Mary Welander

My colleagues are introducing a new proposal to establish a permanent refundable child tax credit in Connecticut. I'll break down how this bill would help many families in need as the cost of living continues to rise. 

Another priority this legislative session is expanding childhood nutrition programs. As a mother of three, I understand the challenges of making sure our youth eat healthy meals. Please look below to see how our proposal would support infants, older children, and their mothers.

I am advocating to support artists this legislative session by increasing grant funding all over the state. Please keep scrolling to watch video of my testimony in which I lay out why this investment would support communities.

It's Women's History Month, and I'm proud to uplift women all over the world! Please look below to learn about Connecticut's female pioneers and what new legislation we are trying to pass to support women.

Operation Fuel received more funding and is now extending its winter program season. Keep reading to find out how much longer folks can apply for emergency energy and water assistance.

 

 

 

I testified in support of a proposal I created to increase grant funding by 50% for the Connecticut Artist Fellowship Program. An increase in funding would:

• Bolster support for artists across the state including rural areas
• Provide vital resources and opportunities
• Enable artists to pursue their creative endeavors

Recipients of the grants are professionals across a multitude of disciplines who must demonstrate a commitment and dedication to their craft. Previous recipients have specialized in playwriting, music, visual arts, literary arts, digital media and film, design, dance, and so much more.

When our state government supports the arts, the entire community benefits. Art fairs attract visitors and pump money into the local economy. Those events can also inspire guests to get creative and perhaps start a new hobby.

Thank you to the Commerce Committee for listening to my testimony on Tuesday.

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, U.S. Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro continues to break barriers.

To apply for delivered fuel assistance, such as oil, propane, and pellets, you must provide:

• Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household
• Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program 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 at www.operationfuel.org/gethelp 
• The name of your preferred delivered fuel vendor (Operation Fuel has a list of in-network vendors)

To apply for utility assistance, such as gas and electric, you must provide:

• Proof of income for the past four weeks and for every adult in the household. Clients with a current Connecticut Energy Assistance Program award letter may submit this as proof of income for their household 
• Your utility account information and most recent, past due bill  

If you received an award last year are eligible to apply again before March 15. Operation Fuel does not take applications in person or over the phone. To apply online or through a partner agency, please visit www.operationfuel.org/gethelp.

Crews will install:

• new pedestals
• accessible pedestrian signal pushbuttons
• countdown pedestrian indications
• “turning vehicles yield to pedestrian” sheet aluminum signs
• leading pedestrian intervals where feasible

There will be road closures, but they will vary depending on each site. No lane closures will take place Monday through Friday between 6:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. 

The CTDOT expects to finish the project by October 13, 2024.