Fiscal Responsibility In Connecticut

November 17, 2023

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Neighbor,

My colleagues and I passed legislation supporting our local economy, which is reflective in our job growth and bond ratings. Please read below to learn how our fiscal policies are already paying dividends.

Several communities in our district are going to benefit from a brand new program that will increase public transportation. Keep scrolling to learn more about the Microtransit program!

You will also find the following sections in this week's email:

What's Our Rep Been Up To?
A Nod To Fiscal Responsibility In Connecticut
Microtransit Pilot Program Launched
Businesses To Get Savings on Workers' Compensation Rates In 2024
Groton Accepting Applications For Housing Rehab Program
Groton Public Schools Teacher Of The Year Hillary Baude Is An Inspiration
Native American History Month: Facing Our State's Tragic History
Reminder: Groton Leaf Collection
Community Events

What's Our Rep Been Up To?

I was honored to participate in the ribbon cutting at Catherine Kolnaski Magnet School for its new outdoor learning space. As we checked out the new facility, we celebrated the great partnership between Groton Public Schools and Project Oceanology.

I congratulated all the City of Groton elected officials who were sworn in! I look forward to working with each and every one of them as we move our city forward. Their success is the community's success!

A Nod To Fiscal Responsibility in Connecticut

Thanks to our strong, fiscally responsible policies at the state level:

Our bond ratings are stellar.
Job growth numbers keep improving.
We have cut billions in unfunded pension debts from our balance sheets.
We paid back the pandemic-era Unemployment Trust Fund loan, which is great news for local businesses.

This proactive repayment of the Unemployment Trust loan sends a strong message that Connecticut is open for business.

The Governor's Office has details on the unemployment repayment below:

Unemployment Loan Repayment Announcement

Microtransit Pilot Program Launched

Stonington, Mystic, and Noank are part of the launch of a pilot program designed to modernize transportation, and improve the quality of life for everyone.

The Microtransit program is an accessible, on-demand mode of transportation that uses a smartphone app or phone number to request and schedule a ride within designated service areas. CLICK HERE to learn more.

Businesses To Get Savings on Workers' Compensation Rates In 2024

Businesses in Connecticut will receive a nearly 10% decrease in rates for workers’ compensation insurance beginning on January 1, 2024. The Connecticut Insurance Department has approved an annual workers’ compensation rate filing for 2024 with a decrease of 9.8% to voluntary market loss costs and a decrease of 10.5% in assigned risk plan rates. To read more from Governor Lamont's announcement on how Connecticut businesses benefit from the decrease, please click the image below.

Groton Accepting Applications for Housing Rehab Program

The Groton Housing Rehabilitation Program provides financial assistance to rehabilitate housing units for income eligible occupants. For more information, click on the image below.

Groton Public Schools Teacher of The Year Hillary Baude Is An Inspiration

Groton Public Schools Teacher of the Year in 2023 Hillary Baude is an inspiration to her kindergarten students on a regular basis, and probably to many others as well in becoming the first kidney donor to complete the Ironman World Championship. You can read all about it here in People.com.

Native American History Month: Facing Our State's Tragic History

This Native American Heritage Month, it is important to face the tragic history that took place right here in our state. Are you familiar with this tragic history that took place during the Pequot War?

The Mystic massacre took place on May 26, 1637, when English settlers under Captain John Mason, and Narragansett and Mohegan allies set fire to a fortified Pequot village near the Mystic River. They shot any people who tried to escape the wooden palisade fortress and killed the entire village, consisting mostly of women and children, in retaliation for previous Pequot attacks. The only Pequot survivors were warriors who had been with their sachem Sassacus in a raiding party outside the village.

Please watch the video below to learn more about the Massacre at Mystic.

The Mystic massacre took place on May 26, 1637, during the Pequot War.

Reminder: Groton Leaf Collection

The City of Groton is collecting leaves every Wednesday through December 6 except of the week of Thanksgiving.

CLICK HERE to watch a video as Groton Public Works Director Bill Robarge provides more information on fall leaf collection.

Bridge Deck Joint Repair Project Update

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) was set to finish a bridge deck joint repair project early this morning on I-95 northbound, on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge in New London. The project, included in the CTDOT's Bridge Maintenance Program, began on Wednesday.