The terrorist attacks on our nation 24 years ago this week were unprecedented. So much so that for most of us, the memory of September 11, 2001, will never go away. I am thankful for the brave men and women who responded to help their brothers and sisters in need amid the chaos.
And for those who lost a loved one on that fateful day, I pray that their memory is a blessing. This Thursday, September 11, 2025, we will observe and remember the attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center throughout the country.
The country came together 24 years ago - as one.
I've included additional items in this week's newsletter, including an increase to the minimum wage that's on the way, a boost that will benefit more than 160,000 CT workers.
I also have an update from the first-ever Ms. President Middletown Summer 2025 program. What an exciting time.
On 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.
On September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) will host its annual Stand Down event.
This event is a commitment to serving Connecticut’s veterans, military personnel, and their immediate families by providing “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, veterans organizations, and community-based nonprofits at regional sites across the state.
A formal ceremony will be held at the Rocky Hill Stand Down location at 9:30 a.m.; however, you're welcome to attend any of the six Stand Down locations at any time throughout the day. Stand Down locations are:
• Bridgeport: University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Avenue, Bridgeport • Southington: Southington Armory, 600 Woodruff Street, Southington • Danbury: Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive, Danbury • Norwich: Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Avenue, Norwich • Rocky Hill: Connecticut Veterans Affairs campus, 287 West Street, Rocky Hill • Stamford: UConn at Stamford, 1 University Plaza Click HERE for more information.
Beginning on January 1, 2026, Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase from the current rate of $16.35 per hour to $16.94 per hour. The change is required under a state law signed in 2019 that connects the state’s minimum wage to economic indicators, specifically the percentage change in the federal employment cost index. The Connecticut Department of Labor reports that the employment cost index increased by 3.6% over the 12 months ending on June 30, which accounts for a $0.59 increase to the state’s minimum wage. No full-time worker should be stuck in poverty. This is a fair increase that helps individuals and families gain stability, while also putting money back into our local businesses and communities.
Ms President US Launches First-Ever Middletown Summer 2025 Program
State Rep Empowers Future Female Leader
Middletown, CT The inaugural Ms President US Middletown summer program concluded with outstanding success, thanks to the gracious support of the Russell Library and the heartfelt energy of participating families and girls, grades 4-8.
The week-long session was led by State Representative Kai Belton, a licensed master social worker and the first Black woman to represent Middletown in the Connecticut General Assembly, along with local advocate and former Middletown Planning & Zoning member, Quatina Frazer.
“Watching these young girls step into their power, find their voices, and lead with confidence has been one of the most inspiring experiences of my career. Ms President US reminds us that leadership begins early, and when we invest in our girls, we invest in a stronger, more inclusive future for all of us,” remarked Rep. Belton.
The program provided an uplifting and enriching environment for girls to develop as community leaders. Throughout the session, participants cultivated confidence, honed public speaking skills, expanded their civic awareness, and experienced democracy in action with their own Ms President US election.
Among the featured speakers was Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, who shared her experience as a woman in leadership and encouraged the girls to see themselves as changemakers. The event also celebrated a bipartisan spirit, with women from across the political spectrum uniting to support and empower these future leaders.
Participants heard from community leaders and Common Council members Jeanette Blackwell (President, Pro Tempore) and Deb Kleckowski; State Representative Christie Carpino; campaign manager Erica Byrne; and news correspondent Christina Bennett.
The highlight of the week was the election of Avaley Martinez as Ms President US Middletown 2025, with her Vice President Winifred Atherton, who ran on a platform of youth mental health and wellness. “This is just the beginning,” said Amanda Cordano, Ms President, US Executive Director. “We are thrilled by the energy and leadership shown by our Middletown chapter, and they are already planning to continue the program again next summer.”
Ms President US is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing girls to become future leaders through education, mentorship, and hands-on experiences. By fostering confidence and civic engagement, Ms President US empowers young women to pursue leadership opportunities in their communities and beyond. For more information, please click HERE.
Did you know that, according to Feeding America, 516,000 people in Connecticut are food insecure? That's 1 in 7 adults, and 1 in 6 kids, or 122,000.
I know that is heartbreaking to me. These are people from all walks of life.
Relief is on the way through Connecticut Foodshare, which received a much-needed boost this week to help address the problem.
I am proud to have voted for the much-needed additional funding for the nonprofit organization earlier this year. Click on the image below for a good read from Fox 61.
