State Capitol Update from Rep. Fortier

January 30, 2023
Dear Neighbor,

It is my absolute honor to serve as your state representative in the Connecticut General Assembly. I want to share a few updates on what I've been up to and what  you can expect in the legislative session ahead.

Please reach out  if there is anything that I can do for you.
 
REP. FORTIER SWORN IN AT STATE CAPITOL

Democratic State Representative Mary Fortier was sworn at the State Capitol for her first term representing the 79th District, which covers Bristol.

The swearing-in ceremony took place in the House chamber.

"I am honored to represent the constituents in my district and am thankful for their faith in my leadership. I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle," said Rep. Fortier.

Rep. Fortier is the Vice Chair for the Aging Committee and will serve on the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, and the Human Services Committee for the 2023 Legislative Session.
 
PARTICIPATING IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
Testifying at public hearings is an impactful way for you to share your experiences directly with lawmakers and influence change. Click here to learn more about submitting testimony and participating in public hearings during the 2023 legislative session.
Additionally, here are some other resources that will help to participate in the legislative process:
  • Register for the CGA's Bill Tracking system to follow any bill as it moves through the legislative process. You will receive notifications when the bill's status changes.
  • For information on how to testify on a bill that is up for a public hearing, follow this link.
  • Access the CGA Citizen's Guide for more on how you can become part of the process.
  • Follow CT-N.com for live coverage of committee meetings and House and Senate floor debates.
  • Are you curious about how your tax dollars are spent? The State Comptroller's Open Connecticut web portal allows residents to track state government spending in real-time.
Your concerns and opinions are fundamental to the legislative process. Please continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts, ideas, and questions.
 
BRISTOL EASTERN HS TEACHER IS A FINALIST FOR NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR

 

Carolyn Kielma is a science teacher from Bristol Eastern High School and is the  2023 Connecticut Teacher of the Year. She was recently selected as one of five finalists under consideration to become the 2023 National Teacher of the Year. The award is the nation’s highest recognition honoring extraordinary teachers across this country by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO).

The National Teacher of the Year Program’s Selection Committee will interview the five finalists and a 2023 National Teacher of the Year and a decision will be made in the spring.

We are lucky to have such an outstanding educator like Carolyn, a part of our school district, and we wish her all the best in the finals!
Watch a clip from the press conference
 
BOTTLE BILL REMINDER
Why return your bottles and cans? 👇

🗑️ Litter reduction
🔋  Energy and resource conservation
⚠️ Waste diversion
👷 Job creation
♻️ Produce high-quality recyclable materials
💰 Save up - every nickel counts

ICYMI: You now have even more ways to redeem deposits! We passed a provision to PA 21-58 which makes tiered adjustments to the state's bottle redemption program through January 2024. 
 
APPLICATION OPENING SOON: ACCESS HEALTH BROKER ACADEMY
To diversify the broker community in our state, Access Health CT has established the Broker Academy Program to create a pathway for newly licensed insurance brokers by recruiting from and building the skillset of those who live and work in underserved communities throughout Connecticut. 
The Broker Academy provides free training for selected students to become licensed brokers and covers the cost of their licensing exam. You can learn more by visiting their website or attending an upcoming virtual informational session. The next session is  Tuesday, February 7, 2023, from 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM. Registration is required.
Register Here
 
NEW RENTERS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
FOR RESIDENTS ON THE VERGE OF EVICTION

The Connecticut Department of Housing is launching a new fund to assist renters who are on the verge of being evicted from their homes due to owing past due rent. Utilizing $12.5 million in funding from UniteCT and the Rent Bank, the Eviction Prevention Fund will provide households with up to $5,000 to pay off past due rent with their current landlord.
 
To apply, tenants must call the UniteCT Call Center at 1-844-864-8328 and be screened for eligibility. Eligible applicants will receive direct assistance from a local UniteCT Resource Center, where they will complete the application. If a tenant requires but does not have legal representation, access to mediators at Quinnipiac University’s Center on Dispute Resolution will be provided
 
WOMEN’S BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL’S EQUITY MATCH GRANT PROGRAM
 
The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of the Equity Match Grant Program. The deadline to apply is February 28, 2023. The application will also be offered in Spanish.
 
The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been in business for two or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2M. Since the program launched in late 2020, they have distributed 167 grants totaling over $1.5M to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. Please visit their website for additional information and more details on the program.