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Dear Neighbor,
Official recognition of Black History Month started with a proclamation from President Gerald Ford 47 years ago, to honor the many accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to American society. It's a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember. Black history is American history.
The theme of this year's Black History Month, "Black Resistance," explores how African Americans have resisted historic and ongoing oppression, in all forms.
"This country was established upon the profound but simple idea that all people are created equal and should be treated equally throughout their lives. It is an idea America has never fully lived up to, but it is an idea we have never fully walked away from either," said President Biden in his 2023 Black History Month Proclamation. |
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Over the next month, cities and towns across Connecticut will hold events to honor Black History Month, among them:
- A screening of "Selma" at the Ridgefield Playhouse on February 8
- Martin Luther King, Jr convocation lecture on February 9 at Fairfield University
- Urban League of Greater Hartford's annual Black History Month Celebration on Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford
- Celebrations of African music in Enfield on February 15
- African Diasporic Drumming at East Hartford Library on February 16
- The Hartford Yard Goats will be hosting a Black Business Expo on February 16, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the stadium in Hartford.
Find other great events across the state by clicking HERE.
Every day, not just this month, we should take time to learn more about Black history. Stand up against injustice. Offer support. Speak out. |
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| And, of course - don't miss a great event happening in out community! Mark your calendar for Lonnie Braxton's Black History Film Series.
Every Friday in February stop by the community room at the Public Library of New London from 6:30PM-9PM to celebrate Black History with curated film selections. Learn more about each film and other upcoming events here. |
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| Or, check out New London’s Black Heritage Trail - made up of 15 locations, some of national significance and others honoring people who have nearly been forgotten. Check out more about that here. |
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| Submit Your Questions & Save the Date: Legislative Update |
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| I'm excited to join my colleagues in the New London legislative delegation, Reps. Baumgardner and Conley, on Monday, February 13, 5:30PM-6:30PM at the New London Public Library for a legislative update. Scan the QR code in the above graphic to submit your question, and we will answer them during our update. |
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| Investing in Connecticut’s Future with CT Baby Bonds |
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| In 2023, I hope to make CT Baby Bonds a reality. Our children deserve this - and our economic growth depends on it!
CT Baby Bonds will set aside funds for each baby born in Connecticut whose birth was covered by HUSKY. Those funds will be held, managed and invested by the Office of the Treasurer.
When a participating child reaches adulthood (between the ages of 18-30), they will be eligible to claim funds to be used for:
- Buying a home in Connecticut
- Starting or investing in a Connecticut business
- Paying for higher education or job training
- Saving for retirement
CT Baby Bonds is designed to narrow the wealth gap and spur long-term economic growth for Connecticut’s families and economy. |
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| Babies in every town and city across the state will qualify. An estimated 15,600 children each year — nearly half of all births — are born into poverty.
To be eligible to file a claim, participants are also required to complete a financial literacy course, providing a foundation of financial knowledge to guide their decision making as young adults.
Implementation and formation of the trust is underway. The program calls for $600 million in funding over the next 12 years. Learn more by clicking here. |
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| CT Receives $18 Million Federal Grant to Address Unsheltered and Rural Homelessness |
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| Governor Ned Lamont, Senator Richard Blumenthal, and Senator Chris Murphy held a news conference in New Haven to announce that the State of Connecticut is receiving an $18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to address homelessness among people in unsheltered settings and in rural communities.
These funds will be used for three separate services:
- Access point to homeless services
- Homeless outreach services
- Permanent supportive housing
More information on the funding can be found here. Anyone experiencing homelessness is strongly urged to call 2-1-1 to get connected to supportive services. |
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| House Democrats Caucus Meets to Plan Session Priorities |
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| Last weekend, our caucus spent some time sharing each of our district's priorities, and planning and strategizing the next few weeks of the legislative session. It was great to take a moment to really work on our team building, fellowship, and discuss committees, bills, and all to come in the 2023 legislative session. |
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| Emergency SNAP Benefits, the extra COVID benefits families have received mid-month in CT, are ending nationwide after this month due to a change in federal law.
Families will still receive the emergency benefits in mid-February on a date to be announced soon, but will only receive their regular SNAP benefits beginning in March.
More information can be found here, and check your EBT Card Balance in real-time here. |
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| Honoring Lieutenant John O'Connor |
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| Current and retired New London Firefighters, with friends and family, gathered this week to honor Lieutenant John O'Connor on the 30th anniversary of his ultimate sacrifice - losing his life while fighting a fire in 1993 at 91 Truman Street.
To honor his life, two signs were placed in his name on Hempstead Street and a memorial on Lower Boulevard. |
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| Groundbreaking for Great Wolf Lodge |
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| I am excited to see a groundbreaking held for Great Wolf Lodge at Foxwoods Mashantucket! Gov. Ned Lamont, Mashantucket tribal leaders, Foxwoods officials and local dignitaries, Great Wolf Resorts executives officially broke ground on the $300 million Great Wolf Water Park and Hotel development next to Foxwoods Resort.
Read more about the groundbreaking in a recent article from The Day here. |
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| Congratulations to the Connecticut Coast Guard Academy Bears |
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| Congratulations to the Connecticut Coast Guard Academy Bears for the win against the New England College Pilgrims, 75-54 during the 2023 Annual SPARs Game this weekend. Go U.S. Coast Guard Academy Women's Basketball! |
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| Congratulations to New London Athletics Varsity Boys Basketball |
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Congratulations to the New London Athletics Varsity Boys Basketball team as they took the "W" defeating Waterford this week, winning 67-62! Our student-athletes continue to make us proud for their hard work in academics and athletics!
Please continue to support our athletes by attending matches and games! You can find the schedule of upcoming games here.
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| Reminder: Don't Miss Middle School Dance Day |
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Don't forget the first 'Middle School Dance Day' for middle schoolers interested in dance! This is a FREE workshop to provide students with an opportunity to get a glimpse as an Arts Magnet Pathway High School dancer!
The workshop will include ballet, jazz, and hip-hop training ending with a showcase of your skills by performing at the girls' varsity basketball halftime show. If you are interested, RSVP here.
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| Arts & Culture Outlook 2023: What You Need to Know |
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| The Cultural Coalition will host a free, Zoom informational session on Thursday, February 16 from 8:30AM-10AM to share everything you need to know about the arts and culture outlook for 2023.
Speakers will include: Congressman Joe Courtney, Elizabeth Shapiro, Director Arts, Preservation & Museums, CT Department of Economic & Community Development and Scott Wands, Director of Grants & Programs, CT Humanities.
To register for the session, click here. |
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| Apply Now: National Youth Poet Laureate |
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| Free Workshop for EMS Partners - Caring for People Who Use Drugs on Feb. 23 |
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| The New London County Coordinated Access, Resources, Engagement and Support (NLC CARES) Team will host a free workshop for EMS partners on Thursday, February 23 titled "Caring For People Who Use Drugs: Best Practices for EMS."
This workshop will share best practices for Emergency Medical Services Providers who provide care for people who use drugs. 1.5 credit hours. Door open at the Holiday Inn New London at 5:30PM.
Learn more and register to attend by clicking here. |
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| 2023 Winter Skill Shares on Feb. 25 |
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| Join an upcoming skill shares event to learn all about the prep side of growing food. Check out the schedule above for dates and topics. |
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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 |
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