Did that Bill Pass?

bill
July 15, 2022
Over the past week, I had more than one wonderful opportunity to represent our community on a larger scale to better advocate for your needs.

First, I joined Senator Chris Murphy for a walk-and-talk to discuss our state's nation-leading mental health legislation and how we can do more to protect kids throughout the country. I also shared many of your concerns with him regarding education and safe roads.

I later had the privilege of joining the Governor, the DOT Commissioner, various stakeholders and my legislative colleagues at the announcement of new express trains on the New Haven Line and increased services on the Waterbury Branch Line (WRL). Specifically speaking to increased services on the WRL, this is phenomenal news that will not only increase accessibility to the Valley, but also establish an economic drive in the region.

As always, I want to make sure I am best advocating for you, whether that is in our community, in Hartford, or on the National level. If you want to share any concerns with me, please reach out any time.
 
Did that Bill Pass?
During session, it is very easy to lose track of bills we are following, whether that is because the bill never made it out of committee, or it was included in a different bill down the road.

The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has released the 2022 OLR Bill Tracking Report. This report identifies bills considered during the last session whose content or concepts were incorporated into other legislation, under different bill numbers, that the legislature passed.

Click the image below to view the report and track down the bill concepts you may be curious about.

 
Orange Bicentennial Celebrations
Don't forget about the two final Orange Bicentennial Summer of Celebration events! Check out the links below for Upcoming Events:
 
Woodbridge Summer Concert Series
Every Tuesday night from 6PM - 8PM throughout the Month of July, the Town of Woodbridge is hosting a summer concert on the green. Please find the full concert list below:
  • Tuesday, July 19
    • Abe Ovadia Trio
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 20th
    • Description: Jazz
  • Tuesday, July 26
    • Rumrunners
    • Gazebo "On the Green" at 4 Meetinghouse Lane
    • In case of inclement weather, the performance will take place on Wednesday, July 27th
    • Description: Party Rock / Classic Rock
 
 
FREE Community College

This is a reminder that if you or someone you know is a recent high school graduate headed to college or university, the deadline to apply for financial aid through Connecticut's free community college program - Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT), is TODAY. PACT funding covers the gap between federal and state grants as well as community college tuition and mandatory fees. Funds are available on a first come, first served basis.
 
To qualify for PACT, applicants must meet the following requirements:

  • Be a CT High School Graduate, GED and home schooled students qualify
  • Be a first-time college student
  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is used to package federal, state and often institutional aid and accept all awards
  • Attend community college part- or full-time (6+ credits/semester)
  • Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program
  • Once Enrolled, remain in good academic standing

Students from all financial backgrounds are eligible.

To get started, click the button below:
Learn More & Apply
 
ParkConneCT
July is National Parks Month, a great time to get out and enjoy all of the natural beauty our state has to offer. It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park!

ParkConneCT, a transportation service that offers FREE buses to Connecticut beaches and state parks, is in full swing for the summer season. This expanded service will run through Labor Day.

ParkConneCT makes our state parks and beaches more accessible, ensuring that all residents will be able to enjoy Connecticut's beautiful outdoor offerings.
The following parks are included in the ParkConneCT program: 
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
  • Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
  • Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)
  • Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
  • Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)
  • Osbornedale State Park (Derby)
  • Indian Well State Park (Shelton)
As a reminder, all statewide buses will continue to operate without fare collection until December 1st, 2022. If you are looking for a great outdoor activity during the summer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the free ParkConneCT buses.

For more information on the program, including a schedule, please click the button:
Learn More
 
ReEmployCT
I am pleased to share ReEmployCT, a revamped and modern online platform utilized by Connecticut Department of Labor to streamline services and facilitate unemployment and tax filing.
 
ReEmployCT Offers:
  • 24/7 access for filing up to two previous weeks
  • Filing a new claim because you reached the end of your benefit year
  • Re-opening an existing unemployment claim due to a break in filing
    • For example, you were unable to work for the week due to illness

Please make sure to: 

  • Enter your user ID and password correctly. If you get locked out of your account, use the lockout form to get back in
  • Remember, your name, birth date, and Social Security number MUST MATCH what’s already in the system
    • This is a security feature to ensure no one else is trying to access your benefits
Learn More About ReEmployCT
 
Opioid Crisis Survey
The Derby Youth Bureau and BHCare are asking for your help!

The opioid overdose crisis has taken so many young lives in our community, state, and country. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief survey that is completely anonymous, just click the button below.

When completing the survey, they ask that you please select BHCare North Haven.
Take the Survey
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.