Session Recap, Coat Gifting Event and More!

January 31, 2025


 
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Dear Neighbor,
 
Happy Friday! The House of Representatives was in session on Tuesday. In addition to confirming judicial appointees, we voted to improve survivor benefits for the families of state employees killed in the line of duty.

This legislation was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
 
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.

Please see below for more information on a soup drive, a conversation about the local impact of climate change, and more! 
Community Resource Hub
The Community Resource Hub helps Norwalk residents in need identify, understand, and navigate available support services and resources. Click here for more information. 
Living and Thriving in Long Island Sound: Our Critical Ecosystem
If you are passionate about environmental issues, or wish to learn more about the impact climate change may have locally, I'd encourage you to check out this important event on February 12.

Alicia Sullivan from Save the Sound and Scott Redrern from the Henry L. And Grace Doherty Climate and Resilience Institute will both discuss their journey through Long Island Sound's vast ecosystem restoration efforts. 

They will also examine  the threats to our waterways, shores, stormwater runoff and backyard "mini-ecosystems" in ponds, streams, marshes, etc.

Click here to learn more.

Filling in the Blanks - Souper Bowl 
Filling in the Blanks is looking for soup donations to help provide meals to children in need. The organization will accept 10- 12oz cans of tomato or chicken noodle soup through February 10. Donations should be dropped off at 346 Main Avenue, Suite 3A in Norwalk. Please see the flyer below for more information. 
CT Paid Leave Information Session
Last year, I hosted an informational webinar about Paid Leave. If you want to learn more about paid leave benefits or have any questions about the program, check out the recording below!
 
Coat Gifting Event
The Subaru Loves to Help children's coat gifting event will be held on February 13 at at Open Doors' Smilow Life Center. Warm coats for children in need will be available while supplies last. Click here to learn more and register. 
Norwalk ACTS Civic Influencer Program: Community Organization Cohort
Norwalk Acts is accepting applications for their 2nd Cohort of the Civic Influencer Program.

The goal of the Civic Influencer Program is to:

  1. To advocate for equity-focused policies and practices within our schools, the school district, and in broader local and state government efforts;
  2. To increase civic engagement and expand civic engagement efforts within partner member organizations;
  3. To connect members of our community to each other and to the broader community;
  4. To break down barriers for more community members, especially those who identify with historically marginalized identities, to inform public policy; and,
  5. To ensure that the state and Norwalk’s local government represents the communities they serve in identity and action.

Applications are due February 7. Check out the flyer for more information. 

 
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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