Millions Approved for Home Heating Assistance

February 15, 2024


My colleagues and I are back at the Capitol for the 2024 legislative session, and we took swift action as snow and cold temperatures returned to Connecticut. I'll break down why the House approved millions in home heating assistance to those in need. 

There is a new warning device at the crosswalk in front of Simsbury Town Hall. Keep scrolling to find out how the new technology notifies drivers when someone crosses the street.

And, the state is working on plans to upgrade everyone's safety at a pair of busy intersections in Simsbury. You'll have to look below to see where!

Here are the sections in this week's email. You can scroll down until you find the topic you are looking for:

  • Millions Approved For Home Heating Assistance
  • The Legislative Process
  • Safety Improvement in Front of Town Hall
  • Plan To Improve Driver & Pedestrian Safety
  • Community Events
 
Millions Approved for
Home Heating Assistance
The House approved $17 million in additional cold weather heating assistance funds in one of our first votes of the new legislative session. Many residents and families who receive assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or Operation Fuel will have access to funds to ensure they can heat their homes through the cold weather season.
This funding ensures that none of our neighbors must choose between paying their bills or freezing. I am committed to enhancing the safety and quality of life for all residents, and I will continue to do so moving forward.
 
The legislative session started last week, and House Speaker Matt Ritter gave a rousing speech about unity. He reminded us of the bipartisan work we have accomplished to improve the state of Connecticut.
 
Some of that groundbreaking legislation includes support for women. As a result, I joined dozens of female legislators in wearing pink on Opening Day to show solidarity. It's great to see this group of leaders coming together to reach new heights!
I remain focused on crafting new proposals and working collaboratively with my colleagues to make Connecticut a safer, more equitable, and more prosperous state. Look below to see a list of general caucus priorities in 2024. 
 
I will continue my own legislative focuses on women and children, small business, school funding, and the environment while contributing to the conversation regarding the statewide housing shortage.

The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:

  • The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented.
 
The Legislative Process

The 2024 Legislative Session is right around the corner! Don’t be intimidated -let’s break down how a bill become a law in just six steps.
 
Safety Improvement in Front of Town Hall

Crews installed a warning device to improve pedestrian safety in front of Simsbury Town Hall. This new technology will warn drivers if someone is crossing in a sidewalk on Hopmeadow Street.

Here’s how it works:

  • Someone presses the button next to the crosswalk
  • Then the lights on the signal flash
  • Drivers are then aware that a person is crossing the street

The next big project is improving the Simsbury Town Hall parking lot once the weather improves.
Courtesy: Simsbury Public Works Department
 
Plan To Improve Driver & Pedestrian Safety

The state is working on plans to upgrade traffic control signal equipment in town! The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) wants to boost pedestrian safety and accessibility by improving certain features at two intersections in Simsbury. 

You can expect upgrades to pedestrian control features, detection, and controllers at:

  • Routes 44 & 202 (Albany Avenue) at Route 167 (Bushy Hill Road & West Avon Road)
  • Routes 44 & 202 (Albany Avenue) at Hoffman Plaza West Driveway & Private Drive
Routes 44 & 202 (Albany Avenue) at Route 167

The CTDOT expects to finish design plans by January 2026 and work could start three months later. If you would like to share feedback or learn more about this project, contact Gregory R. Palmer, Project Manager at (860) 594-2748 or via email at Gregory.Palmer@ct.gov.
 
Community Events

You're invited to watch a movie called "Uninvited: The Spread of Invasive Species." This film tells the story of invasive species in New York State and how experts are tackling that issue. CLICK HERE to register for the event at Simsbury Public Library on Thursday, February 15 at 7:00 P.M.
 

Part of the series, “Songs of the Baby Boom: American Post War Pop Music,” this program focuses on some of the biggest hits connected to the Brill Building on Broadway. Tickets are $8 for members and $10 for non-members. CLICK HERE to get your tickets.
 

Compete for a prize at a teen Cupcake Decorating Challenge on Friday, February 16 at 1:00 P.M. at Simsbury Public Library. Teens will compete for three different rounds of creativity.
 

Learn to make earrings, bracelets, necklaces and so much more at a Jewelry Workshop. The event is taking place on Tuesday, February 20 from 1:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. at Eno Memorial Hall in the South Conference Room. Please email Erika Cleveland HERE to register!
 

Social Services and the Simsbury Public Library are co-sponsoring an event with Interval House to educate pre-teens and teens on Healthy Relationships. The program will cover romantic and non-romantic behaviors and educate youth on red flags to address and support yourself or anyone in your support system in need. The free event takes place Thursday, February 22 at 6:30 P.M. at Simsbury Public Library.