Newsletter 10/1/21

jenn
October 1, 2021
Happy October! I hope you and your family are having a happy and healthy beginning of autumn. 
 
CT PAYS OFF PENSION DEBT
Thanks to our pension reforms and strong budget controls, we’ve taken meaningful steps to improve CT’s fiscal health and make our beautiful state more affordable. Because of these additional pension payments, the state is on track to save an estimated $200 million per year by the mid- 2020s, which is especially exciting because it frees up those resources for other priorities.

To read more about this great news, click below to access an article by the CT Mirror. 
Read More- CT Mirror
 
ENVIRONMENTAL ROUND TABLE
Please join me, the Commissioner of DEEP, Katie Dykes, the Vice-Chair of the Environment Committee, Rep. Christine Palm, and our local Fairfield expert and Chair of the Flood and Erosion Control Board, Becky Bunnell, for an Environmental Round Table Discussion this Wednesday, October 5th at 7pm. We will review the legislation we passed this past session, discuss where our state and town are headed, and answer any questions you may have!
Register Here
 
FAIRFIELD VACCINE CLINIC
Fairfield is offering Flu Vaccine Clinics at the Bigelow Center beginning next Thursday, October 7th from 10am-7pm and Friday, October 8th from 10am-5pm. No appointment is necessary. For more information, click here, 
LAWS TAKING EFFECT TODAY- OCT 1ST
Several new laws in Connecticut will go into effect TODAY, October 1. These laws are a result of the hard work of my colleagues and I during the 2021 session. We worked tirelessly to push for change that would benefit all Connecticut residents. 
Below is a selection of some of the laws that will go into effect today, October 1:

"Bottle Bill"
  • PA 21-58 requires certain retailers to have at least two reverse vending machines on their premises. 
  • It also increases the handling fee paid by the distributors to redemption centers from 2.5 cents per beverage container to 3.5 cents.

Pedestrian Safety  

  • PA 21-28 clarifies the rules for pedestrians in crosswalks 
    • Starting October 1, drivers must slow down or stop if a pedestrian is in the crosswalk or indicated that they are going to cross. 

Breastfeeding in the Workplace

  • Public Act No. 21-27 requires employers to provide a private room or location with an electrical outlet for women to express milk. Employers must also provide a refrigerated space to store the breastmilk.  
  • The law also protects breastfeeding employees from workplace discrimination. 

Marijuana and Smoking Restrictions 

  • On October 1, a portion of Public Act No. 21-1 will go into effect.
  • Medical marijuana patients who are 18 years of age or older can start growing mature and immature plants at home. 
  • Smoking of any kind (tobacco, vaping, marijuana) will be prohibited within 25 feet of any door, window, or vent intake of any building open to the public.

Addressing Gender Discrimination 

  • PA 21-30 requires employers to offer equal pay for "comparable” work regardless of gender. 
  • Also requires employers to offer prospective applicants and employees a scale of pay among those with similar tasks.

Click here for the complete list of laws that will go into effect today.
 
ELDER JUSTICE HOTLINE
Connecticut has launched an Elder Justice hotline to provide seniors with a "one-stop-shop" for information on several resources.

Hotline: 1-860-808-5555

Have you been the victim of fraud? Received a message demanding immediate payment and aren’t sure if it’s legitimate? Have you or your loved one been the victim of abuse or neglect? Do you need help accessing benefits or assistance? If so, contact the Elder Justice Hotline. 

The hotline will be staffed by the Attorney General’s Office Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. If you are calling after hours, please leave a message and your call will be returned as soon as possible.
 
GREEN WHEELS EXPO 
Join me and Sustainable Fairfield for their annual Green Wheels Expo this Saturday, October 2nd at Bob's Shopping Plaza from 10am-2pm! Explore all of the new, sustainable technology that saves you money and helps our planet.
 
FAIRFIELD FOODTRUCK FESTIVAL
The Fairfield Food Truck Festival has returned! After a year’s absence due to COVID, the festival will return this Sunday, October 3rd, 2021 at Jennings Beach.  Popular vendors like Lobster Craft, DrewbaQ, Bubble & Brew Tea, and Rice & Beans will reappear. Some Covid restrictions will apply; i.e., admittance will be capped at roughly half of the previous year’s attendees.
 
FAIRFIELD RESTAURANT WEEK
Fairfield Restaurant Week is approaching! Make reservations now to ensure you can participate. Click here to see a list of participating restaurants. 
 
ABSENTEE BALLOT FOR MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
Municipal elections are coming up soon! Please see the graphic above for a refresher on how to complete your absentee ballot.
 
Have a great week!