Pension Funding, Shop & Stroll, and more

December 6, 2024


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

I wanted to start off by announcing that I have been appointed as House Chair of Connecticut's Education Committee!

I am so honored to be trusted with this role. It is an enormous responsibility and privilege to serve in this capacity to lift up the voices of our state’s children, educators, and families. I am deeply committed to furthering our state’s educational opportunities and academic excellence for every child.

In pursuit of this goal, we must also support the teaching profession as we work to overcome our critical teacher shortage. Our schools are the vehicles for inspiration, curiosity, and social mobility and I am thrilled to partner with everyone doing this work to deliver the opportunities and futures that Connecticut’s children deserve.

As our session progresses, I'll be sure to keep you updated on the important work we get done.
In this week's eblast, you can read about progress on our pension funding, our annual Shop & Stroll event, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Significant Progress on Pension Funding
Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt, which isn’t just good news for pension holders, but for all taxpayers.

The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades.

As the funding levels rise and the debt goes down, that frees up money – $492 million in the next fiscal year alone – that can support tax cuts for working families and key investments in our communities.
We’ve got a lot of work left to do, but this continued fiscal progress will have direct benefits for all Connecticut residents.
 
Winter Whimsy and Annual Tree Lighting
A reminder that the annual Winter Whimsy and Tree Lighting is tomorrow, Dec. 7 from 4:15-7pm at the Old Town Hall & Museum Commons! This year's event will offer school choirs, food trucks, a beer garden, music, a petting zoo, carriage rides, and more - I hope you'll check it out!
 
Shop & Stroll
I hope you will support our wonderful local businesses this holiday season,and there is no better opportunity than the Holiday Shop & Stroll on Wednesday, December 11 from 6-9pm.

There will be special discounts at participating stores, and you can find the latest fashion apparel, home décor, jewelry, toys, sporting goods, dinner gift cards, best-selling books, and more!

You can also catch caroling students from local schools and performers from the Connecticut Dance School dressed in costume for their upcoming performance of The Nutcracker

You can view all participating merchants, see an event map, and learn about the pre-event happy hour and post-event after-party here.

Supporting small businesses in the holiday season really makes a difference, and the quality can't be beat!
 
Experience Fairfield's December Calendar of Events
Experience Fairfield has released their December calendar of events, which includes holiday celebrations, great sporting events, theater performances, 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
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences