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To celebrate Random Acts of Kindness week I visited librarians and the library staff at Faxon Branch Library and Newington's Lucy Robbins Welles Library to thank them for all they do for our community. This week reminds us of the small acts we can take that can mean a big deal.
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As someone who grew up loving my local library, our libraries not only play an important role in reading but are a community hub for valuable programming and useful resources. Librarians and library staff are always there to help and are committed to fostering a space of vibrant learning. Next time you head to the library, thank a librarian!
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Great news! We will vote next week on an immediate $40 million injection of state funding to cities and towns to support Special Education needs for the current fiscal year. On Wednesday, I joined my West Hartford colleagues State Senator Derek Slap, State Representative Jillian Gilchrest with our Superintendent and Board of Education Chair at the press conference to announce this additional funding.
This investment will help school districts now though we recognize the challenges municipal governments face going forward, which is why we are working to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support.
Not only are these funds critical to meet growing special education needs but will reduce the potential cuts our districts need to make to other educational programs this fiscal year.
This funding will be allocated through the Excess Cost Grant program and distributed through a tiered reimbursement structure that prioritizes funding for the neediest cities and towns.
Special Education is 2025 legislative priority for House Democrats. We have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that Special Education costs are squeezing local budgets.
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As a member of the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee I joined our forum on Tuesday about the fiscal guardrails in Connecticut law which currently guide our budget decisions. This forum was a valuable opportunity to learn and discuss how these guardrails are working or not working for our residents and our state's fiscal health.
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Over time the guardrails did stabilize Connecticut's budgets and allow our state to pay down over $8 billion in our long-term debt. Since COVID though, the numbers of Connecticut residents struggling to make ends continues to rise. We can't ignore this and our much needed investment to make Connecticut more affordable and invest in services that prevent higher costs for our state down the road. Plus, the federal funding we received during COVID is expiring and the threat of losing federal funds due to the new administration in Washington is real. The Governor's budget proposal includes a recommended adjustment to the volatility cap which is one of the fiscal guardrails. I believe this is one way we can update these constraints to address more of the needs in our state and maintain fiscal stability.
Learn more about the guardrails here.
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As a member of the Transportation Committee on Wednesday, I joined our committee's Transportation Forum with the Department of Transportation. This year marks 130 years since the founding of the Connecticut Department of Transportation, originally created to pave roads to make them safer than dirt roads for bicyclists.
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This was an opportunity for me to directly ask the DOT Commissioner about issues I hear about from you, including road safety, rail stations, bus transit and more. Please continue to reach out with your concerns and ideas about transportation in our communities.
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Our Connecticut General Assembly website posts the public hearings in the daily Bulletin on the front page of the website under CGA Daily Records. Here are the hearings for the coming week:
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There are a number of bills being heard that might be of interest to you including:
- H.B. No. 7002 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING SOLAR INSTALLATIONS IN CERTAIN COMMON INTEREST OWNERSHIP COMMUNITIES in the Planning & Development Committee Hearing Monday, February 24th
- Proposed H.B. No. 5986 AN ACT ESTABLISHING A REFUNDABLE CHILD TAX CREDIT AGAINST THE PERSONAL INCOME TAX in the Finance, Revenue & Bonding Committee Hearing Wednesday, February 26th
- H.B. No. 6881 (RAISED) AN ACT CONCERNING ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM in the Commerce Committee Hearing Thursday, February 27th
Please reach out anytime if you have a question about a hearing or a bill. If you know you will be testifying on a bill please let me know so I can learn more about the bill and your feedback. Also, if you are testifying in person, I would be happy to try to meet up with you when you are in the Legislative Office Building.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has introduced a valuable new resource for federal employees and contractors who have recently lost their jobs or been placed on unpaid administrative leave. These individuals can now apply for unemployment benefits through a dedicated page on the CTDOL website, streamlining access to financial assistance during this challenging time.
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Eligibility for benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each applicant’s unique circumstances are carefully considered. CTDOL encourages affected workers to explore this resource and apply as soon as possible to receive the support they may be entitled to.
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Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education! The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025.
Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements.
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The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges.
Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is issuing a critical safety reminder for all motorists: if you experience a breakdown or emergency on a highway, the safest place to be is inside your vehicle.
Highways are designed for vehicles traveling at high speeds, and even a brief moment outside your car can have deadly consequences. CTDOT want all motorists to be informed and prepared to make the safest choices during roadside emergencies.
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CTDOT advises drivers to follow these critical safety tips in the event of a breakdown or emergency along the highway:
- Pull Over Safely: Move your vehicle into the right shoulder. If you can, position your car so it’s entirely off the roadway and away from moving traffic.
- Call for Assistance: Use your phone to call 911.
- Stay in Your Vehicle: The safest place to be is inside your car. Keep your seatbelt fastened, turn on your hazard lights, and wait for help to arrive. If you are unable to stay in your vehicle due to fire, find a location away from both the burning vehicle and from the travel lanes.
- Be Visible: At night or during inclement weather, ensure your hazard lights are on and use any reflective gear you have.
- Avoid Exiting the Vehicle: Never stand or walk on the highway, even if you think traffic is light. The speed of passing vehicles can make it difficult for drivers to react in time to avoid hitting a pedestrian.
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An opportunity for you to be a part of the future of Newington!
The Town of Newington is holding a Public Design Charrette on Saturday, March 8th, from 9:00 A.M. to12:00 P.M. at Newington Town Hall.
There will be a brief presentation on the project, then small groups will be created for you to provide your vision for the three key areas of the new Master Plan. Then to conclude with each group presenting their ideas, and the input will help guide the Town Center's future!
Light refreshments will be served.
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