Robin Comey

I hope this message finds you and your family well. It was a busy week in town, from a rainy Memorial Day celebration that brought festivities indoors, to a great community conversation on civics at the library, and the exciting announcement of state funding to renovate two elementary schools.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• New State-Based Graduate Loan Program
• May is Mental Health Awareness Month
• High School Summer Pass to Fitness
• Community Events

Due to inclement weather, this year’s Memorial Day ceremony was held at Branford High School. The event featured performances by the Stony Creek Fife and Drum Corps and Leah Whitten, along with a keynote address by retired Army Colonel Christopher Beckert.

Veterans, local Scout troops, firefighters, elected officials, clergy, and community members gathered to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our nation. The ceremony served as a powerful reminder of their sacrifice and the enduring gratitude of those they left behind.

Thank you to everyone who joined me at the Blackstone Library last weekend for an informative presentation on navigating and using the Connecticut General Assembly website.

A special thank you to the Blackstone Library for hosting the event, and to the League of Women Voters of the East Shore for participating and helping bring together such an engaged audience.

During the presentation, attendees learned how to stay informed and involved by tracking bills, statutes, committees, and local legislators. I also demonstrated how residents can effectively make their voices heard throughout the state government process.

I was happy to join State Senator Christine Cohen, State Representatives Moira Rader, as well as First Selectman Josh Brooks, and Superintendent Dr. Christopher Tranberg at Murphy Elementary School in announcing $29.4 million in additional state reimbursement for Branford school construction projects at Mary T. Murphy Elementary School and Mary R. Tisko Elementary School through the recently passed state budget. The legislation increases the state reimbursement rate for both schools, generating $14.7 million in additional state support per school.

This additional state funding for renovations will help advance Branford’s strategic vision for education, creating the high-quality learning environments our students, teachers, and families deserve, I’m grateful for the partnership with my colleagues and for Governor Lamont’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to an excellent education.

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan, a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1.

CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs.

Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs.

Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure.

Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%.

Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Below are resources available for anyone who may be struggling or supporting someone in need:

• 2-1-1 General Resources - Available 24 hours a day for crisis support, service referrals, education, prevention programs, counseling services, support groups, and advocacy. Call 2-1-1 for assistance.

• Mental Health Connecticut - Offers a mental health concierge, art therapy, residential services, and supportive mental health programs. Visit Mental Health Connecticut or call 860-529-1970.

• CT Support Group - An online peer-led project created by young people to provide connection, support, and community for their peers. Learn more at CT Support Group.

• Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services - Search for services available in your area through the regional services locator at CT DMHAS Service Locator.