Newsletter 3/18/2022

schoolfinance
March 21, 2022

This week at the Capitol, the House was in session to vote on legislation regarding absentee ballot eligibility and an extension for outdoor dining, as well as a resolution to adopt the State Plan of Conservation and Development. Find more details below in this week's legislative spotlight. 

In this e-newsletter, you'll also find information on:

  • Conversation on School & State Funding 
  • Fairfield Delegation's Business Advisory Council 
  • Juvenile Justice Part 3: Root Causes & Prevention
  • Save the Children
  • Toiletry Drive for Operation Hope
  • Update from the Social Security Administration
 
Legislative Spotlight

This week the General Assembly was in session on Wednesday. The House passed the following bills, all with bi-partisan support!

Absentee Ballots
The House passed HB 5262, An Act Revising Certain Absentee Voting Eligibility Statutes, to make it easier for voters to vote absentee if they're feeling unwell, worried about their health, or out of town the majority of Election Day. With the passage of this law, working during voting hours is a legal excuse to request an absentee ballot. Voting is a fundamental right that ought to be fair and accessible, but Connecticut's voting laws are needlessly restrictive when it comes to voting by absentee ballot. This proposal eases some of the eligibility restrictions for absentee ballots so that more residents can choose this method to cast their ballot.
Outdoor Dining
In response to the pandemic, the state temporarily allowed permits to increase and expand outdoor dining to offer residents a safe way to support their favorite local businesses. The House passed HB 5271 to extend the popular provision for an additional 13 months and further allow restaurants the ability to safely rebuild their customer base. Now, the bill is heading to the Senate for a vote!
State's Plan of Conservation and Development
The House passed HJ 107, which updates the State's Plan of Conservation and Development to ensure that even as we battle the lasting effects of the pandemic and other challenges, Connecticut continues to commit to building a more sustainable, adaptable and resilient future. Click here to read the resolution. 

I encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or thoughts on the legislation passed this week! 
 
Conversation on School & State Funding 
Earlier this week, Rep. Devlin and I hosted a conversation with Erika Haynes and Jen Nakos of the School + State Finance Project to help breakdown how the state interacts at the local level to provide funding for our schools. It was an incredibly informative presentation that outlined Fairfield's education spending and explained the state's Education Cost Sharing (ECS) formula.

Connecticut spends $12 billion a year on K-12 public education. It's  so important that we understand how that funding gets directed to our schools. If you weren't able to join us for the conversation, you can watch the full presentation by clicking below:
Conversation on School & State Funding
The School + State Finance Project is a great resource to get engaged with to better understand where Fairfield school funding comes from and how it's being utilized. Visit their website here. 
 
Business Advisory Council
Attention business owners! Join the Fairfield Delegation's Business Advisory Council to discuss legislation that we are moving forward this session and how it can impact your business. Bring your thoughts and ideas to share with us! 

We hope to see you at our next meeting on March 22nd from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at The Castle on Post. 
 
Juvenile Justice Part 3: Root Causes & Prevention
The third and final part of the juvenile justice panel series will be held on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:30 p.m. We'll focus on root causes and prevention with expert insight from Brian McLaughlin of the Crime and Justice Institute and Iliana Pujols, Policy Director with Connecticut Justice Alliance. I hope you will join us for this critically important conversation. Register in advance here. 
 
Save the Children
Save the Children is working to meet the urgent needs of children and families impacted by the devastation in Ukraine. They are on the ground in bordering countries, helping distribute critical emergency supplies and establishing safe spaces for children to play, learn and begin to cope with grief and loss. Click below to donate to their relief efforts:
Save the Children Donation Link
 
Toiletry Drive for Operation Hope
The Fairfield Equity Coalition is holding a toiletry drive on Sunday, March 20th from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Sherman Green.  All donations go to Operation Hope. Please stop by and donate if you are able! The donation wish list is below:
 
Update from the Social Security Administration 
The Social Security Administration is preparing to help more people in person at the Social Security offices, as safely and efficiently as possible. Visit their webpage How to Get Help from Social Security to learn:
  • The best ways to get help from Social Security.
  • What you should know before you visit a Social Security office
  • Innovative options that could help you have your hearing sooner if you are appealing a decision

Those who can access services online or by phone are encouraged to do so whenever possible to allow timely service for people who cannot use those options.