Jennifer Leeper

I have some great news that I am so excited to share with you: The CT Siting Council met today and fully rejected United Illuminating's monopole transmission line project proposal in Fairfield and Bridgeport!

This is a major update that came as a result of our community partnering with Bridgeport and all sticking together, united in what we knew was a just fight. We have been doggedly persistent, ensuring the Siting Council heard the conviction of our concerns, and showing how powerful a grassroots movement can really be.

Each October, we bring awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer. Throughout the month, we stress the importance of mammograms as the best way to screen for breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women, except for skin cancer.

One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year. Thankfully, though, with early detection and more advance treatments, like what is available here in Fairfield at the new partnered Hartford Health and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the prognosis for those diagnosed with breast cancer has become much more positive.

Let us stand with survivors, honor those we've lost, and continue fighting for a cure.

The Norma Pfriem Breast Cancer Pink Pledge is such a wonderful event every year. Thank you to all the volunteers who commit countless hours to bringing our community together to raise awareness and funds to make more screenings and care available to women. The Center has provided life-giving care to over 50,000 women!

With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1. Click here for a brief overview of some of these important changes!

I want to share the latest development on United Illuminating's monopole transmission line plan (this one is encouraging!).

On Thursday, the Connecticut Siting Council chose to delay their vote on the plan until October 16. This decision comes after a difficult but critical meeting that I, along with other leaders, had with Governor Lamont's office and UI officials.

Following the meeting, Governor Lamont called for a delay to "see a better way to do this," saying "we're not going to let UI rush into a bad decision."

It was great attending the ribbon cutting for the expansion of The Studio Fairfield, a great art studio in our town, to offer additional classes and a private event space!

It's so important to highlight the success stories in our town and celebrate the wins of our small businesses!

Next Thursday, we remember the 2,996 lives lost on September 11, 2001, the thousands who have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and the countless lives that were forever changed. May we never forget the people whose lives were stolen from us through this act of terror, and all of the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who saved lives and helped our country rebuild.

Though we move further away from that fateful day each year, we must continue to honor those Americans we lost and never stop the fight against terror and for peace.

Labor Day is upon us, and it is a time to reflect on the contributions of workers across every industry. Their dedication, resilience, and continued fight for fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity on the job have shaped our nation and continue to move us forward.

As we celebrate the American labor movement, we honor the hardworking people who have built and strengthened this country.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe, meaningful, and restful Labor Day.