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| Dear Neighbor,
The General Assembly held a joint session on Wednesday to hear Gov. Ned Lamont present his proposed budget.
The governor highlighted a number of key areas to fund, including special education, childcare, and housing. |
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| A couple of things of note. First, this is just the beginning of a lengthier process involving the legislature, resident input, and other key stakeholders.
Second, there are, without question, overlapping priorities in the governor's budget and what the House Democrats have identified for this session. (Please see the graphics below.) |
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| These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
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| Last week, the mayor and the Norwalk Parking Authority announced paid on-street spaces in Norwalk will offer a 15-minute free-parking option.
Norwalk is the first municipality in Connecticut to create a new code for this parking option, which will enable visitors to the downtown area the opportunity to conduct quick stops without having to pay for parking.
The free parking option will be available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 PM. To access this option, customers must go to multi-space meters at any Norwalk Parking Authority paid on-street space and enter their plate number. Failure to follow these steps will render the 15-minute parking option invalid and may result in a parking violation.
Customers are limited to one 15-minute free parking session per 24 hours per plate, per parking zone.
For more information, visit the Norwalk Parking Authority website. |
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| On Wednesday, Norwalk Mayor Rilling appointed Jodi Trendler as the city of Norwalk’s first director of sustainability and resilience.
In this position, which is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, Trendler will lead the implementation of the city’s Sustainability and Resilience Plan and advise and assist city officials on sustainability best practices and policy development.
She will will also oversee the integration of sustainable practices into city operations, create action plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve resource efficiency, and help secure grants and funding for sustainability projects.
Congratulations, Jodi!
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| Women-Owned Business Grants |
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| Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have exciting opportunities to secure funding to support and grow their companies.
The Women’s Business Development Council is accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
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| Black History Month: Save the Date! |
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| There's nothing I like more than reading to young kids.
For Black History Month, I will be doing reading story time on Sunday, Feb. 23, at 9:30 a.m. at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. The reading is part of the museum's Black History Celebration, which is taking place Feb. 21 to 23.
Save the dates and I hope to see you there! |
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As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.
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