Cold Weather Protocol, High Speed Internet, and more

December 5, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

Severe Cold Weather Protocol Activated
With a blast of arctic air expected to blanket Connecticut over the next several days, the state's severe cold weather protocol went into effect for the first time this year, beginning yesterday through Tuesday, December 9, at noon.

Low temperatures over the next few days will dip into the single digits, with wind chills close to zero at times.

Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.

Click HERE to learn more.

 

Child Care Education Endowment
This week, Governor Ned Lamont joined state and local leaders at the Child and Family Agency for a press conference on Connecticut’s new Early Childhood Education Endowment. I was grateful for the chance to speak alongside Leaders.

This endowment marks real progress for child care in our state. As the fund grows, it will make affordable care easier to access, help raise wages for early educators, and support stronger, more modern child care facilities.
 
Thank you to CFA, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and everyone who came out to support this important announcement.
 

RMMS First Curriculum Night
I had a great time at the RMMS First Curriculum Night!

Big thank-you to Deisha Quinones and the RMMS- Regional Multicultural Magnet School team for the invite and for hosting an event that brought out so many families. It was fun from start to finish. The mock city council session, public service announcements, and the robot displays were all impressive — the students really showed their creativity and hard work.

Community helpers I joined included:

  • Eversource Substation Supervisor Ian Caird and his crew, who brought their equipment and a line truck
  • Waterford Community Engagement Officers Fredericks & Hodges
  • New London Community Resource Officer Nocito & Traveler

Thank you to the teachers, the EA team, and all the support staff for putting together a night that truly celebrated our students and our community.

 

Tourism in Southeastern Connecticut

Thank you to the Connecticut Tourism Coalition, fellow Legislators, Leaders and the many that came out to the Garde Arts Center to hear and discuss the importance of Tourism in Southeastern Connecticut. We must start thinking about how to act now to turn potential into shared prosperity — for our shoreline towns, and every family that benefits when tourists spend here. The choice is right in front of us. Every day we hesitate, we lose visitors, revenue, and jobs to states that are willing to invest. This is not a request — it’s a responsibility. Start thinking of Funding tourism now. Fund the future of southeastern Connecticut with funding better than our surrounding states and make sure the revenue and opportunity our communities deserve stay here, where they belong.
 

Highest High Tides
Below is a message from the Connecticut National Estuarine Research Reserve:

Attention New London, Groton, and Stonington residents!

Does your neighborhood or business flood during storms or high tides? If so, use the My Coast CT app to snap and share flooded areas. These photos will help state and local officials better understand vulnerable areas and plan for meaningful improvement projects. Learn more about our pilot project here!
 

Expanding High-Speed Internet Access in Connecticut

The U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Connecticut’s proposal for the federal Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program, awarding $144 million to the state that will be used to expand high-speed internet access statewide. Connecticut is one of 18 states and territories that received approval for its BEAD proposal.
Expanding residents’ access to fast, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet will ease essential daily activities, including obtaining medical care, managing bills, seeking employment, and accessing educational opportunities.
Click here to read more on Connecticut’s final proposal for the BEAD program.
 

Welcoming the New London City Councilmembers and Board of Education Members
Congratulations to the newly sworn-in members of the City of New London, Connecticut City Council. This wasn't just a ceremony — it was a commitment to the people who trust you to serve them.

Local government is where decisions meet real life. It’s where we shape safer neighborhoods, stronger opportunities, better housing, and the future our families depend on.

As your State Representative, I’m proud to work alongside you. When the city wins, the state wins. When we stay aligned, we bring more resources home. And when we lead with integrity and stay connected to the community, we move New London forward.
Congratulations again — I look forward to partnering with each of you. Let’s get to work for our city.
 
New City Council President: John D. Satti City Councilor
New City Council Pres. Pro Temp: Councilor Jeffrey Hart
New City Council Committees:
  • Administration: Chair - Pro-temp Councilor Hart, Councilor Clouet, Council President Satti
  • Economic Development: Chair - Councilor Fareus, Councilor Peck, Councilor Mueller
  • Education, Parks & Rec: Chair- Clouet, Councilor Dominguez , Pro Temp Councilor Hart
  • Finance: Chair - Councilor Mueller, Pro Temp Councilor Hart, Councilor Fareus
  • Public Safety: Chair - Councilor Peck, Councilor Dominguez, Council President Satti
  • Public Works: Chair - Councilor Dominguez, Councilor Clouet, Councilor Fareus
  • Public Welfare: Chair - Council President Satti, Councilor Clouet, Councilor Fareus

In addition, this week the newly elected Board of Education Members were sworn in.

I want to congratulate each of them on earning this responsibility. The work ahead is important. Our Board of Education oversees the policies, budgets, and decisions that shape our classrooms, support our teachers, and guide the opportunities our young people receive every day.

I wish you wisdom, strength, and steady collaboration as you begin this new chapter. Our community is rooting for you, and our kids are counting on all of us to work together for their future.

New London Public Schools City of New London, Connecticut
Elaine Maynard Adams - Chair
Karen Bergin - Vice Chair
Scott S. Garbini - Secretary
Rich Martin
Susan Hambey
Nanci DeRobbio
Becky Amanti
 

Supporting New London's 14U Dance Team and 16U Cheerleaders
Proud doesn’t even begin to cover it! New London’s 14U Dance Team and 16U Cheerleaders are officially on their way to Florida for Nationals! These young champions continue to show what hard work, commitment, and pure heart look like. They’ve already made history as State Champions, and now they’re taking New London pride to the national stage.
 
Huge shoutout to the coaches, helpers, and families who pour into these kids every day — your support is the backbone of their success. Wishing our Whalers all the luck, strength, and blessings as they compete. Go shine, go win, and go represent New London with pride! We’re behind you all the way!
 

CT Technical Education and Career System Applications Now Open
The Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS) is now accepting applications for students entering grade 9 and 10 in the 2026-2027 school year.

CTECS is a statewide system of 17 diploma-granting, NEASC-accredited technical high schools serving approximately 11,500 high school students, including many from your communities. Students in grades 9-12 attend a full-day program that combines academics with an advanced Career and Technical Education (CTE) curriculum. Your districts are served by school locations in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Danbury, Danielson, Groton, Hamden, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Windham.

Students can choose from 31 programs of study in areas such as Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources; Architecture and Construction; Arts, Audio/Visual Technology, and Communication; Health Science; Hospitality and Tourism; Human Services; Information Technology; Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security; Manufacturing; Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM); and Transportation, Distribution & Logistics. View a complete list of CTE programs.

A hallmark of the technical high school experience is the hands-on career development and production work students complete through partnerships with local companies via the Work-Based Learning program.

Graduates of CTECS are well-prepared for immediate employment, apprenticeships, or further education at two- or four-year colleges. Students also have opportunities to earn college credit while in high school through College Career Pathways (CCP) partnerships with community colleges and Dual Enrollment Programs with universities. In addition to academics and technical training, schools offer athletics and a variety of extracurricular activities.

The CTECS application closes on January 25, 2026. Applications submitted by this deadline will be included in the lottery for on-time placements. Applications submitted after January 25 will be added to the waitlist in the order determined by the lottery. No new applications for incoming grade 9 students will be accepted after March 1, 2026. For more information or to apply online, visit the CTECS admissions webpage.

 

Reminding Families to Prioritize Older Driver Safety

Getting older does not automatically mean it is time to stop driving, but it does require regular evaluation of driving abilities.

During Older Driver Safety Awareness Week, Dec. 1–5, 2025, Connecticut is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to encourage families and caregivers to begin open, proactive conversations about safe driving as loved ones age.

Nationally, the population of residents 65 and older has risen significantly, and in 2023 drivers in this age group were involved in nearly one-fifth of all fatal crashes. In Connecticut, 51 older adults were involved in fatal crashes that same year, representing 17% of statewide roadway fatalities.

State law allows drivers 60 and older to take an approved crash-prevention course and receive an insurance discount, providing an important opportunity to refresh skills and stay safe on the road. For more information and a list of providers, visit portal.ct.gov/dmv/resources/insurance-discounts.

Families are encouraged to work with older adults to develop a transportation plan, which may include the following:

  • keeping up with vision and hearing checkups,
  • reviewing medications for side effects that may affect driving,
  • choosing daytime or less complex routes,
  • considering adaptive vehicle equipment,
  • and identifying alternative transportation options if driving becomes difficult.

Free resources are available through NHTSA to help older adults stay safe and to assist families and caregivers in supporting safe mobility for everyone.

 

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
 

Website
Website

Email
Email

Facebook
Facebook

Twitter
Twitter

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences