Anthony Nolan

Dear Neighbor,

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month! Please join me in taking a moment to send a prayer for the fighters we've lost and strength for those who keep fighting.

 

Did you know that an estimated 3,550 Connecticut women will be diagnosed with breast cancer this year? While anyone is at risk of developing breast cancer, it is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in American women, except for skin cancers. In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Legislation can be a powerful tool in the fight against breast cancer, and all types of cancer.



Over the past few years, the Connecticut General Assembly has passed crucial laws to provide resources, close loopholes, and make early detection easier for Connecticut residents.



This year, I proudly supported legislation to require health insurance coverage for breast and ovarian cancer screenings including mammograms, ultrasounds, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), as well as certain procedures related to breast cancer treatment like breast biopsies, certain prophylactic mastectomies, and breast reconstruction surgery. The law also covers BRCA 1 and BRCA 2 genetic testing and prohibits most policies from imposing out-of-pocket costs.



It builds upon a 2019 law that made breast ultrasounds and mammograms available to certain patients at no cost.



Early detection saves lives, and these laws will safeguard patient access to screenings and diagnostics.



You can learn more about the Connecticut Early Detection and Prevention Program here.

Today is Manufacturing Day! 

Manufacturers help to drive Connecticut’s economy, with $12.71 billion in manufactured goods exports in 2020. Did you know there are an average of 158,000 manufacturing employees in in Connecticut? Our state budget acknowledges and celebrates the value in this industry, and aims to help strengthen and expand by establishing multiple new programs. 

Indigenous Peoples' Day 

In Connecticut, we are on the traditional lands of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, the Mohegans, the Eastern Pequot, Schaghticoke, Golden Hill Paugussett, Nipmuc, and Niantic peoples.



Indigenous Peoples' Day honors the past, present, and futures of Native peoples throughout the US. The holiday recognizes the legacy and impact of colonialism on Native communities, and it also celebrates the cultures, contributions, and resilience of contemporary Native peoples. 

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

If you or someone you love is a victim of domestic violence, you are not alone in this. The CT Safe Connect hotline offers 24 hour access.



CTSafeConnect.org

(888) 774- 2900

Find more resources here: https://bit.ly/3SPZiof

New London Elks 125^th Anniversary Celebration

Please help me give a big thank you and congratulations to The New London Elks for numerous years of Community service. I had the great opportunity to attend and give a citation from several Legislative colleagues at the 125^th Anniversary of the New London Elks Lodge (Whaling City Lodge). It was great to see so many historic photos and pieces of memories from the past that were displayed on the first floor.

 

It was a great day filled with great music, food, and fellowship! The New London Elks are an amazing community partner – be sure to mark your calendars for their upcoming events:

• Italian Night – Saturday Oct 8, 5:30PM
• Trunk or Treat – Monday, October 24,6:30PM-8:30PM

Congratulations to the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Trust Fund Nominees

Join me in sending congratulations to ISAAC students, Kalani and Abigail – 8^th graders who have been nominated for the Dr. Martin Luther King Scholarship Trust Fund. Both Kalani and Abigail were recognized as a great academic leader and a great contributing member of society.

The Explored 20^th Anniversary at the Mark Twain House



This week I had the opportunity to attend The Explored 20th Anniversary at the Mark Twain House in Hartford. An advisory team of historians and professionals were created to recognize this year's 2022 Game Changers Connecticut Explored.

I want to give special "Shout It Out" and thanks to Team New London - Nicole Thomas, Curtis Goodwin, and Tom Schuch for the hard work and dedication in creating and highlighting "The New London Black Heritage Trail." Job well done showing the City of New London is happening!

 

And a big congratulations to all the amazing game changers identified and everyone doing such great work in our communities throughout the State of Connecticut.

New London City Council Meeting

I was proud to see that during the recent New London City Council meeting, Mayor Michael Passero read a proclamation acknowledging Hispanic Heritage Month in New London!

Future National Coast Guard Museum

I have the privilege of stopping by the site of the future National Coast Guard Museum as it prepares for construction. Once constructed, the museum will be the first to honor and celebrate the great history of our nation's oldest sea service – and it's located in the great city of New London!

The Day: Lamont: State will not go through with Mystic Education Center sale

 

On Monday, Governor Ned Lamont announced that his administration will stop the controversial sale of the former Mystic Oral School property in Groton.

“Governor Lamont has directed DECD to terminate the contract for the sale of the Mystic Education Center to Respler Homes, LLC,” Anthony Anthony, a spokesperson for Governor Lamont, said in a statement. “The State of Connecticut looks forward to working with the Town of Groton on a suitable development that cleans up this site and restores the property to productive use in the future.”

 

To read the complete story, covered by The Day, click here.

New London Public Schools October Event Calendar

Join New London Public Schools this month for a number of great district events including our community meal, parent meetings, and more! For detailed times and locations of events, click here.

FAFSA Night



Need help filling out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? Join New London Public Schools on October 12 and November 15, 5:30PM-7:30PM at the NLHS Multi-Magnet Campus Cafeteria to receive guided assistance. No matter what, it's recommended that you fill our FAFSA – all colleges use FAFSA data to determine a student's federal aid eligibility, and many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid.

Attendees should bring:

• Your FSA ID and your parent's FSA ID (if dependent) – It's recommended that you apply before the event at fsaid.ed.gov
• Social Security Number
• Driver's License Number (if applicable)
• 2021 Federal Tax Return
• 2021 W-2 or Year-End Pay Stub
• 2021 Untaxed Income Records
• Current Bank Statement(s)
• Current Business and Investment Records
• Permanent Residence Card (if not a U.S. citizen)

Please contact Jenny Vides at VidesJ@newlondon.org if you have any questions or would like to register for the events.

10th Annual Disability Employment Resource Fair

Spread the word! The 10^th Annual Disability Resource Fair is coming up on Friday, October 14 from 9AM-12PM at the New Britain Senior Center. All are welcome to learn about the available resources such as free employment services, transportation, legal rights, assistive technology, education, and more!

 

Learn more by clicking here. If you need any accommodation, call (860) 899-3446.

New London Food Stroll

 

Stroll through different restaurants, shops, arts and cultural institutions in Downtown New London on Wednesday, October 12, 5:30PM-8:30PM. Enjoy Bite-size samples of dishes or drinks that range from seafood to sweets, organic to ethnic and everything in between at the New London’s eateries are yours with an advanced purchased wristbands as your ticket to taste! Premiere local talent will perform along the stroll route and a craft market will be set up on Green Street.

Do not hesitate to get your wristbands early - and save! Only a limited number of wristbands are available, buy tickets now by clicking here. Please note: all sales are final, no refunds; this event is rain or shine.

Shiloh Prison Ministry Presents Annual Community Prison Awareness & Prevention Gathering

You are invited to attend Shiloh Prison Ministry's 12^th Community Prison Awareness & Prevention Gathering on Saturday, October 22 at 9AM, which will be held in-person (at Shiloh New London, 1 Garvin Street) and streaming live from Shiloh's Facebook and social media outlets. This year's discussion will focus on transforming lives during a global crisis.

 

Participants attending in person are required to pre-register and wear masks at the event. Light refreshments will be available. If you have any questions or require additional information, contact Bro. Winston Taylor, MSW at (860) 889-3292 or at winston_taylor@sbcglobal.net, or Shiloh New London Bishop and Senior Pastor Benjamin K. Watts at (860) 443-6046.

AXS Center Trunk or Treat

Please join the AXS Center at Sound Community Services for a night of Halloween fun on Friday, October 28, 4:30PM outside in the parking lot at Sound Community Services. Dress up in costume, trunk or treat, enjoy some pizza, and finish the evening off with a kid friendly Halloween movie. Gift cards awarded to the winners of the scariest, funniest, and best overall costumes!

State Department of Corrections: Open Positions

 

Are you looking for an opportunity to build a career that makes a difference? If so, the State Department of Correction (DOC) invites you to discover an amazing opportunity to join their dedicated team!

Applications are currently being accepted for Correction Officer positions, located at Correctional Facilities throughout Connecticut.  In this role you will be entrusted to provide safety and security to all under your supervision, your co-workers, and the general public. This is a fantastic opportunity to positively change the lives of those under the Department of Correction’s supervision, by serving as a role model and educator.

 

Submit an application by clicking here.

CT Energy Assistance Program Funding Boost

As the cold weather rolls in, so is funding! The Connecticut Energy Assistance Program has received millions of dollars in federal funding. Here's what you need to know about CEAP:

• CEAP helps Connecticut residents afford to heat their homes.
• Applications for CEAP typically take 30-45 minutes.
• Basic benefits towards your heating bill range between $100 to $600 depending on your income level, household size and whether there is a vulnerable member in the household.
• These benefits are usually paid directly to your utility company or fuel supplier.
• Households that heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may be eligible for additional fuel deliveries.

For more information, visit ct.gov/heatinghelp/apply or call 2-1-1. The application deadline is May 31, 2023.

Child Care Worker Bonuses

Our state budget for the 2023 fiscal year contains an historic level of funding in child care and early childhood education. We are excited to share that Connecticut full-time child care workers will receive $1,000 and part-time workers will receive $400 in one-time payments! 



Thank you for consistently providing critically needed care to ensure that children of Connecticut are safe and their parents and guardians have the support necessary to go to work. 

Voting by Absentee Ballot



Did you know Connecticut offers absentee ballots by mail to voters who will be unable to vote in person?  

The City Clerk’s office will be working Saturday, October 8, and October 22 inside city hall lobby from 9AM-12PM to provide absentee voters an opportunity to request a ballot. Absentee voters will enter through the front of the building – from there, the Clerk's office will have voters fill out an application, request valid identification, and check voter status.

 

If you are registered, you may request an absentee ballot. If you are not registered, you must meet with the Registrar of Voters office. During work week hours.

 

Please note: Absentee ballots are only for voters who are unable to go to polling place based upon reasons listed on application. More information on absentee voting in Connecticut can be found here.

CT Ranked Third in the Nation for Information Technology Leadership

More national recognition for Connecticut! In the Center for Digital Government’s 2022 Category Awards, Connecticut received third place for exemplary work in leadership, which recognizes Connecticut’s information technology optimization strategy and improvements to working relationships, planning, policies and collaborations with agencies.



Whether it’s making it easier to do business in the state, renewing a driver’s license online, or other accessibility improvements, digital services ease government interactions, put people first, and provide experiences Connecticut residents come to expect in their online transactions. We can proudly say that our state is a national leader in modernizing government services. 

If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.

 

Sincerely,



Anthony Nolan

State Representative