Stonington Schools Get Funding & Key Vote on Short-Term Rentals

February 24, 2023
ARPA FUNDING GOING TO STONINGTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
I'm proud to see that Stonington Public Schools will receive nearly $200,000 in state funding to hire and maintain mental health workers during the next three school years. Stonington is only one of 20 school districts in the entire state to be selected in this competitive grant program.
 
The School Mental Health Workers Grant is funded by money the state received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which comes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is the first of three rounds of grants being administered by the state using ARPA funding. The funds are aimed at addressing mental health in schools.
Our children have struggled with mental health since the start of the pandemic. This funding will give them access to more help while they are at school.
 
Stonington Public Schools will receive $73,408 dollars for fiscal year 2023 and 2024. The district will then collect another $51,384.60 in 2025. The total grant award comes out to $198,201.60.

Click here for a full breakdown of the funding.
 
WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
Last week, I joined two other House Democrats for a Legislative Update in New London. Rep. Anthony Nolan, Rep. Christine Conley and I talked about a series of issues including public education funding, infrastructure, affordability, and so much more.

It was a pleasure answering your questions and meeting you in-person! I want to thank everyone who joined us at the New London Library. Stay tuned for upcoming Town Halls in Groton, Mystic, and Stonington.
 
I had a great time exploring the Stonington Farmers Market last Saturday morning at the The Velvet Mill! It's such a great place to support local vendors, see neighbors, and learn about upcoming events like the Stonington 2023 Energy Fair on March 25th at the Mystic Aquarium.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STONINGTON 2023 ENERGY FAIR
 
I was absolutely honored to attend the Mohegan Forward Tribe Legislative Reception this morning. State Representatives, mayors, and first selectmen from both parties in Southeastern Connecticut were invited!
 
We learned about their new business activities, community presence, and ongoing efforts to preserve and share their rich history through education.
Mohegan Tribal Elders gave my friend Rep. Keith Denning and I a behind-the-scenes visit of the casino! Thank you to Bruce Bozsum, "Two Dogs," Elder and Justice, and Phil Russell, “Yellow Hawk,” Elder and Justice for taking the time to share your space with us. We had a blast! 
 
VOTE ON STONINGTON SHORT-TERM RENTALS
A special town meeting will be held on Monday night to go over, discuss, and vote on several key issues. One of the main items, which we have discussed in this newsletter, is short-term rentals.

There will be a vote on adopting an ordinance that would regulate the operation of those short-term rentals in town. If passed, the issue would then go to a town-wide referendum on March 13.

My colleagues at the Capitol and I are talking about short-term rentals on the state level. In January, the Planning and Development Committee, of which I am a member, raised a bill concept called an Act Concerning Short Term Rentals. If you are passionate on this issue, please share your thoughts with me via email.
Here are some of the other big topics at Monday's meeting:
  • Installation of parking meters in downtown Mystic
  • Establishment of two Cultural Districts within town and a Cultural District Commission
  • Establishment of Housing Opportunities Commission

The meeting will take place on February 27 at 7:00 p.m. at Stonington High School.
CLICK HERE FOR A BREAKDOWN OF MONDAY'S MEETING
 
BILLS THAT NEED YOUR ATTENTION
From food waste to fishing, the bills below will have a profound impact on our district. Please consider submitting testimony in support of these proposals or sharing your thoughts and suggestions for improving the pending legislation before the Environment Committee.
  • HB 6726: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REGULATION OF LIVESTOCK AND CERTAIN RABBIT PROCESSING FACILITIES
  • HB 5614: AN ACT CONCERNING THE REVISION OF THE HARBOR MANAGEMENT ACT.
  • HB 5577: AN ACT CONCERNING SURPLUS FOOD DONATION AND ESTABLISHING FOOD COMPOSTING REQUIREMENTS.
  • HB 6664: AN ACT MANAGING WASTE AND CREATING A WASTE AUTHORITY.
  • HB 6725: AN ACT REVISING CERTAIN FARMING AND AQUACULTURE PROGRAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO TESTIFY AT A PUBLIC HEARING
 
PRAYERS FOR STONINGTON POLICE SERGEANT
Stonington Police Sgt. Mario Ritacco is recovering after he was injured at a road construction site. A car struck his cruiser on Monday as he was directing traffic. Sgt. Ritacco is undergoing treatment, and we're told he has a long road to recovery.

I send my thoughts and prayers to Sgt. Ritacco and his entire family during this difficult time. He has been a model of success for the Stonington Police Department for 22 years and has earned several awards and promotions in that time.
 
FREE TAX FILING SERVICES
Trained volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites offer free tax filing assistance from through mid-April. As long as your annual income is below $60,000, the service is free of charge. You can meet a volunteer at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Pearl Street in Mystic.
CLICK HERE FOR TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU NEED AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
 
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