Weekly Updates & Local Happenings

March 1, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Black History Month at New London High School
I was honored to be part of an amazing panel discussion to celebrate Black History Month at New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus we talked about what Black history meant to us, who are important Black History Heroes, and other exciting topics. We then broke up into discussion groups to share life experiences Thank you, to Kevin Booker, Jr. - New London Parking Authority Commissioner Principal Bryan Mayhon for this great event.
 
Mitchell College Black History Event
Amazing Event at Mitchell College City of New London, Connecticut a Black History Event to be remembered. Big " Shout It Out" to Freshman Student Inonda Peterson and her fabulous Team for such a great vision to bring the community together. Thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and Mitchell College President Espy for such a great event.
 
Connecticut's Own Rosie the Riveter
Women have been in welders longer than some of us know. Connecticut Black History showing woman holding down the home front during WWII.
 
Veterans & Military Affairs Public Hearing
Below you can watch the full Veterans & Military Affairs public hearing where we covered a range of topics related to our veterans and active-duty service members.

Our next public hearing will be Thursday, March 7. We encourage veterans, military, friends, and family advocates to come speak or give written testimony.

Watch the public hearing in full here.
 
Veterans with Disability Task Force
Had the great opportunity to attend and briefly speak at the Veteran's with Disability Task Force. Event was standing room only, great to hear from @Sheri.Voit, Representative Henry Genga, U.S Marine Jack Shelar along with other speakers advocating to make sure Connecticut understands the needs of our veterans.
 
Next Week's Public Hearings
A look at the schedule of public hearings being held. Please remember that you only need to register if you wish to provide testimony. If you want to observe the hearings, you can tune in to watch the proceedings live on the committee’s YouTube channel.
You can register to testify and find more detail on this week’s public hearings, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s CGA Bulletin. Access the Bulletin here: cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp
 
Diversity on Main/New London Partnership
I was thrilled to see that Diversity on Main - a program that seeks to develop and sustain vibrant downtowns by providing comprehensive resources to Black-owned businesses including education, capacity building, and technical assistance - will launch its inaugural collaboration with New London!

The partnership will contribute to the overall economic health and vitality and New London's downtown and create a successful long-term plan.

New London has so much to offer, and this partnership will bring out so much of what makes New London great!

 
Shore Line East Rail Public Hearing
On Monday, March 4 at 10am, the Transportation Committee is holding a public hearing on SB 277, An Act Restoring Services on the Shore Line East Rail Line.

The purpose of the bill is to restore service on the Shore Line East rail line to the same level of service that existed prior to the reduction in service due to the COVID-19 emergency shutdowns.

This is a critical bill for our community, so I highly encourage you to testify on this bill if you can!

Please not that registration to testify closes Sunday, March 3 at 3pm.

You may register through the On-Line Testimony Registration Form found here: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YbvOI2AJSoaWuki6G3kvFQ#/registration

Additionally, you may also submit written testimony by following this link:  https://www.cga.ct.gov/aspx/CGATestimonySub/CGAtestimonysubmission.aspx?comm_code=TRA

 

Childhood Nutrition Program
I am thrilled to share exciting news about my commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our community’s families and children. In response to the vital need for improved childhood nutrition, we are working on crafting comprehensive legislation that ensures mothers and children who are eligible for federal benefits are enrolled in these programs with ease and confidence.
 
WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children) enrollment in Connecticut is among the lowest in the country at 46%. Not maximizing participation in this program is resulting in worse outcomes for the health and nutrition of young children. 
 
Child nutrition is important for many reasons including:

  • Strengthening the child's immune system
  • Providing essential vitamins and minerals
  • Enhancing brain development
  • Encouraging physical growth
  • Setting the stage for healthy eating habits for a lifetime

Healthy nutrition is also tied to preventing chronic disease, improving mental health, and helping build strong bones and teeth.

As this priority bill moves through the legislative process, I urge you to show your support as we move forward. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youngest community members.

 
New London Fitch Ratings Upgrade
HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT for the City of New London, Connecticut. Big "Shout it Out" and thank you to our Mayor Michael Passero, Finance Director & staff and City Council. Fitch Ratings upgrading New London, CT's Issuer Default Rating (IDR) to 'AA' is a significant achievement for the city. This upgrade reflects Fitch's confidence in New London's financial management and economic outlook. Here's how it benefits the city:
  • **Lower Borrowing Costs** With a higher credit rating, New London can access credit at lower interest rates. This means the city can borrow money for projects or infrastructure improvements more affordably, saving taxpayer money in the long run.
  • **Improved Financial Health** A higher credit rating indicates that New London has demonstrated fiscal responsibility and stability. This can attract investors and businesses, boosting economic development and creating jobs within the city.
  • **Enhanced Reputation** A 'AA' rating from Fitch is a mark of credibility and trustworthiness. It signals to investors, residents, and potential businesses that New London is a financially sound and attractive place to live, work, and invest in.
  • **Increased Access to Capital** The 'AA' rating makes it easier for New London to access capital markets and secure funding for essential projects and initiatives, such as infrastructure upgrades, public services, and community development programs.
Overall, Fitch Ratings' upgrade is a vote of confidence in New London's financial management and economic prospects, paving the way for greater prosperity and growth for the city and its residents.
 
Tox Brewing Company Expansion
Great Announcement: City of New London, Connecticut Tox Brewing Company a popular brewery in New London, celebrated its move to a new location on Bank Street, marking a significant expansion for the business.

 
Tox Brewing Company, co-owned by Michael Zaccaro and Dayne Laskey, undertook a monumental move from its former 1,400-square-foot tap room on Broad Street to a sprawling 14,000-square-foot space downtown in New London.
Their relocation aligns with a broader revitalization effort in New London, as historic buildings undergo transformation, rejuvenating the city’s economy.
 
“This is exactly the right time,” emphasized Laskey. “New London is going through some changes that I’ve never seen before in my life, and we are really excited for what’s happening here on Bank Street.”
 
The decision to remain rooted in the heart of New London holds personal significance for Zaccaro and Laskey, who both grew up in the area. “This is our old stomping ground,” said Zaccaro.
 
Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut at the Capitol!
This week I was so happy to run into friends from the City of New London, Connecticut Child and Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut. Great to see the Chief Executive Officer LCSW Lisa Otto, and Chief Operations Officer LCSW Erin Saylor come to the Legislative Office Building to testify during the Appropriations Committee meeting on Health Agencies. Child & Family Agency is located at 255 Hempstead Street New London.
Link in regards to UCC in New London:
 
Housing Advocates at the Capitol
I also got to meet up with friends from City of New London, Connecticut - Yamilla Mateo our Neighborhood Coordinator /Fair Housing, Relocation, and Eviction Officer and Judi Cox our Housing & Community Outreach Coordinator. Yamilla and Judy came to Hartford, CT to hear from and be part of the Fair Rent Commission Forum. Another great event they will bring home information to assist our residents. Thank you to Yamilla and Judy for all you do for the New London Community
 
Appropriations Regulations and Protections Subcommittee Work Session
Watch our work session here.
 
New London Haitian Hub Resource Center
Had the great opportunity to be present this week for the Grand Opening of the New London Haitian Hub Resource Center at 60 Huntington Street City of New London, Connecticut. This is a great addition to thenamazing community service provided throughout our city. Thank you to Shineika Fareus and her team of amazing proffessionals that will be helping bring great things into our community.
 
Dominican Flag Raising
Thank you so much to ADNL / Asociación de Dominicanos de New London helping our community celebrate and hoist the Dominican Flag this week. This day they also presented community awards and shared the importance and clarity on what the colors of the Flag mean and the commitment to making our community great. Thank you all for you great work and service provided to the City of New London, Connecticut.
 
New London Elks Awards/Recognition Ceremony
Last week the New London Elks had a great awards/recognition ceremony in regards to community service hero's. I was able to present citations from the State of Connecticut along with State Representative Kevin Ryan on behalf of our delegation. City of New London, Connecticut New London Elks Good times, great food. Big "Shout Out" to all the staff and volunteers that made this such a great event.
 
School-Based Health Center Advocacy Day
I missed y'all but want to say thank you to Members of the Executive Leadership team and School-Based Health Center program that attended Connecticuts School-Based Health Center Advocacy day in Hartford. I am very supportive to make sure your priorities come to fruition. Thank you all.
Learn more about the call to make funding available and ensure these services continue.
 
New London Police Promotion
Big City of New London, Connecticut Congratulations to Ashley James, on her promotion to Sergeant today with the New London Police Department. Thank you Sergeant James for your service to our community.
 
Basketball ll-Stars!
Congratulations to the 2024 Eastern Connecticut Conference Boys' Basketball 1st Team All-Stars!
☆☆☆☆Special "Shout It Out" to DEVON WILLIAMS & DASHAUN PHILLIPS
Congratulations to the 2024 Eastern Connecticut Conference Boys' Basketball Honorable Mention All-Stars!
☆☆☆☆ Special "Shout It Out" to SAVAHN WARREN
City of New London, Connecticut New London High School Multi-Magnet Campus
New London Whalers Athletics New London Public Schools
 
More Athletic Success
Congratulations to City of New London, Connecticut New London Whalers Athletics continuing to do big things standing out in Athletics for our community "Andrew Mendez" for Mens Fencing Foil Champion and "Tatiana Pemberton" - "Aiyanni Mitchell" for Class M ALL STATE Cheerleading.
 
WBDC New London Grant
The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) is offering grants of up to $10,000 to qualified small businesses located in City of New London, Connecticut.
The New London/WBDC Small Business Grant Program is designed to help businesses in the City of New London, Connecticut grow! Grants between $2,500 and $10,000 will be awarded for clearly defined projects that will have a measurable impact on the business, its growth and profitability.
 
Calling All Veterans!
Looking for your next career opportunity? At General Dynamics Electric Boat, you can continue your service by helping us build the world’s most capable submarines in defense of our nation. Our Boat for Vets program is a great way to see if a job at Electric Boat is the career move for you.
Register now for the upcoming session of Boat for Vets, taking place March 19, 20 and 21. Contact Heather Lee at hlee1@gdeb.com to sign up or for more information.
 
Hip Hop Healing
Incredible response that this program received once I launched the flier. Because of that, I decided to extend this program to students that don't attend New London High School.
Now, male rappers grades 9-12 from ANY & EVERY SCHOOL are welcomed to audition. The audition location has also been changed to the Garde Arts Center, where the program will also take place.
 
CPR, First Aid, AED Certification
Get your Red Cross CPR, First Aid, and AED Certification! Receive your certification upon successful completion of this course. Mondays March 11-March 25.
 
National Endowment for the Arts Grant Opportunity
 
American Legion Officer Training
The American Legion, Department of Connecticut
is conducting Officer training. This training is in CPR, Post Data, CMD, ADJ Form - Finance Officer Forms - Adjutant Training.
Questions contact: Mike Kellet 203 - 673 - 2745
 
U.S. Coast Guard Academy Presents: Mary Poppins
This weekend, come visit the U.S. Coast Guard Academy and see the USCGA Cadets present the Broadway Musical Mary Poppins! Free and open to the public, there are showings both on Saturday and Sunday, truly in the most delightful way!
Just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down!
Tickets are FREE at www.cgaalumni.org/musical
 
Naturally New London Video
Great Video City of New London, Connecticut - Naturally New London," New London, CT - Episode 45
Watch the full video here!
 
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
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