Local Events, Legislative Update, and More

May 8, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Monday! Below, please find information on upcoming events in Fairfield, updates on my work at the Capitol, and more. For your convenience, here are some helpful links to all the information included in this email:

  • Discussion on the Anti-Blight and Receivership Bill
  • Rescheduled Legislative Update Event
  • Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
  • Jewish Heritage Month
  • National Prevention Week
 
Discussion on the Anti-Blight and Receivership Bill
Last week, we had our third Main Street Working Group Lunch & Learn and it was wonderful to welcome CT Main Street Center Executive Director Michelle McCabe and several municipal partners to the LOB to discuss the importance of HB 6892, an Anti-Blight and Receivership bill. This legislation gives municipalities additional tools to address blighted and abandoned properties, particularly in their Main Street districts, and make them productive again. A single blighted property impacts an entire Main Street, and State Representative Anthony Nolan and I were happy to have the opportunity to showcase this important legislation to support the economic growth and vitality of our communities.
 
Rescheduled Legislative Update Event
A reminder that there will be a legislative update event with the Fairfield delegation this Thursday, May 11 from 7 pm - 8:30 pm at the Little Pub in Fairfield - 2133 Black Rock Turnpike.
 
Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
During Asian American Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're celebrating the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities; of brave immigrants who, motivated by the promise of possibilities, picked up their lives and found new homes here; of native peoples who have stewarded these lands since time immemorial; and of community leaders shaping a brighter future for us all.
Recognizing this heritage month is particularly important given the sharp increase in hate crimes impacting the AAPI community since the emergence of the Covid pandemic. According to the Stop AAPI Hate Edelman National Survey of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, 2021, the most impactful tool in combating hate crimes is increasing education. I am proud to share that last year, CT was the first state in the nation to require the teaching of AAPI history in our schools. This work- to increase our knowledge and understanding of AAPI history and experiences- is important to reduce hate crimes against this community and ensure Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders feel safe where they live.
 
Jewish American Heritage Month
The story of the Jewish people is one of resilience, faith, and hope in the face of adversity, prejudice and persecution. This has been woven into the fabric of our Nation’s story. It has driven us forward in our ongoing march for justice, equality, and freedom.

This Jewish American Heritage Month, let us join hands across faiths, races, and backgrounds to make clear that evil, hate, and antisemitism will not prevail. Let us honor the timeless values, contributions, and culture of Jewish Americans, who carry our Nation forward each and every day.  And let us rededicate ourselves to the sacred work of creating a more inclusive tomorrow, protecting the diversity that defines who we are as a Nation, and preserving the dignity of every human being  here at home and around the world.  

With the increase in antisemitism, now more than ever, these conversations are crucial. The Anti-Defamation League has a map that tracks hate, extremism, antisemitism, and terrorist acts (referred to as the H.E.A.T map) across our country. Unfortunately, in our own community of Fairfield, there were four H.E.A.T events reported last year.

Earlier this session, the ADL held an important legislative forum on antisemitism and our current political discourse, which you can watch here.

There are a number of actions we can take to address antisemitism. You can find what you can do by clicking here and exploring the ADL website. Below are just some simple actions you can take to fight antisemitism:

  • Advocate against hate by signing a petition urging Congress to enact the  Jabara-Heyer NO HATE Act and the Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act.  Additionally, you can contact your local Jewish community to consider supporting or initiating other legislative action in your area. 
  • Learn how you can help stop the spread of hate online by reporting it directly to social media platforms using our Cyber Safety Action Guide.
  • Report incidents of anti-Semitism to ADL, your local Jewish community, and/or local law enforcement.
  • Talk to friends, family, colleagues, and young people about the consequences of antisemitism, extremism, and hate. Here are some Educational Resources to help answer common questions. 
 
National Prevention Week
This week is Fairfield CARES's National Prevention Week. National Prevention Week is a national public education platform showcasing the work of communities and organizations across the country dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of substance use prevention and positive mental health.

The three primary goals of National Prevention Week are to:

  • Involve communities in raising awareness of substance use and mental health issues and in implementing prevention strategies, and showcasing effectiveness of evidence-based prevention programs;
  • Foster partnerships and collaborations with federal agencies and national organizations dedicated to improving public health; and
  • Promote and disseminate quality substance use prevention and mental health promotion resources and publications.

There are a variety of events being put on throughout the week, and you can read more about each one here.

 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative

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