Updates for the Early Stages of Session

February 22, 2024

Workforce development has been one of my top priorities since I took office. Last December, I had the opportunity to travel to Austin, Texas to attend the National Conference of Legislators Forecast ‘24 Conference. One of the issues discussed at the conference was early childhood education and childcare. Lack of available and affordable childcare is a key impediment to getting people back into the workforce.

In Connecticut, a Blue Ribbon Panel convened by the Governor in the last legislative session issued a report noting that the lack of infant and toddler care costs the state $1.5 billion per year. The lack of available and affordable childcare disproportionately affects women and, nationally, there is a 27% gender gap in employment for parents of young children.

I am pleased that early childhood education and childcare are issues that we will be addressing in this session because, if we don’t, we risk jeopardizing our efforts to increase workforce participation, which will impact our state’s ability to attract businesses and families.
Ensuring Free Meals for Hungry Students
 
Pathways Concert
Early Childhood Forum
Greenwich House Delegation Legislative Preview
Geothermal: The Future of Energy in Greenwich
The Town of Greenwich Energy Management Advisory Committee (EMAC) and the Greenwich Sustainability Committee (GSC) present this opportunity to understand geothermal energy and its future implications for Greenwich. There will be several speakers versed in the topic that will provide their expert opinions to keep us as well informed as we can be.

Register via Zoom

 HERE.
Electrical Landscape Equipment Expo
Learn about switching from gas powered pollutants to a safer and quieter alternative with the Electrical Landscape Equipment Expo. The expo will be at the Town Hall Meeting Room on Thursday, February 29, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. There will be a short presentation at 11:00 am. 
Pollinator Potluck
There will be a discussion about improving the watersheds of Long Island Sound and the steps we can take in our own lives. The event will have a screening of Eunice Burnett's "Cleansing Currents," an award-winning documentary, followed by short presentations and a moderated panel discussion.

There will be potluck food and hors d'oeuvres provided by Happiness is Back Country Market as well as organic wine from the Study Fine Wines! You may bring a dish of your own so long as you list the ingredients on a notecard.

The event will be at the Greenwich Audubon (613 Riversville Road) on Thursday, February 29, from 6:00 to 7:30 pm.

Admission is free but you are required to RSVP, which you can do

HERE.
CT Department of Agriculture Food Grant
WBDC Ignite Grant

There will be a one-hour information session to learn about the Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) Ignite Grant on Wednesday, February 29, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm via Zoom, which is free.

This program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut that have been in business for 2 or more years.

To register for the February 29 session, click HERE.

The grant application period will be open between February 1, and March 14.

The information sessions will cover eligibility requirements, what the grant can be used for, the application process, and the timeline.

WBDC will share the application questions and the required supporting documentation.

There will also be time for questions at the end of the sessions.