Building On Our Skilled Workforce

August 31, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
 
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, healthcare, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.

Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:

Public Act 23-97 is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical fields.

Additional measures include:
 
Public Act 23-167:

  • Expands school-based apprenticeship opportunities in aviation and aerospace
  • Builds on training for future paraeducators
  • Offers dual credit/enrollment opportunities

Public Act 23-55:

  • Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students

Public Act 23-207:

  • Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters.

A skilled workforce is one of the foundations of a robust economy. My colleagues and I are committed to strengthening our current and future workers by providing the necessary tools to help them thrive and succeed.
College Students: Apply for Your Absentee Ballot
As hopefully all of you know, elections take place every year in Connecticut, and this fall we have municipal elections in Norwalk and Westport. If you are a college student (or are out of town for other reasons), you can vote by absentee ballot and the great news is, you can apply for your ballot online!

Visit SOTS.ct.gov for more information.
Last Chance for CT Summer at the Museum 2023!
If you haven’t had a chance to take advantage of free admission to many of Connecticut's museums this summer, don’t worry. You can still visit our fabulous museums through Labor Day! 

We included funding for this program in the recent budget because we know how popular the program has been for Connecticut families. 

Children ages 18 and under - plus one accompanying adult - can receive free admission to any of the participating museums. Learn more HERE. 
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) - Applications Start Sept 5
Attention Westport residents - the application for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) will be open starting September 5, 2023.
 
Connecticut's federally funded Energy Assistance Program (CEAP) helps low-income households with winter heating bills. Connecticut's Department of Social Services administers the program with local Community Action Agencies and municipal social services departments.

Westport residents that previously qualified for assistance through our office will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time may contact the Department of Human Services at 203-341-1050 or humansrv@westportct.gov to make an appointment.
 
To qualify for CEAP, a household's gross annual income must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income (SMI). The maximum income for households is as follows:
 

  • Households of one (1) is $41,553
  • Households of two (2) is $54,338
  • Households of three (3) is $67,124
  • Households of four (4) is $79,910
  • Households of five (5) is $92,695

 
Households with individuals receiving the following benefits may automatically qualify: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Family Assistance (TFA / TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Supplement for the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (State Supp), or Refugee Cash Assistance. CEAP recipients may also be eligible for matching payment plans, protection from shut offs, and replacement and repairs for heating equipment and water heater(s). Recipients who heat with deliverable fuels like oil or propane may also be eligible for additional fuel deliveries.
Free Internet for Back to School
The City of Norwalk Launches New Online Recreation and Parks
Registration System
The Norwalk Department of Recreation and Parks has a brand new online registration system. Through Active Net, an easy-to-use online platform, registration for recreation programming will be available in English and Spanish starting September 1, 2023. For the first time, the Recreation and Parks Department will offer participants the opportunity to register for many of its programs online. Please check out the resources available by scanning the QR code in the graphics for more information.
I hope everyone has a fantastic Labor Day Weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative
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