| Connecticut continues to turn up for early voting across the state. Please read below to find out how much longer you have to cast an early vote.
I have great news for low and moderate-income homebuyers in Connecticut! The state is making a big investment to make it easier for people to buy a house. I'll break down how you can take advantage of the "Time To Own" program.
The federal government amended our state's major disaster declaration from August's major storm. I'll dig deeper into how this development will help victims of the historic flooding.
A burn ban is in effect in all state parks, forests, and wildlife management areas due to the dangerously dry conditions. Keep scrolling to learn how this ban may affect your family activities this weekend.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Last Days of Early Voting
- Funding for Beloved Nonprofit in Woodbridge
- ‘Time To Own’ Program Reopens
- More Resources For Flood Victims
- Emergency Burn Ban
- Daylight Saving Time Ends
- Apply for the Legislative Internship Program
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Last Days of Early Voting |
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| Time is running out to take part in early voting. Registered voters may cast an early ballot in person through Sunday, November 3 from 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
According to the Secretary of the State's Office, more than 533,000 people in Connecticut have voted early in-person and approximately 78,000 absentee ballots have been returned. |
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Registered voters can cast an early ballot at:
- Woodbridge Town Hall Meeting Room (11 Meetinghouse Lane)
- Orange Town Hall (617 Orange Center Road)
You will find the times in locations in Derby and Hamden below. |
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| You may also vote on Election Day, which is Tuesday, November 5, at your polling station. Connecticut also has same day registration available on Election Day for voters who need it.
Connecticut law allows you to receive an absentee ballot if, in your judgment, an absence from your town on Election Day prevents you from appearing at your polling place, or you are prevented from appearing at your assigned polling place on Election Day. |
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| Funding for Beloved Nonprofit in Woodbridge |
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| It was a pleasure to join Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro as we celebrated $1.1 million in federal funding for renovations at a beloved nonprofit in Woodbridge. Marrakech supports more than 1,000 youth and adults with disabilities. This transformative investment will enable Marrakech to enhance safety and accessibility in the community while sustaining the organization's dedicated services to the greater Woodbridge area. |
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| Marrakech helps individuals live quality lives with self-sufficiency. The nonprofit provides homes, builds skills, and supports individuals and families through a person-centered approach that encourages people to reach their potential. The nonprofit is grateful for the funds and will continue to offer the best quality of life, foster inclusivity, and build a stronger community.
I would like to thank Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro for securing this much needed funding and Marrakech President Heather LaTorra for extending such a warm welcome. |
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| ‘Time To Own’ Program Reopens |
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The State Bond Commission approved $40 million in state funding that will be used to reopen the popular Time To Own program to a new round of applicants.
Time To Own has helped thousands of people buy their first homes since launching in 2022. The program provides forgivable loans for down payments and closing costs and has enabled individuals and families to achieve the dream of home ownership, fostering long-term financial stability and contributing to stronger communities. |
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| To date, Time To Own has helped more than 4,800 homebuyers in 149 towns buy their first homes, more than half of whom are people of color. With the new funding allocation, Connecticut has invested $195 million in the program.
For more information on eligibility, additional considerations, and how to apply, visit chfa.org/TimeToOwn. |
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| More Resources For Flood Victims |
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| Our state is getting more help in response to historic flooding that caused widespread damage in August.
The feds changed Connecticut’s major disaster declaration to include the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Public Assistance Program. This ensures that state and local governments in Fairfield, New Haven, and Litchfield Counties are now eligible for reimbursement for damage to public infrastructure and emergency response measures.
Municipalities, state government, and certain nonprofits can apply for federal reimbursements of 75% of costs connected to repairing and rebuilding roads, bridges, rail lines, schools, parks, and other facilities. |
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| Governor Lamont estimates that state and local governments experienced roughly $14.3 million in damage to public infrastructure from this storm, with much of the damage affecting public transportation, such as the Metro-North’s Waterbury Branch Line. |
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An emergency burn ban is in effect across all Connecticut State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management areas. Outdoor burning is not allowed, and crews will enforce the ban, which means you cannot use:
- outdoor grills
- firepits
- campfires
- jack-o-lanterns with flames
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| DEEP and local agencies are working to contain several active fires across the state. The Orange Volunteer Fire Department extinguished a brush fire last week in the backyard of a home on Petrose Circle. Investigators are looking into how the fire started. |
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| Daylight Saving Time Ends |
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| Reminder! This weekend it's time to 'Fall Back'! This simple action will ensure that you’re in sync with the new time schedule. |
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| Apply for the Legislative Internship Program |
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| Time is running out for your college student to apply for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program. The deadline is TODAY. CLICK HERE to learn more about the internship program.
The internship allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learning about the legislative process, taking part in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more. |
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| As the Co-Chair of the Internship Committee, it is my responsibility to ensure that students receive an unforgettable experience in Hartford. I will work diligently with anyone who's interested in taking part in the program. |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give free food to the community on Tuesday, November 5 from 2:15 PM - 3:00 P.M. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
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The Bethany Spartan Players are pleased to announce their production of Seussical Jr. will take place on:
- Friday, November 8 at 6:30 P.M.
- Saturday, November 9 at 6:30 P.M.
- Sunday, November 10 at 2:00 P.M.
All three shows will be held at Amity Middle School – Bethany Gym. |
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| Get ready to lace up those running shoes and start your Thanksgiving morning with a healthy tradition! The Rotary Club of Orange welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels to join the 5K Race or 1 mile walk on Thursday, November 28 at High Plains Community Center.
Registration costs $27 from now through November 18. The price increases to $30 afterward. CLICK HERE to sign up. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| Massaro Community Farm of Woodbridge invites the community to enjoy a captivating evening of stargazing on Saturday, November 9 at 7:00 P.M. There will be telescopes available to explore the night sky, or you can bring your own. Be sure to bring blankets or chairs to relax. Warm drinks and tasty snacks will be available for purchase. CLICK HERE to get your tickets. |
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