Our legislative session is in its third week and picking up steam. There has been a lot of activity at the state capitol and I wanted to share this update and resources.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
The topics covered are as follows:
Legislative Updates
Today in CT History
Community Resources
CT Foodshare
Manchester Community Events
East Hartford Community Events
Legislative Updates
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-partisanOffice of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document highlights and 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.
2024 Legislative Survey
As the 2024 legislative session begins, I would like to hear from you! Connecticut faces many challenges, including access to affordable housing, childcare, and quality healthcare. I’d like to know your views on all the various issues facing our state. I would like to hear your opinion on a variety of topics so I can better represent you and our community in Hartford. I hope you will take a few minutes to complete this survey.
In the early 19th century, Thomas Jefferson, who was elected to two consecutive terms as President of the United States, proved to be a constant thorn in the side of Connecticut’s political leaders. Virtually all the members of Connecticut’s political “Standing Order” were staunch Federalists who vehemently disagreed with Jefferson’s Democratic-Republican political agenda and foreign policy.
These disagreements came to a head in 1807, when Jefferson, halfway into his second term, signed the Embargo Act of 1807 into law. Intended as a punitive measure toward the warring countries of Europe who were constantly harassing American sailors at sea, the embargo aimed to deny them access to American goods by closing American ports to all international trade. The Embargo Act wreaked havoc on Connecticut and other New England states, whose economies were heavily dependent on shipping and trade. Farmers reported widespread spoilage of crops normally slated for export. Merchants watched helplessly as their ships sat idle, prohibited from leaving port.
Governor Jonathan Trumbull, Jr.
Connecticans resisted the Embargo Act of 1807 — “Jefferson’s Embargo” — a number of ways. Local newspapers railed against the unpopular act, and throughout the state, smuggling was tacitly encouraged. New London’s customs collector doled out “special permission” for several merchant ships to sail in and out of New London in open defiance of federal law. But the most stunning act of defiance occurred on February 23, 1809, when Connecticut’s governor, Jonathan Trumbull Jr., declared the embargo “unconstitutional” before a special session of the General Assembly, and stated he would refuse to enforce it. Trumbull encouraged Connecticut’s lawmakers and citizenry to openly defy the federal embargo and formally called upon other New England states to do the same, in order “to interpose their protective shield between the rights and liberties of the people and the assumed powers of the [Federal] Government.” By refusing to enforce the embargo and citing the welfare of Connecticut citizens as justification, Connecticut became the first state to use a claim of states’ rights to refuse to implement a federal law.
While a minority of Republican lawmakers denounced Trumbull’s actions as akin to treason, the Governor’s words fell on mostly sympathetic ears. With the embargo in place for over a year, many other Americans — in New England and elsewhere– were also protesting and openly flaunting Jefferson’s injurious act . One month after Governor Trumbull’s declaration, the unpopular Embargo Act was repealed, having accomplished little beyond throwing the United States’ domestic economy into turmoil. A bold and ground-breaking defiance of federal law — perhaps one of Connecticut’s most controversial “firsts” — took place today in Connecticut history.
Below is the list of locations in Manchester that are open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
Squire Village, 48 Spencer Street, 06040 (1st parking lot off Imperial Drive #78)
Faith Tabernacle – Manchester 110 Utopia Rd, Manchester, CT 06042
New River Community Church -314 Woodbridge St, Manchester, CT 06042
East Hartford
Below is the list of locations in East Hartford that are open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call (860) 291-7295
or (860) 291-7248
Hockanum Park- 75 Hamilton Park
Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford)
Residents are invited to provide input on how to spend Manchester’s federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds during the program year that begins October 1, 2024. Hybrid public hearings will be held Thursday, February 29th at 11am and 5:30pm.
In-person attendees will meet in the Lincoln Center Hearing Room, 494 Main St.
Persons who wish to attend virtually must submit a request tohguerette@manchesterct.gov Only those who submit a request will receive a link to join the meeting.
Si necesita un interprete, llame al departamento de planificacion al (860) 647-3044 por lo menos tres dias de negocios antes de una audiencia publica.
It is TIME! Join the Manchester Police Department for their 32nd Session of the Citizen Police Academy Wednesday nights beginning March 6 - May 15 from 6pm - 9pm. This session will bring an in-depth review of the Manchester Police Department, their fundamentals, various specialty units, training, skills and considerations for working in partnership with the community.
Interested in taking part in this journey? Email HearnC@ManchesterCT.govfor registration requirements.
Downtown Streetscape Details
The Town of Manchester is excited to have received a $7.5 million Community Investment Fund grant to fund long-sought safety and streetscape improvements to Downtown. The project is intended to do what the Manchester community has asked us to do for many years: Invest in Downtown to make it an even better destination for everyone: residents; business and property owners, customers, employees and visitors.
Please visit the project web pageand be on the lookout for a series of open houses. Discussion in the community has already begun, which is great!
Here are some details for those who care about Downtown and are interested in the project:
• NO PLANS HAVE BEEN FINALIZED
• Downtown currently rates as a high crash area with numerous accidents and sadly, fatalities.
• Complete Streets projects typically result in increased business activity and private investment.
• A “Road diet” is designed to make vehicular traffic through Downtown: Slower, Smoother and Safer to benefit ALL.
• Conceptual plans show NO NET DECREASE in the number of on-street parking spaces and ADDITIONAL off-street public parking spaces.
• The Town is actively working with representatives of the Manchester Road Race to ensure these improvements will enhance and not negatively impact, the race and other important Downtown events.
• A mix of diagonal, parallel and off-street public spaces will remain.
Gary Anderson, Director of Manchester Planning & Economic Development
The East Hartford Town Council will be holding Budget Workshops for the FY2024-25 Town Budget. If you would like to attend the meeting, click on the link below to attend in person or virtually.
The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission are excited to announce that the third annual East Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and series of events will take place Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
The event will consist of three parts, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10 AM, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.
“It was the Town's priority to bring back the Memorial Day parade 3 years ago and it has now become a tradition that the community looks forward to every year," said Mayor Connor Martin. "I have a lot of respect for our Veterans and the Memorial Day Parade is a small gesture in which we honor their service and sacrifice."
PARTICIPANTS:
Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form below by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
East Hartford is also accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate in the Memorial Day event. Vendors will have to set up and disassemble their own tables, tents and chairs. Vendors who wish to participate are asked to register Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
The parade will be followed by a program at the Fallen Star Memorial and a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford with food trucks, music and activities.
The East Hartford Parks and Recreation is now accepting applications for Summer 2024 employment opportunities. Available positions include seasonal lifeguards and camp counselors. The Parks and Recreation Department estimates a need to hire 20-30 new employees this year to work at various camp sites, pools, parks and facilities throughout town.
Lifeguards must be at least 15 years old and have current certification in American Red Cross Lifeguarding OR be able to successfully complete a course prior to the start of the summer season. Lifeguards are assigned to one of the town’s outdoor or indoor pools, and typically work a varied schedule including nights and weekends. The Parks and Recreation Department will be offering American Red Cross Lifeguarding certification courses this spring, and course dates will be announced when they are finalized.
Camp Counselors must be at least 16 years old and are responsible for planning and leading activities and experiences for children in a group setting, as well as overseeing the general safety and development of the children under their supervision. Camp counselors should have leadership skills and be available to work the entire summer season, Monday through Friday, from mid-June to mid-August. Prior experience working with children is highly preferred, and CPR and/or First Aid certification is recommended, but not required.
Working for East Hartford Parks and Recreation is a fun, rewarding experience! Those interested in applying for seasonal positions are encouraged to do so as early as possible and employment applications are available on our website at:
For more information on our employment opportunities, please contact the Parks and Recreation Department at 860-291-7160.
Join the Local Prevention Council- Youth Advisory Board
Youth & Social Services is recruiting East Hartford residents to serve as members on the Local Prevention Council (LPC). The East Hartford LPC works together to plan and implement substance use and misuse prevention programs for East Hartford youth. We are looking for members of all backgrounds, including parents, youth, educators, youth serving organizations, substance misuse organizations, local government, law enforcement, health care, media, business, faith-based organizations, civic and volunteer groups, and persons with lived experience.
Free-Play Basketball and Adult Open Gym
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering two fun programs: Open Gym for East Hartford residents in Grades 7 through 12 and Adult Drop-In Basketball.
FREE-PLAY BASKETBALL
For Middle and High School students in grades 7 – 12
East Hartford residents or students attending East Hartford Middle or High School can participate in Basketball Open Gym on Mondays and Fridays. The program runs through Friday, March 8th from 6:30 – 8:45pm at East Hartford Middle School. Grade 7 and 8 will be in the Lower Gym and Grades 9 – 12 will be in the Upper Gym. The program is FREE, but all participants must be registered at www.ehparks.organd have a Town ID or EHHS/EHMS ID at the program. There will be no program if there is no school or school is let out early due to inclement weather.
ADULT OPEN BASKETBALL
For adults ages 18 & up
East Hartford Parks and Recreation is offering Adult Open Basketball at Goodwin Elementary School. All participants must complete a registration form the first evening they attend or register at www.ehparks.org for a season membership. The program is Monday and Thursday nights and will run through Thursday, March 7th. Residents can purchase a season pass for $20 or $2 an evening. Non-residents can purchase a Season Pass for $40 or $4 an evening. The program time is 6:30 to 9:30pm. Basketball sneakers are mandatory. There will be no program if there is no school or school is let out early due to inclement weather.
For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation office at 860-291-7160.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
