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Happy Thursday, and happy Independence Day!
I hope you'll join me in taking a moment to reflect on the true meaning of this important holiday. Independence Day is not just about fireworks and cookouts – its' about honoring the ideals of freedom, democracy, and the generations of Americans who have fought to protect them.
It's also a time to come together with our neighbors and celebrate what unites us. In a world that often feels divided, our shared values and sense of community matter more than ever.
I wish you and your family a happy and safe Fourth of July. May it be filled with joy, reflection, and connection.
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Groton's Fourth of July parade will take place tomorrow at 10am at Poquonnock Plains Park.
Click here for more information.
In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about fireworks safety, the Fallen Hero Fund, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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Fireworks play a significant role in many 4th of July celebrations. However, they can also be incredibly dangerous when handled irresponsibly.
In order to help minimalize potential accidents, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has shared some guidelines:
- Keep a safe distance
- Never relight duds
- Always have water nearby
Please celebrate responsibly - protect yourself and others in the community.
Click here to learn more.
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To ensure pet safety during fireworks, the American Veterinary Medical Association recommends keeping pets indoors, creating a safe and comfortable space, providing distractions and considering using calming aids.
Always ensure pets have proper identification, like microchips, in case they get spooked and run away.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
Create a Safe Space:
- Familiar Items:
Include familiar toys, blankets, and bedding in the safe space to provide comfort and a sense of security.
- Indoor Confinement:
Keep pets indoors during fireworks displays. Close windows and curtains to minimize noise and visual stimulation.
- Safe Haven:
Designate a quiet, comfortable area in your home where your pet can retreat. This could be a crate, a corner with their bed, or a room with minimal windows.
Provide Distractions and Comfort:
- Calming Music/TV: Play calming music, white noise, or turn on the TV to help mask the loud sounds of fireworks.
- Treats and Toys: Offer puzzle toys or chew toys to keep your pet occupied and distracted.
- Physical Comfort: Cuddle, pet, and talk to your pet in a calm, soothing voice to reassure them.
Safety Measures:
- Walks Earlier:
Take dogs for walks earlier in the day before the fireworks start, as some pets may be too frightened to go out later.
- Secure Identification:
Ensure pets have proper ID tags and are microchipped with up-to-date information. This is crucial if they happen to escape.
- Avoid Fireworks:
Keep pets away from fireworks, sparklers, and any open flames. Pets may try to sniff or eat them, leading to injury or burns.
Consider Calming Aids:
- Anxiety Wraps: consider using a compression shirt like a ThunderShirt or a swaddling blanket to help reduce anxiety.
- Pheromone Diffusers/Sprays: Feliway (for cats) or Adaptil (for dogs) can help reduce anxiety by mimicking calming pheromones.
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It was another busy weekend in the 40th!
On Saturday, I attended the outCT New London event “Everyone Deserves Pride,” where we reflected on the LGBTQ+ movement and reminded the community that everyone is welcome and loved regardless of who they are.
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On Sunday I attended the NAACP New London Branch annual dinner and awards ceremony where. It was a great event as always!
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And on Monday, I attended Day 1 of the United States Coast Guard Academy Swab Summer, which is the intense, seven-week-long introductory training program for incoming cadets at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy.
I witnessed the swearing in ceremony and received an in-depth tour of the Academy.
Congratulations to the 265 men and women on their acceptance to the academy. I thank them for their willingness to serve our country and wish them all the success through the summer, their four years at the academy, and eventual careers in the United States Coast Guard. |
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Last week, Governor Ned Lamont signed into law legislation (Public Act 25-61) modifying the state’s Fallen Officer Fund, which was created last year and provides survivor benefits to the families of fallen police officers, by expanding its availability to include the families of all first responders, including firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics, and correspondingly renames it the Fallen Hero Fund. This legislation went into effect on July 1.
The legislation also modifies state law to allow the surviving family members of firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics who were covered by that first responder’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years, similar to existing state law concerning fallen police officers.
Established in May 2024 through legislation signed by Governor Lamont, the Fallen Officer Fund provides a lump sum, non-taxable payment of $100,000 to the surviving family members or beneficiaries of any Connecticut state or local police officer killed in the line of duty or who sustained injuries that are the cause of an officer’s death. That 2024 legislation also created a law allowing the surviving family members of police officers killed in the line of duty who were covered by that officer’s health insurance at the time of their own death to remain on that coverage for up to five years.
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Governor Lamont signed major climate legislation into law on Tuesday, committing Connecticut to net-zero emissions by 2050, expanding clean energy incentives, and supporting green jobs. The law also strengthens climate resiliency and places restrictions on the use of rat poisons and a class of pesticides known as neonicotinoids.
I’m proud to stand with colleagues and advocates who fought for a cleaner, fairer future. This is a win for our environment, our economy, and our kids.
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Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
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