Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Sentenced Young & Growing Old: Toward Second Chances, Not Extreme Punishments event on Wednesday. It was on honor to sit on a panel with several experts and discuss the future of youth sentencing in the state. Thanks again to the Yale Institute on Incarceration and Public Safety for this great opportunity.
I will be joined by experts and advocates for a discussion about the future of youth sentencing in Connecticut. The main point of discussion will my proposed juvenile sentencing reform bill, which aims to:
Raise the age threshold for early parole eligibility from under 21 to under 26, in alignment with developmental brain science and the Miller v. Alabama decision.
Eliminate the arbitrary October 1, 2005 cut-off that currently denies hundreds of young people the chance at parole.
Address racial inequities in sentencing: Over 85% of those excluded under current law are people of color, and Connecticut ranks second nationally in racial disparity in youth incarceration.
On Tuesday, the Community Investment Fund board approved $3.5 million in funding for two projects in Norwalk:
$2.5 million investment to fund pedestrian safety and traffic calming upgrades along Lexington Avenue
$1 million to support the historic restoration and streetscape enhancement of Washington Street in South Norwalk’s historic district
These projects will benefit Norwalk in the short and long term. Making pedestrian safety improvements on Lexington Avenue is a big step in terms of equity - once completed, traveling on that street will not be a risky endeavor for those who are not in a car.
The streetscape project will modernize parts of Washington Street, which will drive more traffic to the wonderful restaurants and shops in the area. Thank you to the CIF board for their consideration.
As you prepare to begin decorating for the Halloween season, please check out this list of safety tips provided by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Avoid candles, opt to use battery-powered lights or glow sticks.
Make sure your lights are reputable and were tested by a recognized lab (look for UL, ETL, or CSA marks on the packaging).
Inspect every cord, toss any with cracked sockets, frayed wires, or loose connections.
Place decorations wisely to keep walkways clear and trick-or-treaters safe.
The DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will take place on October 25 from 10 AM - 2 PM. On this day, residents will be able to safely and securely dispose of unused or expired medications. Click here to find a drop-off site near you.
If you are unable to attend on October 25, or if you're looking for convenient disposal options throughout the year, MyOldMeds.com is a valuable resource. They offer a free, easy-to-use locator tool that connects residents to the 354 disposal sites across Connecticut.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) recently shared a newsletter that includes helpful tips about identifying potential scams. If you have any additional questions, please visit the CT DCP website.
