Updates from Around the 50th

March 1, 2024

With the legislative session still being in its early stages, this part of the process will focus on reviewing bills that will make it to the House floor to improve the lives of Connecticut residents. As the chair of the Public Safety and Security Committee, I will be sitting through many meetings and public hearings to review the merit of all these bills and hear the testimonies of a diverse selection of experts to understand which bills will be the most beneficial.

I am committed to keeping you informed through these evolving processes. Please see below for some of the early committee meeting topics we have discussed, like hiring and keeping police officers to keep our communities safe.
Informational Forum from the Dept. of Transportation Regarding I-84 Bridge Replacement in Ashford

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public information meeting on March 13 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be regarding the replacement of No. 00848 carrying route 89 over I-84 in Ashford.

The meeting is intended to give the public an opportunity to comment or ask questions about the project. This will be a great opporunity for anyone with concerns or inquiries.

For information on how to comment and details of how to attend, visit HERE. The meeting is also streamed on the CTDOT YouTube Channel, and a recording of the meeting will be posted HERE.
Ensuring Summer Camps are Safe
Most camps, including those in Northeastern Connecticut, have great reputations and a track record of safety and fun, but some issues have surfaced with startup camps statewide. This week, a Public Hearing was held on the topic of licensure and inspections of Summer Camps across the state. My opinion is that we should not be onerous with government regulations, but everyone needs to be held to a minimum standard of Safety across the state. 
 
Please see my comments on WFSB Channel 3 I made after the hearing.
Photo From the Camp Woodstock Website
Farm Transition Grant for Woodstock's Fairholm Farm, Inc.
Congratulations to Fairholm Farm, Inc. in Woodstock on being awarded a Connecticut Department of Agriculture Farm Transition Grant. Fairholm Farm was awarded $49,999 in the Innovation and Diversification category for the purchase of walk-in freezer and composter.
Hiring and Keeping More Police Officers
Hiring and retaining more first responders is another important issue that is in front of the Public Safety and Security Committee. In a meeting last Tuesday, February 20, we raised the concept of hiring and retaining first responders, which has Bipartisan support, to move it forward in the legislative process.
 
You can read more about the issue and my comments on them at the CT News Junkie.
Tree Removal Project on Route 44 in Pomfret and Eastford
NOTICE: From the CT DOT: Tree removal project, Route 44 (Mashamoquet Road) in Pomfret and Eastford
The Connecticut Department of Transportation is announcing that tree removal and vegetation removal will be performed on Route 44 (Mashamoquet Road) in Pomfret and Eastford.
 
The project consists of tree and vegetation removal on Route 44 (Mashamoquet Road) in Pomfret and Eastford. To ensure the safety of the public, CTDOT is removing dead, diseased, and decaying trees. Additionally, trees and vegetation that have grown into the clear zone, which is the safe space along the side of the roadway, are also being removed. This work helps save lives in the event of a crash or vehicle leaving the roadway. The tree removal operation is scheduled for Friday, March 1, 2024, through Friday, April 5, 2024.
 
LANE CLOSURE INFO: Motorists can expect lane closures to occur on Route 44, westbound and eastbound, from Route 101 in Pomfret to Route 198 in Eastford. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The tree and vegetation removal work is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (Monday - Friday).
Lenten Fish Fry with Scouts BSA Troop 44 - Brooklyn CT