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It was great to be back in the House chamber recently with my colleagues. In the coming weeks, the State House and Senate will be meeting much more frequently to give final passage to bills that advanced through committees. Bills that passed through the House and Senate will then be sent to the governor's desk to be signed into law. I will keep you updated on all of the important bills the legislature passes!
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On Thursday, I met with DOT officials for an update on the Gold Star Bridge. The current traffic pattern on the South Bound Bridge (the three right lanes) will remain in place for the foreseeable future. The crossover where two lanes of North Bound traffic will move to the South Bound Bridge and two lanes only on the North Bound Bridge is estimated to go into effect in May.
I have heard from many of you of about concerns for emergency vehicles, speed limits, and the impact it will have on your commute.
To address these concerns, the DOT is hoping to implement a traffic dashboard that residents can access to plan their commute to their final destination and implement speed cameras that enforce the speed limit. None of the solutions have been implemented yet, but they are in the process of getting these systems in place to ensure getting across the bridge is as painless as possible.
I look forward to future communications and am happy to answer any questions you may have. As always, please email me at dan.gaiewski@cga.ct.gov and I can forward your concerns to DOT.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about a renter's rebate program, Drug Takeback Day, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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Connecticut’s Renters’ Rebate Program is now open to eligible renters who are elderly or living with a disability and meet certain income requirements.
Qualified applicants may receive rebates of up to $900 for married couples and $700 for single individuals. The rebate amount is determined using a graduated income scale, as well as the total rent and utility payments (excluding telephone) made during the previous calendar year.
Applications must be submitted through your local municipality’s assessor’s office or a designated social service agency. The application period is now open and will run through September 30. Please note that no extensions are permitted, and all applications must be received by the municipality no later than September 30.
Click here for more information about eligibility requirements and how to apply. |
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As you begin spring cleaning, clearing out old medications is an essential step toward a refreshed and safe home. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, administered by the DEA, will take place Saturday, April 25. This event provides residents with a free, convenient way to safely dispose of unwanted, unused, or expired medications at local collection sites. The DEA partners with local law enforcement agencies across the United States to host this event in local communities like ours.
You can click here to use a locator tool to find your nearest disposal site. |
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Host sites will collect pills and capsules, as well as prescription and over-the-counter medicines. The DEA cannot accept liquid, sharps, or needles. Trained volunteers will be present to handle collected materials and ensure safe disposal. Any medication you wish to dispose of should be presented in a clear, sealed bag. Loose pills or capsules will not be accepted.
If you are unable to attend the event, MyOldMeds.com offers a Locator Tool to help you find the nearest disposal site year-round. There are more than 29,000 verified locations in all 50 states that have secure unwanted or expired medicine disposal kiosks, and/or provide free in-home disposal kits upon request. Additionally, the Locator Tool provides disposal site hours of operation, hours of collection, what is collected, and other helpful information. |
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A total of $1.55 million in state grants is being awarded to 12 organizations (including food pantries, community health centers, and nonprofits) to support the purchase of healthy, Connecticut Grown products from local farms for distribution to food-insecure residents.
One organization in the New London area will be receiving a portion of this grant money:
- New London Community Meal Center, Inc. (New London) – $200,000: The New London Community Meal Center will expand access to locally grown food through its meal programs, market, and new wellness hub, serving low-income residents and seniors across southeastern Connecticut.
These grants are being distributed through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Local Food Purchase Assistance Grant Program, which is designed to expand access to fresh, locally grown food while also strengthening Connecticut’s agricultural sector. By connecting local producers with community-based organizations, the program helps ensure that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.
Now funded by the state, the program builds on a previously federally supported initiative and serves as a critical bridge in the wake of recent federal funding cuts, ensuring continued support for both vulnerable communities and Connecticut farmers.
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The state is making $15 million available through the national settlement of the Volkswagen emissions scandal to support clean air projects across Connecticut. Eligible projects must reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions, key contributors to smog, and help advance the state’s efforts to combat air pollution.
Older diesel engines are a major source of nitrogen oxide, which is linked to asthma, lung damage, and other serious health conditions, with children particularly at risk. Funding will prioritize projects that replace, repower, or retrofit aging diesel-powered vehicles and non-road equipment, significantly reducing harmful emissions.
Organizations interested in applying for grants can learn more through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP). DEEP will also host an informational webinar on Tuesday, April 21 at 1:00 p.m. to review the application process and provide guidance. Proposals must be submitted by 5:00 p.m. on June 11. Click here to register for the webinar.Click here for more information on the VW settlement.
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April is recognized as ABLE to Save Month in Connecticut, a time to raise awareness about financial empowerment for individuals with disabilities. The ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program allows eligible individuals to establish tax-advantaged savings accounts that support greater independence and long-term financial security.
Recent expansions have broadened access to the program, making thousands more residents, including veterans, eligible by increasing the disability onset age to 46. ABLE accounts allow individuals to save more than $20,000 annually without jeopardizing eligibility for critical federal benefits such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Medicaid, providing a vital pathway to stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and to enroll. |
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This is a time for advocates, survivors, their loved ones, and the broader community to come together to speak openly about sexual violence by supporting survivors, raising awareness, deepening understanding, and identifying effective strategies and resources to prevent it.If you need support, The Connecticut Alliance to end Sexual Violence offers a 24-hour toll-free hotline, call 1-888-999-5545 (English) or1-888-568-8332 (Spanish).
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Sincerely,
Dan Gaiewski
State Representative |
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