Equal Pay, Early Voting and more

March 15, 2024


 
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Happy Friday! I want to begin by saying Ramadan Mubarak! Sending my warmest wishes during this holy Muslim month. 🕌
In this eblast, you can read about equal pay, early voting, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
     
    Next Week's Public Hearings
    There are 10 public hearings at the Capitol next week! We are approaching the end of the committee work in session, so don't miss your chance to have your voice heard.
    One bill of particular interest for the environmental justice community is HB 5507: An Act Concerning State Agency and Court Proceedings Relating to Electric Transmission Lines. This bill revises the law about the rights for parties and intervenors involved in Siting Council proceedings on electric transmission line construction. The public hearing for this bill will be held Wednesday, March 20 at 10am. If you're interested in testifying on that bill, click here.

    If you're interested in learning how to testify on other bills, click here.
     
    CT Main Street Center Summit
    Thank you to the CT Main Street Center for inviting me to speak at their Summit on Addressing Blight & Vacancy this week!
    As Co-Chair of the Main Street Working Group, it's critical to attend summits like these and hear directly from economic development directors in our state about the impact a blighted or vacant property can have on the economic vitality of Main Street.

    On that note, I was proud to partner with CT Main Street Center to support HB 5478: An Act Concerning the Land Value Taxation Pilot Program and Eligible Community Investment Fund Projects, which expands the pilot program and authorizes the Community Investment Fund Board 2030 to provide grants-in-aid for certain projects.

    One of our working group's main goals is to promote economic development and fair treatment for all residents, and this bill moves our state in the right direction.
     
    Early Voting: What You Need to Know
    Early voting options are now available thanks to the work of the Connecticut General Assembly last session, and later this month, voters in the state will take to the polls to vote in the 2024 presidential primary.

    This legislation was made possible by a state Constitutional amendment approved by a wide majority of Connecticut voters in 2022. It will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled, while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts.

    Anticipating that you may have questions about this new process, I hope the guide below will be helpful in providing information to answer them.

    Here's what you need to know:

    When is early voting?

    For the April 2 presidential preference primary election, early voting will take place from 10am-6pm on March 26, 27, 28, and 30. Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31.

    Early voting for the August 13 primary elections will take place between August 5 and August 11.

    Early voting for the November 5 general election will take place between October 21 to November 3.

    Is my early voting location the same as my regular voting location?

    Not necessarily. Each town will have at least one early voting location, and municipalities with a population of 20,000 or more will have the opportunity to add additional locations. You can find your early voting location on your municipality's website, at     MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling 860-509-6200.
    Are there deadlines to be aware of?

    Monday, March 25 at noon is the deadline to register with a political party to vote in the early voting period for the presidential preference primary.

    Monday, April 1 at noon is the deadline for registering in person with your registrar of voters or town clerk to vote on April 2, and for unaffiliated voters to enroll in a party for in-person voting.

    If you are not yet registered to vote, file your registration application with your town's registrar of voters by noon on the business day before the day you want to vote, or     click here to register.

    Voting is one of our country's most privileged and fundamental rights, and your participation is crucial in shaping the future. Let’s amplify the impact of our collective voice – start voting early!

    Please don't hesitate to reach out to my office with any further questions on this new and exciting initiative!
     
    Equal Pay Day
    Tuesday, March 12 was Equal Pay Day.

    Equal Pay Day is on March 12 to highlight how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Below are some of the steps we’ve taken to ensure equal pay and pay transparency in Connecticut.
    The wage gap contributes to the long-term economic insecurity of women and families. By earning only 84 cents for every $1 a man makes, full-time, year-round working women lose up to $400k over the course of their careers.

    Many women piece together part-time, seasonal, and gig work to make ends meet. Factoring in these jobs and full-time work, the average woman is paid 77 cents per $1 paid to the average man. Women don’t work 77% as hard as men. We demand 100% of the pay women are owed.
    Evidence shows that pay secrecy widens the wage gap. That is why we fought for pay transparency in Connecticut. On Equal Pay Day, I encourage more states to join in and close the wage gap.
     
    Tax Filing Assistance
    As we enter tax season, I wanted to remind you that tax help is available at the Fairfield Public Library in the Rotary Room every Tuesday until April 9 from 9:30am-4pm. Make sure to bring your ID, everything you need to file your taxes, and your 2022 tax return if you can.

    Thank you to the Fairfield Public Library for this wonderful service!
     
    Easter Egg Hunt
    The Greenfield Hill Commons's inaugural Easter Egg Hunt is Saturday, March 23 at 10am! The family-friendly event will take place at 75 Hillside Road, will feature a very special meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, and even some special Easter Eggs for the adults! I hope you'll check out this wonderful event for the whole family.
     
    Fairfield Museum's 2024 Spring Speaker Series
    The Fairfield Museum announced their 2024 Spring Speaker Series, which explores our relationship with the land and examines how our state's natural landscape has shaped our history. Learn about our natural history with scholars and scientists from throughout Connecticut.

    Reserve your spot here.
     
    I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Leeper
    State Representative
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