Family News, the Baby Formula Shortage, Career Information & More

May 23, 2022

Before I get into the details of this past week's events and activities, our family has some big news we'd like to share! 

Before I get into the details of this past week's events and activities, our family has some big news we'd like to share!  After the unexpected loss of our pet rabbit a few weeks ago, we were feeling a little low. So we headed over to the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter and adopted a new family member. We've named her Bridget and she's adapting to her new home. As all animals come with their own personalities, we are adapting as well. So far she's everything we had hopped, I mean hoped for.

 

On Tuesday morning, I attended a Clifford Beers Breakfast. Clifford Beers is one of the leading organizations in the state providing mental health support for children and for families. The attendees heard inspiring speakers discuss the challenges they overcame to become role models for others and leaders in helping people overcome struggles with homelessness and addiction.

Congratulations to Clifford Beers on the expansion of their work, their name (and logo) change as they become Clifford Beers Community Care Center and join the Clifford Beers Community Health Partners network.

CBCHP is a collaborative network that delivers wraparound mental health and social services to Connecticut children and families. Visit their new website at www.cliffordbeersccc.org for more news and to learn about their programs and services. And to learn more about Clifford Beers Community Health Partners, please visit them at www.cliffordbeerschp.org.
 
I also virtually attended the state's Social Emotional Learning Collaborative and we heard some incredible efforts being made incorporating Restorative Practices in classrooms across the state. These schools are supporting students as they are going through tough times but also as they discover their hopes and dreams for a successful future.  

 

Baby Formula Shortage

This week the Children's Committee and the Public Health Committee held an informative joint forum on the Nationwide Infant Formula Shortage.  As a mom who relied pretty much exclusively on formula feeding, I’m devastated by the situation caused by the voluntary closure of a major producer and the supply chain problems this is causing.

As many of you know, this is a nationwide problem and we are working with Washington to resolve this. Sen. Blumenthal joined us and described removing the red tape involved in importing as much formula as possible from other countries and pressing the FDA to get the Abbott plant up and running as quickly as possible. 

The Defense Production Act has also been enacted and Rep. Rosa DeLauro introduced a bill to provide $28 million in emergency funding to give the FDA the resources needed to address the shortage, but also to prevent fraudulent products from finding their way onto shelves and into the homes of parents.
 
The CT Attorney General's Office reported that they are closely monitoring the situation for fraud and price gouging. Should you experience either, you should call 860-808-5318 or email
attorney.general@ct.gov
 

⚠️ The Connecticut Department of Public Health (DPH) is utilizing numerous options to assist families — especially those in its Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) program — during this nationwide infant formula shortage.
 
If you are a consumer having problems finding formula stock, please call around before traveling distances to try to locate supplies. Do not hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician and let them know your situation. The pediatricians who were on the panel did warn against attempting to feed children homemade formula substitutes as they could cause serious and lasting harm to children, but it's truly best to connect with your pediatricians to receive support for options.  For more information please check out one pager from Yale New Haven Healthcare
HERE

 

Manufacturing Career Fair

On Wednesday, I headed over to the Oakdale Theatre where the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce was holding a Manufacturing Career Fair. I connected with a lot of employers looking for workers who are dependable and eager to work. I met with Paul Lavoie, Chief Manufacturing Officer at Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development, the CT Department of Labor as well as Elizabeth Herlihey and Keyri Ambrocio from the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce. I learned that these are well paid jobs with good benefits available in the Greater New Haven area. The Department of Labor also has some great resources for resume writing, interviewing skills, and job search strategies. Start your job search at our CTHires website. https://portal.ct.gov/cthires

 

Upcoming Events

Music on the Green began this week! Every Thursday night between 6pm and 8pm throughout the summer, Branford Park and Rec is bringing us a musical guest for our enjoyment.  Grab your lawn chairs, pack a picnic or pickup takeout from one of our delicious local restaurants. However you do it, just be there.  The concerts are weather permitting, so keep an eye on social media for cancellations.

 

Save the Date! Branford's Memorial Day Parade will be on Monday May 30th with the  ceremony beginning at 10am on the Branford Green. See you there!
 

 

Free Covid-19 Tests Kits

 

The U.S. Postal Service will deliver eight free rapid antigen tests to any household in the U.S. Please go to the website to request the tests. https://www.covid.gov/tests If you need help placing an order for your at-home tests, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489). 

 

EMS Week

Did you know that only 11 states deem EMS an “essential service,” unlike fire and police. I am proud to say that Connecticut is one of those states. To all EMTs in our state, many of which are volunteers, we tip our hats to you - YOU ARE ESSENTIAL!

 

Road Construction Project

This week I received an update from the DOT’s Project Engineer on the Sybil Creek (Rt. 146) Bridge Project (Project No. 14-177).
 
The Contractor will be completing Stage 1 construction prior to 5-27-2022. The work area will be secured for the three-month shutdown (6-1-22 to 8-31-22). Utility trenches on Route 146 will be milled and paved on 5-18-22. The existing pedestrian walkway on the Indian Neck Pizza side of the bridge will remain in place and active for the 3 month shutdown period. All large equipment except for the large green frac tank will be removed from the site for the three-month shutdown period.
 
I will keep you updated with an updated project schedule including anticipated road closures toward the end of the summer (Stage 2).

Thank you for your continued interest in my weekly updates. Please feel free to reach out to me with your questions, suggestions, and concerns.

Sincerely,


Robin Comey
State Representative