Jason Rojas

To put money back into Connecticut residents' pockets, we recently passed legislation to suspend our state's gas tax and offer free bus service through June 30. The bill also created an additional Sales Tax-Free Week happening this Sunday, April 10 through Saturday, April 16.

It's "Husky Weekend" in Connecticut! *Hopefully* we are celebrating a win against Stanford by the time you get this email. The Governor is urging all Connecticut residents to show their Husky pride this weekend by wearing UConn Huskies gear, displaying UConn flags and signs, and sporting blue and white.

It was a great week for basketball in our communities. The East Hartford High School Hornets earned the Class LL Basketball State title and East Catholic High earned the Division I title during this past weekend's championship games.

I hope you all had a good week – and are adjusting to the time change (which could be one of our last!). Though it may be a little chilly and rainy this weekend, warmer weather is in our sights as we welcome the start of spring on Sunday!

It's time to spring forward! Daylight Saving time begins this Sunday, March 13 - please make sure to change your clock an hour forward. This is also a great time to change batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors!

Happy Read Across America Week! Did you know that Read Across America Week (and day – celebrated on Dr. Suess' birthday on March 2) was established by the National Education Association (NEA) in 1998 to help get kids excited about reading? In celebration, reading parties, often with guest readers, are held at schools and libraries across the country.

Many of the General Assembly's committees are deep into the process of drafting and raising the legislative concepts that could be passed during the session. Did you know that part of this process involves you? Unlike many states, the Connecticut legislature allows anyone to sign up and testify on proposed legislation. Public hearings are an essential component of the bill making process.

I hope everyone is getting through the cold this week brought – warmer weather is ahead. A reminder that state and local offices will be closed in observance of President's Day, so please plan accordingly!