Major Boost For High School Students & CT's Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks

September 29, 2023


Thanks to some critical state funding, Stamford high school students are getting a major boost in the form of more opportunities to earn college credits before graduation. Accumulating those credits can help students get a jump start in their postsecondary program, while also saving money.

In Hartford, the Connecticut legislature voted in a Special Session to move up the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. I'll break down why that is so important.

Below you will find the following sections and topics in this email:

    • Major Boost For High School Students
    • CT's Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks
    • Opposition Vote for CT Supreme Court Nominee
    • New Website Celebrating CT State Parks
    • Ferguson Library Update
    • Milad an-Nabi
    • Hispanic Heritage Month
     
    Major Boost For High School Students
    The Connecticut State Department of Education awarded $87,775 to Stamford Public Schools to expand dual credit offerings in high schools. This investment is part of a $3.8 million statewide investment to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation through partnerships formed between high schools and public and private colleges and universities.
    Stamford Public Schools will use the funding to:
    • Enter into an agreement with The Workplace and Housatonic Community College (HCC) to allow students to earn college credits in Advanced Manufacturing courses
    • Develop the curriculum in collaboration with HCC for the Intermediate and Subtractive Manufacturing Course
    • Evaluate the Introduction to Manufacturing curriculum
    • Recruit students
    • Provide professional development to teacher(s)
    • Purchase classroom simulators and Computer Numerical Control machines

    CLICK HERE to see more about Stamford School District's individual application.
     
    CT's Presidential Primary Moved Up by Four Weeks

    During Tuesday’s Special Session, we took a bipartisan proposal and moved the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. It will occur on the first Tuesday in April.

    We made this decision after carefully considering how moving the primary would benefit Connecticut voters. By advancing the primary date, we aim to increase our influence in the national political landscape and encourage more candidates to visit us during the 2024 campaign season.
    The bipartisan support for this important bill serves as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that every single voice has a meaningful opportunity to be heard and valued.
     
    As we move forward, I encourage you to stay informed about the upcoming presidential primary and actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote matters and your voice deserves to be heard.
     

    Opposition Vote for CT Supreme Court Nominee

    During the Special Session, the House and Senate confirmed Nora Dannehy as the newest member of Connecticut’s State Supreme Court. I was one of the three Democratic State Representatives to vote against her nomination.

    While I do not question Dannehy's impressive career, I want to see more diversity in the areas of expertise on the State Supreme Court. We need to see more judges with experiences on issues such as housing, environment, and social justice.
     
    New Website Celebrating CT State Parks

    Are you looking to learn more about our state parks? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) launched CTParks.com, a new website showcasing our Connecticut State Parks in a more user-friendly fashion.

    More people are going outdoors and enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, biking, and fishing just to name a few. CTParks.com will allow you to learn about and access our wonderful state parks such as Mianus River State Park.
    Connecticut is home to 142 state parks and forests covering more than 255,000 acres of pristine coastline, rolling hills, and enchanting forests. I encourage you to visit our green spaces and unplug.
     
    Ferguson Library Update
    Recent studies have shown that children and teens currently face a mental health crisis. The pandemic put a halt on so many things. School stopped, and kids found themselves at home watching a global crisis unfold unlike any this country had navigated before.
     
    Imagine being a child moving along, without a care in the world, and the pandemic hits. At a younger age, you realize the uncertainty of things, and for many people, sudden loss. The dramatic shift in daily life, changes to schooling, and watching as social media became a sounding board for fears shift many kids into a new emotional landscape.
    Click Here For Resources and Support
    Local Youth Support Resources
    Click on the images below to learn more about these important events.
     
    Milad un-Nabi
    Eid Milad-Un-Nabi Mubarak! My warmest wishes to all who are celebrating. Muslims across the world celebrate Eid Milad-un-Nabi to mark the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, the founder of Islam. 
     
    Hispanic Heritage Month
    We continue to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing Latinos' long history of military service to the United States.