Meet Me in Person & Construction Coming on I-95 North

March 31, 2023
MEET ME IN PERSON THIS WEEKEND
Come and share your priorities, ask questions, and provide feedback over coffee as I give a legislative update! I look forward to having a conversation on how to improve our community!
 
WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
Tuesday was STEAM Night at Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School in Groton. I had a great time catching up with so many neighbors, friends, and community organizations at the school. I was blown away by the student projects and demonstrations!
 
MAJOR WORK COMING TO I-95 NORTHBOUND
You can expect to see crews working on I-95 northbound in Groton, Stonington, and North Stonington starting on Monday. They will be making our highway safer, improving the bridge, and replacing some lighting as part of $38.25 million dollar project.
At first, construction crews will be working during the day and closing the right shoulder at times. Night work will start in May. The Connecticut Department of Transportation does not anticipate any ramp closures until late summer or early fall. Mainline roadwork will start in August.

The project aims to improve traffic and roadside safety while installing fencing on the bridge. Crews will also add new fences and sidewalks to the scenic overlook along I-95 northbound, east of interchange 89. The entire project should be done by November of next year.
 
LIGHTING UPGRADES ON THE WAY!
Plans are in the works to upgrade the lighting on Route 2 at Route 78 in Stonington, right by the Rhode Island line. The Connecticut Department of Transportation is replacing the existing lights and light poles with new ones and LED light fixtures.

The goal is to improve visibility and reduce the maintenance requirement of roadway lighting. Final design plans will be available in March of next year.
 
CT GROWN FOOD PART OF FEEDING PROGRAM

Since the start of the pandemic in 2020, nearly $5 million in funds have been distributed to help feed those in need with nutritious, locally grown meals.
 
The funds, which are in collaboration with the Connecticut Department of Agriculture, help emergency feeding programs, address food insecurity through Connecticut Grown foods, and support programming that enables residents of all ages to have equitable access to locally grown foods.
 
Additionally, supporting locally grown products means supporting Connecticut jobs. Several businesses in the 41st district are supporting the cause including Stone Acres Farm in Stonington, Whittle's Willow Spring Farm in Mystic, and City of Groton Farmers' Market.
 
SEE THE FULL LIST OF PARTICIPATING BUSINESSES
 
BEWARE OF IRS SCAMS
Tax filing season is upon us. As you prepare to file, I urge you to be mindful of potential scams. The IRS produces a list of "dirty dozen" tax scams.  While these scams can occur year-round, they tend to increase during this time of the year. It’s wise to stay on top of the latest list of common issues  and take some simple steps to stay safe from them. 

A great way to protect yourself is to do additional research on anything that seems suspicious. Do not click on an email or a link to an unfamiliar website. Never give out any personal information—especially your Social Security Number—to someone claiming to represent the IRS over the phone or online. When in doubt, visit IRS.gov for additional guidance.
 
Filing taxes can be a stressful process. Avoiding these scams can prevent an even larger headache. The deadline to file is April 18.
 
APPLY NOW FOR FREE SWIM LESSONS
The Ocean Community YMCA is now taking application for free swimming lessons for children. Keep in mind you need to show proof that you’re a current Y Cares member, eligible for SNAP benefits, or residing in a QCT.

Lessons will take place from April 30 – June 11. These free lessons will increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in outdoor recreational activities in state parks and forests. I'm excited to see an opportunity in Mystic for our underserved youth.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
 
CT PUBLIC TRANSIT INFO SYSTEM FOR PHONES

Our state is getting federal dollars to develop a unified, statewide public transit information system for mobile phones. The goal is for everyone to get around more easily with the help of our smartphone.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation will integrate public transit information across Connecticut, while also allowing all of us to pay fares from our phones. The new system will incorporate real-time arrival information for Connecticut’s entire public transportation system.
 
CRITICAL BENEFITS ENDING ON SATURDAY
COVID-19 public health emergency protection will be coming to an end on Saturday. Medicaid enrollees who were continuously covered will again have to provide proof of eligibility to continue getting benefits.

If you get your healthcare through HUSKY or DSS, you have not had to do your annual redetermination since March 2020. But starting on April 1, you will have to prove your eligibility once every year. In addition, you will need to provide identification, address, and proof of income.

The closest Department of Social Services Field Office is on West Thames Street in Norwich. It is open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am - 4:30 pm. CLICK HERE for more information.
 
ONE OF THE BEST PLACES TO LIVE IN CT!

Noank is the fifth best place to live in our state according to Niche.com, and the best place to buy a house in Connecticut. The website gives Noank an overall A+, an A- for its public schools, and an A+ for being good for families. Read more about Noank's rankings here!
 
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