Dominique Johnson

Dear Neighbor,
 
Happy Friday!

The 2025 legislative session kicked off on Wednesday. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft meaningful legislation that will benefit residents throughout the state.

In addition to my committee assignments, I was also recently selected to be the co-chair of the legislative Screening Committee for the House. The Screening Committee is responsible for reviewing all legislation that passes out of committee and as the Majority Leader's Chair of Screening I will be responsible for managing the process on the floor of the House of Representatives when it is in session.

Please see below for more information on how to stay up to date with the legislative session, a blood drive in Westport, and more!

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and their staff. Part of their duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. Click here to check out its website. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events on its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
• Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

On Sunday, January 12, there will be a session for Grade 2, which will begin at 1:30 PM, and an advanced class for Grade 3-5, which will begin at 3 PM.

Click here to learn more. 

Participants will learn all of the essentials of childcare, including how to handle a baby safely, change a diaper, basic first aid and CPR. Participants will also learn tips on how to start their own babysitting business!

The class will meet at the Norwalk Senior Center at 11 Allen Road.

To register for the CABS classes, please create or sign up using an Active Net account. If you don’t have an account, you can open one by visiting http://scb.ai/Nvtpyt #ChildAndBabysittingSafety

Classes will be held on Mondays, starting February 3rd and ending March 10th. They will go from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM and take place at Christine’s Boutique located on 176 Main Street, Norwalk.

Participants will create three projects including a breadbasket, a pillowcase and a zippered pouch. 

To register for the Adult Beginner Sewing classes, please create or sign up using an Active Net account. If you don’t have an account, you can open one by visiting http://scb.ai/Nvtpyt

For more information on CTDOT’s commitment to stopping wrong way drivers, visit https://portal.ct.gov/wrongwaydriving
 

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect a closure of I-95 southbound at Exit 17 in Westport on Monday, January 13. The detour for the ramp closure will be as follows: I-95 Exit 16 southbound in Westport for Exit 17. The work schedule for this project is from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m., Monday to Tuesday.
 
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced that survey operations will be performed on Route 15 in Norwalk. This project is scheduled to occur this Saturday, January 11.

LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
There will be lane and shoulder closures on Route 15 at Exits 40B, 40A, 39B and Route 7 at Exits 3 north and southbound from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. 

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.

Christmas Tree Collection
The City of Norwalk has begun collecting Christmas trees over the next few weeks. The collection schedule is determined by the day of the week a resident receives curbside recycling.

January Christmas Tree Collection Schedule:

• The week of Monday, January 13th: Residents who receive regular recycling collection on **Wednesdays
• The week of Monday, January 20th: Residents who receive regular recycling collection on **Thursdays and **Fridays

Please note:

• Trees must be curbside by 6:00 AM on the MONDAY of the above collection weeks.
• No plastic bags, lights, decorations, stands or holiday wreaths will be collected

For any questions or additional information regarding the City of Norwalk’s Christmas Tree Collection, please contact the Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or (203) 854-3200.

Another option for your tree is an event called Trees for Trout. Trout Unlimited will use the collected trees to build new habitats for the trout in the Norwalk River. Click here to learn more.