Michelle L. Cook

It's National Small Business Week, the perfect opportunity for us to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of our state’s and nation's small business owners and leaders. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business, and they create roughly 66% of jobs in our country each year.

This week saw another step forward in assuring everyone has access to quality healthcare. The State has received federal approval to provide healthcare to our homeless community. This approval will significantly bolster our state efforts to uplift homeless individuals across Connecticut.

This Saturday marks 20 years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center towers, the Pentagon, and Flight 93 in Pennsylvania. Nearly 3,000 innocent people lost their lives on the morning of September 11, 2001 and many more, including first responders, have died from health complications in the years following the attacks. September 11th remains one of the darkest and deadliest days in U.S. history.

I want to share some breaking news: starting today, September 1, the CT Judicial Branch will provide police departments with 24/7 access to juvenile arrest records to help curb car thefts and break-ins.

Electricity costs tend to be at their highest during the summer months - so families struggle to pay their utility bills during this time. But there’s good news! Operation Fuel has funds available to help struggling families – right now – with programs for year-round energy assistance, water assistance, and homeless intervention and prevention, too.
 
Households whose income does not exceed 75% of the State Median Income Guidelines may qualify for assistance.

This session I worked alongside my colleagues to pass a bipartisan budget which did not raise taxes, and focused on putting more money in the pockets of hard-working Connecticut families through increased tax credits.

Connecticut is forecasted to experience extreme temperatures from today through the evening of Friday, August 13. Cooling centers are opening across the state to provide residents with immediate relief from the heat. To find a cooling center near you, dial 2-1-1 or click here.

This week, more than $16 million in Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief II (ESSER II) funds was made available to 170 school districts across Connecticut. This relief money will allow schools throughout our state to provide special education services to more than 80,000 students during the upcoming school year.