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Happy Friday - I hope you had a great week.
Next Thursday, we remember the 2,996 lives lost on September 11, 2001, the thousands who have died since due to exposure to toxic chemicals, and the countless lives that were forever changed. May we never forget the people whose lives were stolen from us through this act of terror, and all of the first responders, construction crews, service members, and everyday citizens who saved lives and helped our country rebuild.
Though we move further away from that fateful day each year, we must continue to honor those Americans we lost and never stop the fight against terror and for peace.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about energy assistance programs, a minimum wage increase coming in January, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
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Higher energy bills are a challenge for everyone, but you can get some help! The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program, formerly known as Operation Fuel, is accepting applications through Wednesday, September 10th!
This program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill to eligible Connecticut individuals and families making up to 75% SMI gross household income.
For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when you are most in need.
There are four Energy Assistance Application Cycles:
- September 2-10, 2025
- November 2-10, 2025
- January 2-10, 2026
- March 2-10 , 2026
CLICK HERE to learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials.
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Time is running out to claim thousands of dollars in clean energy incentives. If you’ve been thinking about going solar, buying an electric vehicle, or upgrading your home with cleaner, more affordable energy — now is the time to act because many of these federal incentives will expire soon.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Credits:
Find out which new and used EVs still qualify for federal tax credits of up to $7,500 until September 30, 2025.
Residential Clean Energy Credits:
Claim 30% of the total cost of solar panels, battery storage, and geothermal systems if you buy by December 31, 2025.
Energy Efficient Home Upgrade Credits:
Make home energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, or efficient electric appliances, by December 31, 2025, to claim the credit.
Click here to view the full credit timeline of tax credits.
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Connecticut’s minimum wage will increase by 59 cents to $16.94 per hour starting on January 1, 2026. The change is required under state law and links the state’s minimum wage to economic indicators, specifically the percentage change in the federal employment cost index.
The law requires the state to change the minimum wage each year based on the U.S. Department of Labor’s calculation of the employment cost index for the 12 month period ending on June 30 of the previous year.
Workers deserve this raise. Not only will these pay bumps help hard-working families, but the money spent is often pumped back into local businesses and communities. |
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Don't forget! The Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for the Class of 2025. The Hall of Fame honors veterans from Connecticut who have made a positive impact in their community after the conclusion of their military service.
To be eligible, nominees must have been born in Connecticut or lived in the state for at least five years. They must also meet the definition of a “veteran” under Connecticut General Statutes § 27-103 and have received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Armed Forces.
The submitted nomination package must contain the completed nomination form, the veteran’s discharge documents, and a detailed narrative of the veteran’s community and/or public service at the local, state, and/or national level and the veteran’s contributions to the community at large. The focus of this honor is on the veteran’s service to their community after leaving the military.
Click here to download the nomination package. You can find detailed instructions and information on eligibility criteria within the nomination package.
You must submit a completed nomination package to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. You should deliver them either by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mail through the U.S. Postal Service to:
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
ATTN: CT Veterans Hall of Fame
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
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Plainville Congregational Church 175th Anniversary CelebrationThe Congregational Church of Plainville, UCC (130 West Main St., Plainville)September 7, 3:00pmRead more here
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24th Annual Helen & Danny Coughlin Memorial WalkNorton Park, South Washington St., PlainvilleSeptember 20, 9amRead more here
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Farmington Station's Antique Auto & Classic Car ShowFarmington Station Senior Living (111 Scott Swamp Rd., Farmington)September 18, 5-7pmRead more here
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Southington Drive-InSouthington Drive-In (995 Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike, Southington)May 31 - September 13, 6pmRead more here
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Southington Farmers MarketSouthington Town GreenEvery Friday, June 20 - Sept. 26, 3-6pmRead more here
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Southington Apple Harvest FestivalSouthington Town GreenWeekend 1: Oct. 3 - Oct. 5Weekend 2: October 10 - Oct. 12Read more here
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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