state is an egregious ask that will put far too much pressure on working families.

Fortunately, we have opportunities to make our voices heard.

Aquarion will be holding two public comment hearings over the next couple of months for customers to go on the record:

If you do not want to testify in person, you can also submit written comments by clicking here.

We have shown in the past how strong our community can be when we stand together, and it is time to show that again. I hope you will register and make your voice heard!
 

2026 OLR Major Public Acts Report 

I wanted to share the 2026 Legislative Session Major Public Acts document with you. The document, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2026 regular session. You can click HERE to read the full OLR report, or click the graphic below. 

If you're interested in more information on bills that passed and didn't pass this legislative session, please click HERE.
 

Early Childhood Business Grants  

The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) are accepting applications for the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants now through Monday, May 25 at 7pm. 

OEC and WBDC are offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified Connecticut early childhood businesses to support operations and preserve child care access. The Operations Grant provides short-term funding to support OEC-licensed early childhood education programs. The grants are designed to help programs maintain their existing early childhood slots. 

Grants will be awarded to eligible programs serving high and medium-needs families, as defined by OEC. This funding is intended to support operational expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other business needs that ensure ongoing services to families and communities. 

This is a ONE-TIME funding opportunity. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
 

Foodshare Allocation Information

As of October 2025, the State of Connecticut allocated $3 million in emergency funding to Connecticut Foodshare to address the loss of federal SNAP benefits. These funds were designed for the nonprofit to purchase food for distribution through its network of partners and mobile pantries following federal funding cuts. [1, 2, 3]

How to Find Allocation Information (As of May 2026):

  • Connecticut Foodshare Financials: View their annual reports and 990 forms for official records on funding sources and expenditures.
  • OpenCheckbook CT: Search for "CONNECTICUT FOODSHARE INC" to see state-level expenditures and payments to the organization, which showed roughly $5.44M in 2022.
  • CT.gov Press Releases: Check the Governor's official press releases for recent emergency funding announcements, such as the $3 million declared in October 2025.
  • Connecticut Public Radio: News outlets like CT Public and WFSB frequently report on changes in state funding for food insecurity. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]

In addition to state funding, Connecticut Foodshare also utilized $1 million from its own capital reserves for emergency response in October 2025. [1]
 

Upcoming Local Events 
For Which It Stands...
On view through Saturday, July 25
Fairfield University, Bellarmine Hall Galleries and Walsh Gallery (1073 N. Benson Rd., Fairfield)
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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