Jaime Foster

Dear Neighbor,

 

As you know, the work of a legislator does not stop when session ends. Throughout the year, I spend most of my week attending meetings and advocating for legislation that will positively impact the 57th district.

 

Below is just a highlight of some of the items I've been working on for you this week. 

Reminder: Federal Disaster Assistance Available for Farm Operators

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Governor Lamont's request to expand the natural disaster declaration for certain parts of our state due to the summer drought that has continued through fall. Agricultural producers in all 8 Connecticut counties are eligible to apply for assistance through the Farm Service Agency to help offset production losses resulting from the drought.

With the declaration, Fairfield, Hartford, Litchfield, Middlesex, New London, and Windham counties have been designated as primary natural disaster areas due to the drought. New Haven and Tolland counties have been named contiguous disaster counties. 

 

While the recent rain has helped ease water concerns presently, many agricultural producers experienced crop losses and reduced yields through the summer. 



Farm operators can apply for emergency loans and other forms of assistance through their local Farm Service Agency office. Framers have 8 months from the date of the declaration to apply for assistance. You can learn more about this here.

White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health

 

I had the privilege of being selected to attend and speak as a panelist at the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health. As usual, I spent my time at the conference listening, learning, and bringing back as much information as I can to serve the people of Ellington and East Windsor and the state as a whole.

I was honored to share information with the conference as a panelist on Produce Rx and #foodasmedicine with a partner in CT Wholesome Wave. Access to healthy food is a fundamental human right. As a state we need to prioritize access to high quality, healthy food because nutrition is related to most leading causes of death in our country and most health expenses. That's why I convened Connecticut's Food as Medicine taskforce and why I'll continue to fight for policies that make access to healthy food equitable.

Elder Justice Forum

Last month, I was joined by colleagues Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, State Senator Saud Anwar, and State Representative Carol Hall, with Ellington Human Services and East Windsor Social Services and both senior centers and their staff to create a forum on Elder Justice.

 

I'll be explicitly clear here – we have zero tolerance for elder abuse and elder fraud. These are tragic situations that are close to home and upsetting to navigate but we're working hard to make sure we're prepared to introduce bills in 2023 to protect our loved ones, you, and yours.

Press Conference to Highlight State Funding Coming to Ellington

I was proud to join Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz with my state and local colleagues this week to highlight a recent bonding allocation that will bring key state funding to Ellington to support park improvements, parking lot enhancements and the installation of a municipal charging station!

10^th Annual Disability Employment Resource Fair

Spread the word! The 10^th Annual Disability Resource Fair is coming up on Friday, October 14 from 9AM-12PM at the New Britain Senior Center. All are welcome to learn about the available resources such as free employment services, transportation, legal rights, assistive technology, education, and more!

 

Learn more by clicking here. If you need any accommodation, call (860) 899-3446.

Support the Ellington Human Services Food Pantry

 

Ellington Human Services will host a food drive on Saturday, November 5 from 9AM-12PM at 31 Arbor Way. All donations of non-perishable food items will go to the Ellington Human Services Food Pantry.

Suggested Food Items:

• Tuna
• Crackers
• Rice
• Canned Soups
• Coffee 

• Peanut Butter
• Granola Bars
• Dish Soap
• Laundry Detergent
• Body Wash

If you have any questions or require additional information, call (860) 870-3128.

East Windsor Parks and Recreation's Annual Scarecrow Contest 2022

The East Windsor Parks and Recreation's Annual Scarecrow Contest is open to individuals, families, group, organizations, and businesses! To participate, the scarecrow display must be:

• Secured to the ground with only 2x4s
• Able to withstand wind and weather
• Clearly labeled with your name and theme – this year's theme is participants choice. Let your imaginations fly!
• Taken down by November 9

To enter, call Parks and Rec at (860) 627-6662 to register your scarecrow idea, then set it up in front of Town Hall (11 Rye Street, Broad Brook) between October 15 and 18. Voting will take place via the East Windsor Parks and Recreation Facebook page starting October 19. The three scarecrows with the most votes will win a prize.

New After School Program from East Windsor Parks and Recreation

Twist in the tale with forensic engineering. Through a fun, new after-school program from East Windsor Parks and Rec, the location is Ellington and YOU are the investigators. Help solve the mysteries that have recently surrounded the town.

 

This program will run Mondays, November 28-December 19, 3PM-4:30PM in the East Windsor Middle School Cafeteria. Available to students in grades 5-8. Register now by clicking here, the cost is $99.

CT Energy Assistance Program Accepting Applications

Worried about hearing costs? The CT Energy Assistance Program can help, and applications are now open! Benefits are based on your household's income and number of family members. Apply online, over the phone, in-person, or by mail. Applications must be received by May 31, 2023.

 

For more information, click here or call 2-1-1.

CT is Working to Expand Internet Access Across the State

Recently approved! Funding from the American Rescue Plan is helping Connecticut launch a program that will expand or improve broadband for 10,000 households and businesses!

 

The grant comes from the Department of the Treasury as part of the American Rescue Plan Act’s Capital Projects Fund. This fund has a goal of carrying out critical capital projects that directly enable work, education, and health monitoring, including remote options, in response to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Learn more by clicking here.

Sincerely,



Jaime Foster

State Representative