Weekly Happenings: Climate Change Education Bill, Demanding Action on Gun Violence & More

gunviolence
June 3, 2022
Climate Change Education Bill
This was another great accomplishment we had this session. As of July 2023, schools in Connecticut will have to include the climate crisis and solutions in their science curriculum.
 
Nearly 90% of Connecticut schools already teach about climate change, but this new bill, which passed the Connecticut House’s Education Committee with bipartisan support, will make the curriculum a requirement.
 
It’s important they know why it’s happening. Only through education will it be possible, and from that could come greater action. Climate education is necessary for CT's future .
 
Connecticut College Graduates
Big Congratulations to the Class of 2022 Graduates of Connecticut College. Looking forward to you changing the world.

Wishing you all great success.

🎓 422 graduates
🎓 134 double majors
🎓 28 different states represented
🎓 18 different countries represented

Congratulations to the Camels! 🐪
 
Summer Fest
After a two year hiatus, Summer Fest is back! 🎉
 
Summer Fest is a free, family friendly, community event, featuring live entertainment, family activities, art projects, face painting, balloon creations, food trucks and more! It’s a perfect event to spend with family and friends.
 
☀️SUMMER FEST☀️
SATURDAY, JUNE 18
11 AM - 4 PM
Rain or Shine
 
Mural Reveal at Fulton Park
Great Event at Fulton Park in the City of New London MURAL REVEAL - Public Art for Racial Justice Education.
 
Demanding Action on Gun Violence
This week, we stood in solidarity in regards.to the senseless tragedies going on in our country due to gun violence. Many of  colleagues and I support stronger gun laws that will help improve the safety of our communities.
 
I had the great opportunity to say a prayer with colleagues and victims from Sandy Hook as we stood with Governor Ned Lamont, LT Governor Susan Bysiewicz and many advocates & Legislators to let our Federal Senate officials know many of us are tired of the inactions when it comes to gun laws.
 
It's time for action. Stop procrastinating!
 
Connecticut Against Gun Violence
 
Moms Demand Action
 
New London Talent Show
It's back! Get your tickets!
 
After three years, the New London Talent Show will be back open to the public at the Garde Arts Center! This show will be the Grand Finale, and it is happening for ONE NIGHT only.
 
Do not miss your chance to see Southeastern CT’s hottest talent perform on the historic Garde Arts Center Stage.
 
Join us as we applaud special performances from surprise performers, veterans from seasons past, and several new faces for this non-stop, family-friendly hit show.
 
The New London Talent Show was created to provide a platform for youth to express themselves through art. The show’s wide appeal has propelled the production into a sold-out regional showcase. We challenge the norm and appear unconventional in our use of artistic expression.
 
Sound Community Services
Big thanks to Sound Community Services for the continued help in our communities
 
Help is available. All you have to do is call, we handle the rest. Help begins now.
 
Call: (860) 439-6400
 
State Pier Update
The Connecticut Port Authority, which is overseeing the project, announced in March that additional money was needed to cover costs of delays and to speed up work on the project
 
That dollar figure turns out to be about $15 million.

The port authority last month approved $5.8 million to cover the costs associated with delays, mostly blamed on challenges to the permitting of the project. On Tuesday, it approved an additional $8.4 million, in part to accelerate work at State Pier and ensure most of the work is completed by April 28. Click below for the article from The Day.
 
The Day Housing Solutions Lab
FYI: The Day's Housing Solutions Lab invites former residents of the Thames River Apartments to gather for a conversation about life since the closing of the Crystal Avenue high-rises.
 
The event will be at OIC of New London, 106 Truman St., on Tuesday, May 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. Pizza and soft drinks will be served.
 
The Lab is looking to hear untold stories as it investigates housing solutions in our region. For more information, contact Day reporter Johana Vazquez at j.vazquez@theday.com or call (860) 701-4425.

Read more HERE.
 
FREE RENTY Film
FREE RENTY tells the story of Tamara Lanier, an African American woman determined to force Harvard University to cede possession of daguerreotypes of her great-great-great grandfather, an enslaved man named Renty.
 
The daguerreotypes were commissioned in 1850 by a Harvard professor to “prove” the superiority of the white race. The images remain emblematic of America’s failure to acknowledge the cruelty of slavery, the racist science that supported it and the white supremacy that continues to infect our society today.
 
The film focuses on Lanier and tracks her lawsuit against Harvard, and features attorney Benjamin Crump, author Ta-Nehisi Coates and scholars Ariella Azoulay and Tina Campt.
 
Hate Crimes Legislation
Glad to see LT Gov Susan Bysiewicz & Legislative Colleagues this past week stand with Governor Ned Lamont as he signed Public Act 22-9 to enhance investigations into hate crimes by the Connecticut State Police.
 
This codifies into law the Connecticut State Police Department's Hate Crime Investigations Unit to prevent and detect certain crimes that are biased against a race, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
 
Pre-Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil
This weekend is a great event.  Please share the invitation to New London’s 13th Annual Pre-Memorial Day Candlelight Vigil.
 
Community Investment Fund
Anyone with a dollar, a dream, and the drive to achieve it should be able to succeed in Connecticut.
 
The Community Investment Fund 2030 is another way that we are encouraging impactful development and small business support for the folks who have been left behind for too long. https://t.co/Z29yTutjYn
 
DECD will hold a series of informational webinars in the coming weeks to review CIF details and the application process. The first of these webinars will be held on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Interested parties can sign up at https://t.co/2Aui3aEQsv.