Weekly Update 3/7

March 7, 2024


 
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Friends and Neighbors,

I hope this correspondence finds you well. We have a lot we want to get accomplished in Hartford before the end of session on May 8, and we will. I will keep you informed and provide as much information and resources to help make your lives a little easier. And with that, on to this week's newsletter.

Topics include: 
  • A Top Priority: Childhood Nutrition Programs
  • Operation Fuel Extends Winter Program Season to March 15th
  • Celebrating Women's History Month
  • Early Voting for the Presidential Primary
  • Community Events

I hope you have a great weekend,
Travis
 
TOP PRIORITY: CHILDHOOD NUTRITION PROGRAMS
I wanted to share some 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 coming up with 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 around the lowest in the country at 46%. So not maximizing participation in this program has meant 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.
 
OPERATION FUEL EXTENDS WINTER PROGRAM SEASON TO MARCH 15TH

Operation Fuel offers emergency energy and water assistance to qualifying households across Connecticut. This critical assistance helps keep families safe and warm. Operation Fuel has reviewed its guidelines to make emergency assistance more accessible for Connecticut’s most vulnerable households.

With additional funding allocated through Special Act No. 24-1, Operation Fuel has extended its 2024 winter program season by accepting applications until March 15, 2024. 

Operation Fuel offers grants of up to $500 to eligible Connecticut residents who earn up to 75% State Median Income. To apply for delivered fuel (oil, propane, pellets) assistance, clients must provide:  

• Proof of income for the past 4 weeks for every adult in the household. Clients with a current CEAP award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household. 

• Forms to verify zero income, self-employment, and friends and family support are available HERE.

The name of your delivered fuel vendor. Operation Fuel pays for future deliveries, but not past-due account balances. Clients can select a vendor from Operation Fuel's network when they apply.

To apply for utility (gas, electric) assistance, clients must provide:  

• Proof of income for the past 4 weeks for every adult in the household. Clients with a current CEAP award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household.

• Their utility account information and most recent, past due bill.  

• Gas and electric customers do not need to provide payment history. 

In addition, clients who received an award last year (2023) are eligible to apply again before  3/15/24. Operation Fuel does not take applications in person or over the phone. 

More information can be found here for our updated program guidelines. To apply online or through a partner agency, please click HERE.
 
CELEBRATING WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
March is Women’s History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the vital role women have played in American history. It’s also a time to celebrate their achievements and learn more about their contributions.

This year’s theme is “Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion,” which recognizes women throughout the country who believe a positive future can only be achieved by eliminating bias and discrimination from our society.
Connecticut has a long history of female pioneers who brought progress to our state and the rest of the country. Women in our state have consistently risen to positions of leadership within the political landscape, showcasing their outstanding abilities and commitment to public service.
  • We are home to the first boarding school for women of color, which opened in 1831 in Canterbury.
  • Helen Keller was one of Connecticut’s most influential women for her fierce support and advocacy of women’s suffrage, legalization of birth control, and benefits for people with disabilities.
  • Ella T. Grasso was the first woman elected Floor Leader in the Connecticut General Assembly, first woman to chair the Democratic State Platform Committee, and the first woman in the U.S. to be elected governor. 
  • Antonia “Ann” Uccello was the first woman in Connecticut to be elected mayor of a municipality, and she was the only woman to head a major U.S. city during the Civil Rights era.

Today, our own U.S. Congresswoman, Rosa DeLauro, continues to break barriers.

I would like to bring your attention to what surely looks like it will be an empowering event featuring some of my colleagues, and happening later this month. If you're interested in attending, please find the details to register on the flyer below.
 
EARLY VOTING FOR PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARY BEGINS MARCH 26th
The early voting dates for the 2024 Presidential Primary are March 26-27, 28th, and 30th, with local polls open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Presidential Preference Primary is on April 2. Voting is from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. at your local polling place. For more voter information, please click on the image below.
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Stepping Stones Museum for Children will be celebrating its 24th birthday on Saturday, and you are invited to join the party at 303 West Ave., in Norwalk, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, please click on the image below.

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.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative
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