Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

August 1, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Connecticut: A Leader on Paid Family and Medical Leave

Did you know residents in every town in the state have applied for CT Paid Leave? Approximately 66,000 workers in Connecticut have received over $375 million in benefits when they were unable to work due to qualifying health or family reasons.

On June 25, 2019, Governor Lamont signed P.A. 19-25 into law, creating CT Paid Leave, and employee payroll contributions began in 2021. One year later, on January 1, 2022, benefit payments began for qualified applicants.

Families in Connecticut shouldn't have to worry about whether they can balance taking care of family needs or paying the bills. With this program, both can happen, as it offers partial income replacement benefits.

What qualifies for eligible leave?

  • Parental bonding - the birth of an employee's child or placement of an adopted or foster child with the employee
  • Serious health conditions - for the employee or a family member of the employee
  • Donors - to serve as an organ or bone marrow donor
  • Armed Forces - for family members in the armed forces undergoing treatment for an injury or illness incurred in the line of duty or being deployed to a foreign country
  • Family violence - for family violence victims to seek medical care or counseling, obtain services from a victim services organization, relocate because of family violence, or participate in civil or criminal proceedings related to the family
Learn More about CT Paid Leave

Connecticut is one of 13 states in the nation to pass paid family and medical leave legislation, along with California, Colorado, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington, as well as Washington D.C. States including New Hampshire and Vermont have enacted voluntary programs for employers who want to opt in.

Connecticut should be proud of its paid leave program. It is held up as a national model for other states to emulate. 

 
Infinity Project Event
Thank you to Ocean Beach Park Dave Sugrue and Staff for being the host site for Governor Ned Lamont's visit to hear about the Infinity Project CT - a 30-foot bronze sculpture that will be placed on Shore Rock Island outside Ocean Beach Park, New London, and will be a beacon of light to New London and our visitors.
Big thanks to Renee Rhodes a friend to the City of New London, Connecticut and a Connecticut sculptor (www.reneerhodes.com) who has completed two other cast bronze public art works in New London: Athena Stands Watch on Eugene O'Neill Drive, and Gaia in The Hygienic Art Park.
The fundraising program is directed by Robert DeRobbio , Ph.D., President of the Board. along with Board members: Lynda Smith, Ph.D., Vice President Nanci DeRobbio, Secretary, Arts in Education Specialist David Sugrue, Treasurer, General Manager, Ocean Beach George C. White, Founder, Eugene O'Neill Theater Center Jeanne Sigel, Marketing Development Director, The Garde Art Center Cathleen Buchanan, Past President of the Graduate Institute Steven Bogen, Owner, Blast All Susan Asselin-Connally, Esq., Attorney John Leger, Board Engineer, General Dynamics Electric Boat Donald Brodeur, CPA PE, Brodeur & Company Kenneth Reels, Vice Chairman, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Gaming Commission.
(Pictures attached are only rendering showing where sculpture will be placed and how sculpture will look when finished).Photo illustrations by Vinnie Scarano. Drone photography by David Sugrue Jr.
 
Forum on State Police Traffic Stop Data Audit Report
Last week there was a Broadcasting on YouTube Live JUDJoint Informational Forum on Connecticut State Police Traffic Stop Data Audit Report.
The Connecticut Racial Profiling Prohibition Project presented audit findings last week, stating that a review of 800,000 traffic infractions that were issued between 2014 and 2021 found a mismatch of how many tickets were reported to the judicial system didn’t match what were given to an advisory board — leading to the conclusion that 25,000 tickets were fake.
 
Peru Flag Raising Ceremony
I had a great opportunity to be present during the General of Peru Flag Raising Ceremony and attend a great Peruvian Independence Day Luncheon at CoraCora Restaurant in West Hartford. Had an amazing time fellowshipping with colleagues and New friends.
 
Resources for Veterans
We all know veterans make Connecticut stronger! Below are some important links you should know on #NationalHireAVeteranDay.
For Veterans Seeking Employment Or Training: http://ctdol.state.ct.us/.../Employer-Guide-to-Hiring...
Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs: portal.ct.gov/dva
Contact A Local Veterans Employment Representative: ctdol.state.ct.us/veterans/LVERs.pdf
 
30 Under 30 Honoree
Big big
congratulations to City of New London, Connecticut Ms. Deisha Quinones, who was recognized at the Inaugural Connecticut Afro-Latino 30 Under 30 event, an award recognition to honor any Black/Latinx individuals 30 years of age or younger who have done extraordinary things in the state.
Deisha was selected for her professional accomplishments, demonstrated leadership and community contributions. 🏾🏾🏾🏾🏾🏾🏾
 
New London Tourism Maps
City of New London, Connecticut
has tourism maps 🏾 They’re available at the train station, in city hall, @thamesriverheritagepark, @gardeartscenter and the trolley at the municipal parking lot!
@Explore New London
 
Medicaid and CHIP Coverage
Make sure your family stays covered! If you or your children have #Medicaid or #CHIP, it’s time to pay attention to your health coverage! If you receive a renewal notice from your state, complete the forms & send them back right away. For state info, visit Medicaid.gov/renewals
 
National Recreation & Parks Association Wellness in Our Parks
Click the photo below to watch the video on wellness in our parks.
 Parks as Community Wellness Hubs: Centering Community Voice
 
Pay-What-You-Can Produce Table from FRESH New London
FRESH New London
is offering a pay-what-you-can produce table for the season!
This happens Saturdays 11:00-1:00 at the Mercer St. Garden across from Jennings School
Thank you to FRESH NEW LONDON for your tireless effort to offer and have fresh vegetables for our community.
Check out FRESH NEW LONDON in the City of New London, Connecticut
 
Magnet Kingdom Registration
RMMS Reminder.....The 23-24 Magnet Kingdom registration is here! Regional Multicultural Magnet School
Before and After Care Program 🏾 Register by Aug 21, 2033 - Contact 860 -437 -7775 X7340
 
Free Girls Soccer Clinic
Reminder......FREE GIRLS SOCCER CLINIC for girls entering grades 5-8!
AUGUST 14-17th, 9am-11am. No soccer experience needed, just something free & fun for girls this summer! Clink the link to register: https://forms.gle/1zsS3SecpPPZF3ym8
 
Summer Safety Reminders
 
Internet Safety Tips
Friends & Neighbors please read and share!
Electronic devices and the internet are wonderful learning tools, but they can also expose children to dangers like unwanted content and inappropriate contact from individuals.
Parents, educators and caregivers can limit the danger and protect kids on the internet. By protecting their personal information and being cautious about what they view, families can reduce their risks.
Set rules. Know what your kids are doing. Talk to them about the dangers.
Thank you New London Police Department for sharing.
 
TVCCA Assistance
Did you over-extend yourself or deplete your savings during the pandemic and now are being squeezed by rising prices and rents? TVCCA may be able to help. Call or email today! Income limits have increased! A family of 4 can qualify with an income of $90,000 per year!
 
VetFest PACT ACT Claims Clinic
As House Chair of Veterans and Military Affairs Committee I had a great time this weekend meeting and talking to numerous fellow veterans at Easter seals Veterans Rally Point. Veterans had the great opportunity to check in, register and get services.
I was so happy to see the opportunities offered to Veterans that can work in the wood shop, be part of a podcast, commericial chefs kitchen, workout space, sewing, pottery making, mental health Counciling, take part of food pantry, clothing pantry area and much more.
https://www.facebook.com/veteransrallypoint?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Big thanks to all that work hard to make this possible for Veterans.
 
Lunch at Mifamilia
Today I had the great opportunity to have lunch at Mifamilia Restaurant with Linwood Bland NAACP Youth Council. We had discussion about recent legislation, upcoming events, Youth concerns in the community along with change youth think necessary to happen. Great food, great conversation.
 
 
Visit to Charlie's Place
It was great to stop by Charlie's Place Restaurant & Lounge in Niantic, CT to support the new owner Roderick Martin Cornish who is also owner of the great Hot Rods Cafe in New London, CT.
Rod recently took over as the new owner of Charlies Place in Niantic, CT.
Please help me share a big Congratulations to Rod as he spreads his amazing Talent between New London & Niantic. FYI: 🏾The coconut shrimp & broccoli is delicious.
 
The Beam Apartments
Thank You to The new Beam Apartments for the great arial view showing one of the City of New London, Connecticut most recent projects along with views of the City of New London, CT.
 
Pictures of New London
A few great pics from above City of New London. Thanks to Drone from one of our CT News stations.
 
Reminder Event: Stop by Veterans Rally Point for the 75th Community Festival July 29th
 
Real Art Ways Achievement Award Nomination
Nominations are open through August 30 for the 2023 Achievement Award through Real Art Ways CT Lit Fest, which Connecticut Humanities is proud to sponsor.
Nominees may be writers, publishers, librarians, booksellers, educators, editors, advocates, or a combination. Details and nomination link at https://cthumanities.org/litaward
 
Farmers' Market Food Assistance
Important info to know!
Simply bring your EBT card to the table with the sign that says "SNAP/EBT accepted here" at participating Farmers' Markets and Farm Stands. The Market Master will swipe your card for the amount that you want and give you Market Tokens that can be used at all the stands at that market.
Learn more here: portal.ct.gov/dss/SNAP/Farmers-Markets
List of Farmers' Markets: http://portal.ct.gov/.../2023/2023-CT-Farmers-Markets.pdf
 
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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