Patrick Biggins

Dear Neighbor,

Fall is here. Inclement weather is on its way for this weekend, but this is really a great time to live in Connecticut, because the foliage throughout the state is unmatched. I have included some key dates to enjoy the views below. 

I think you'll find the Biggins Books section interesting. I recommend a couple for sure, but that's not so much the case with a couple of the others.

I fully support the authorization of state funds to support our WIC program. Please see more details below.

As always, please feel free to reach out to my office with any suggestions or concerns. 

Sincerely,

Patrick Biggins
State Representative

Please don't hesitate to reach out to any of the resources below if you need help.

• 211ct.org
• SNAP
• WIC
• Connecticut Foodshare

*Please consider donating, if you can, to your local pantry or Connecticut Foodshare.

• The early voting location in East Hartford is the Raymond Library, located at 840 Main Street.
• The early voting location in Manchester is the Mahoney Recreation Center Leisure Lab, located at 110 Cedar Street. 

Please note: Absentee Ballots must be received by 8 p.m., before closing on Nov. 4, Election Day.  Please mail your ballot early so it's received before polls close on Nov. 4. 

The Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities find, maintain, and advance in meaningful employment. The department helps ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the workplace. Assistance for job seekers with disabilities is available virtually and in person.

Please see the links to services below:

• Department of Aging and Disability Services: information on employment and other services available to people with disabilities
• Department of Developmental Services: resources and job information for individuals with intellectual disabilities
• Visit one of the Connecticut Department of Labor’s American Job Centers (appointments are recommended)
• CTHires: serves as a one-stop resource to search for jobs, create a resume, and find training
• Attend one of several job fairs that are scheduled across the state

As we celebrate this month, let’s continue working together to build a more inclusive and equitable future for all.

The National Fire Prevention Association has put together a 3-step plan to safely use lithium-ion batteries:

1. Buy only listed products. When buying a product that uses a lithium-ion battery, look for a safety certification mark such as UL, ETL, or CSA. This means it meets important safety standards.
2. Charge devices safely. Always use the cords that came with the product to charge. Follow the instructions from the manufacturer. Buy new chargers from the manufacturer or one that the manufacturer has approved. Charge your device on a hard surface. Don’t overcharge your device. Unplug it or remove the battery when it’s fully charged.
3. Recycle batteries responsibly. Don’t throw lithium-ion batteries in the trash or regular recycling bins because they could start a fire. Recycle your device or battery at a safe battery recycling location. Visit call2recycle.org to find a recycling spot near you. 

For more information, and additional tips and tools for fire safety in your home, please click HERE.

Full disclosure? I hope that you're encouraged to pick up a book, any book, and just read. Reading is a wonderful way to relax, relieve stress, enhance brain activity, and more.

In the last few weeks, I've read:

The Adventures of Amina al-Sarafi by S.A. Chakraborty

This was a really awesome book to lose yourself in the adventure. The writing was wonderful, but I’m sure it would have been even more beautiful in Arabic due to the many  Arabic phrases that are used throughout.  This was recommended to me by my sister, and I highly recommend it to anyone.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

This is an interesting book, not my favorite, and I am concerned that it might be non-fiction. But I guess that is something people enjoy too. It wasn’t for me.

The Bewitching by Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

This is another great book, recommended by Goodreads for Hispanic Heritage Month, and it didn’t disappoint.  I was caught off guard and enjoyed this book

The Sirens' Call: How Attention Became the World's Most Endangered Resource by Christopher Hayes 

This is another book on the way our attention is the thing that is being monetized by tech companies, and how we can and can’t control the struggle to avoid the call of the smartphones.  This was recommended by a policy advocate, and I greatly appreciate the recommendation. I have already recommended it to others.