Supporting Refugee Groups, and more

February 7, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday! I want to start off with a sweet and uplifting story that reminds me of why I do the work that I do.
 
We had a group of 5th graders visit the Capitol last week and they asked to meet with me.

They asked me a lot of great questions but they specifically asked me why I cared about education so much. I told them how when I was a kid, my mom used to tell me that no matter what happened in my life, no one could ever take away my education.

A few days later they sent me this picture:
There is a lot of uncertainty right now, but this was a powerful reminder that there is still so much good all around us. And also how high the stakes are.

Our kids are counting on us to get this right. There couldn’t be a higher calling to this work than our children.


 
Thank you CREC Academy of International Studies Elementary for meeting with me!

In this week's eblast, you can read about an I-95 mobility study open house, support for our refugee resettlement organizations, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Next Week's Public Hearings
The legislature is currently holding public hearings, with 17 scheduled for next week alone! 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:
 
Standing with Our Refugee Resettlement Organizations 
This week State Representative Kate Farrar and I were honored to welcome our state’s refugee resettlement agencies Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services Jewish Family Services of Greenwich to the Capitol to share an update on their efforts to support and empower the refugees our nation vetted and welcomed now that the new administration has denied access to them and expressed that these people are no longer welcome in America. It has been heartbreaking to watch the administration conflate refugees, who are the most extensively vetted immigrants and who have endured unimaginable atrocities, with criminals.
 
I am so proud to stand with our refugee resettlement agencies here in CT and ensure that our state continues to be a beacon of light and hope for people who have suffered so extensively. We cannot lose sight of what makes us unique in the world, we represent freedom, refuge, and opportunity. I am committed to ensuring we continue to represent these core American values.
 
Special Education Listening Tour Visits Bridgeport
Next Tuesday, Feb. 11 from 5-7pm at Housatonic Community College, Room 214 in Beacon Hall, the Chairs and Ranking Members of the Select Committee on Special Education will hold a listening session to hear from parents, teachers, students, Boards of Education, school administrators and community members on issues impacting special education services across the state.

This is a critical issue facing our state, and it is one that the legislature will prioritize this session. If you have any experiences you want to share, or you just want to listen, I hope you'll consider attending.
 
I-95 Mobility Study Open House

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hosting three public information meetings concerning the I-95 Fairfield/Bridgeport Planning and Environmental Linkages. These meetings are meant to gather input on improving safety, mobility, and operations along the I-95 corridor between Bridgeport and Fairfield.

The public meetings will present data collected for the existing conditions, including traffic volumes, roadway conditions, and existing deficiencies. These meetings are also a chance for residents to discuss their experience in and around the I-95 study area.

If these meetings seem relevant to you, please see below for the meeting times:

Fairfield

Tuesday, February 18, 2025, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Ludlowe Middle School, 689 Unquowa Rd

 

Bridgeport

Thursday, February 20, 2025, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Central High School, 1 Lincoln Blvd

 

Virtual

Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Zoom
 

Registration required: i95fairfieldbridgeport.com
 
Presentation: Lincoln's 1860 Visit to Connecticut
The Fairfield Museum and History Center is unveiling their new presentation "The Great Loser from Illinois: Abraham Lincoln's 1860 Visit to Connecticut" next Wednesday, February 12 from noon-1pm. You can read more about the event below:

"On Wednesday, February 12 (Abraham Lincoln's birthday) from noon-1pm, Norwich City Historian Dale Plummer will present "The Great Loser from Illinois: Abraham Lincoln's 1860 Visit to Connecticut."
 

After his Cooper Union address in February 1860, Abraham Lincoln made a whirlwind tour of Connecticut ostensibly to support William Buckingham’s bid for re-election for Governor of Connecticut. In reality, Lincoln was engaged in a stealth campaign to secure the Republican nomination for President of the United States. On Lincoln’s birthday, join Dale Plummer, Norwich City Historian, at the Fairfield Museum from 12 pm - 1 pm to learn more about Lincoln’s travels through Connecticut.
 
Free with Museum admission. Snacks and refreshments provided. https://bit.ly/3WjST8M"
 
Experience Fairfield's February Calendar of Events
Experience Fairfield has released their February calendar of events, which includes great basketball games, a Galentine's Day charcuterie class, and more. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 
Reminder: Fairfield Museum's Lunar New Year Celebrations

A final reminder that the Fairfield Museum and History Center will hold an exciting Lunar New Year celebration Saturday, Feb. 8 from 10am-1pm which will feature a lion dance, storytime, and a martial arts demonstration. This is a great yearly event, and I hope you'll check it out!
 
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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