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In two weeks, Connecticut voters will vote early for the first time in the presidential preference primary. You may have questions about the process. Please read below to learn when you can cast a ballot this Month.
Governor Ned Lamont approved a new plan to improve DCF-funded shelters for children in need. I'll break down how these group homes will change and support our youth.
I met more than a dozen remarkable students at the Capitol this week as they advocated for education funding and bills that would improve our schools. Keep scrolling to learn more about their visit.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Early Voting: What You Need To Know
- New Plan To Help Children In Crisis
- Students Urge Lawmakers To Fund Education
- Bulk Trash Pick-Up In Hamden
- In The News
- Saint Patrick's Day Parade!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Early Voting: What You Need To Know |
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As you may have seen in the mail, early voting options are now available thanks to the work of the Connecticut General Assembly last session. In a couple of weeks, residents will head to the polls in the 2024 presidential primary.
This legislation was made possible by a state Constitutional amendment approved by a wide majority of Connecticut voters in 2022. It will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled, while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts.
Anticipating that you may have questions about this new process, I hope the guide below will be helpful in providing information to answer them.
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Here's what you need to know:
When is early voting?
For the April 2 presidential preference primary election, early voting will take place from 10 A.M. - 6 P.M. on March 26, 27, 28, and 30. Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31.
Early voting for the August 13 primary elections will take place between August 5 and August 11.
Early voting for the November 5 general election will take place between October 21 to November 3.
Is my early voting location the same as my regular voting location?
Not necessarily. Each town will have at least one early voting location, and municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more will have the opportunity to add additional locations. You can find your early voting location on your municipality's website, at MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling 860-509-6200.
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Are there deadlines to be aware of?
Monday, March 25 at noon is the deadline to register with a political party to vote in the early voting period for the presidential preference primary.
Monday, April 1 at noon is the deadline for registering in person with your registrar of voters or town clerk to vote on April 2, and for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party for in-person voting.
If you are not yet registered to vote, file your registration application with your town's registrar of voters by noon on the business day before the day you want to vote, or click here to register.
Voting is one of our country's most privileged and fundamental rights, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future. Let’s amplify the impact of our collective voice – start voting early!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office with any further questions on this new and exciting initiative!
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| New Plan To Help Children In Crisis |
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| DCF Commissioner Jodi Hill-Lilly announces new STTAR program. |
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The Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) is rolling out a new, comprehensive plan to help children in crisis. The newly named “STTAR program” promises to significantly improve how youth are served in a home level of care. This announcement comes months after multiple abuse cases at a group home in Harwinton.
The new STTAR program stands for Specialized Trauma-Informed Treatment Assessment and Reunification Enhancement Plan. It focuses on treatment of children who have gone through trauma. The changes include:
- Enhanced staffing, supervision, staff training, and development
- Decreased bed capacity from six to five to give kids more specialized attention
- Increased therapeutic recreational programs so teens have more opportunities to participate in positive activities
- Development of two intensive transitional treatment centers (one for boys and one for girls) for those in need of intensive care
The $6 million plan will go into effect as soon as possible and is covered by existing funds allotted for DCF programs.
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Governor Ned Lamont fully supports these changes saying we need to do more to support children who have suffered a traumatic event. The message was clear: he wants to make sure children know that we will guide them on a path toward success.
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| Students Urge Lawmakers to Fund Education |
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On Wednesday, I joined education leaders and students to support our schools and the continued funding of public education. The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) talked about the importance of passing legislation promoting student achievement.
The annual "Day on the Hill" summit allows students from all over the state to meet lawmakers and learn more about the legislative process. They also get to advocate for school related bills and funding for local school districts. Benjamin Aviad, a senior from Amity Regional High School in Woodbridge, spoke about the lack of mental health services in high school and urged lawmakers to take action.
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The state has made a promise to continue supporting out students, and as a member of the Education Committee, I vow to uphold that commitment.
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| Bulk Trash Pick-Up In Hamden |
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Bulk trash pick-up will begin April 1 in Hamden. Residents may put bulk trash curbside in front of their homes anytime between April 1 and April 30. The town's trash hauler will pick up acceptable items throughout the entire month of April. No phone calls or appointments are necessary.
Residents are urged to have bulk at the curb by or before their last regular refuse pick-up day for the month of April. Please remember to place bulk trash away from Town-issued trash and recycling carts and do not place any regular refuse with the bulk trash.
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| Saint Patrick's Day Parade! |
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| Everyone had a blast at the the Greater New Haven St. Patrick's Day Parade last weekend! |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar. |
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| Derby Neck Library is hosting a genealogy-focused program called "Writing Remembrances." The event will be held on Tuesday, March 19 at 6:30 P.M. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers below to learn more about upcoming events. Make sure to click on the button at the bottom of this section. |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Case Memorial Library is screening "Killers of the Flower Moon" on Monday, March 18 at 6 P.M. and Wednesday, March 20 at 1 P.M.
The Oscar nominated film tackles the story of the Osage people being killed as oil is discovered on their land in Oklahoma back in the 1920s. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the events below, and access the Woodbridge community calendar by clicking on the button at the bottom. |
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| Stop by Woodbridge Town Library on Monday, March 18 at 6:00 P.M. to learn about starting your seeds right. CLICK HERE to register. |
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