Huge Battle Over Wine Sales & Help For Women-Owned Businesses

February 3, 2023

 

Courtesy: Dan Haar/Hearst CT Media

Thursday was a busy day, as the General Law Committee held its Public Hearing on the issue of whether grocery stores should be able to sell certain ciders and wines. Huge crowds packed the State Capitol on Thursday as advocates for package stores faced off against supermarket advocates. 

As a member of the General Law Committee, I am listening to both sides of the debate and working with my colleagues to find the right solution for Connecticut consumers, taxpayers, communities and our economy.
The bill would allow supermarkets to sell cider in addition to wine from a large variety of producers. To see the bill it its entirety, click here.
 
HELP FOR WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES
Grant applications are now open for woman-owned businesses. Click here to learn more and apply for this transformative Equity Match Grant program! Grants are available until February 28.
As a small business owner myself, I know how hard it can be to grow in these difficult times. Since 2020, the Women's Business Development Council has issued 167 grants totaling more than $1.5 million, supporting women-owned businesses in our great state.
 
KIDS COURT COMPETITION
Do you have an Aspiring Advocate, a Budding Barrister, or a Looming Lawyer at home? Beginning Tuesday, February 21, the Kids Court Academy will be hosting a series of online workshops and experiences for middle and high school students to learn about civil rights and engage in deep discussions with their peers from around the state. 

Kids Court Academy is a 17-week pipeline program to develop interest in youth regarding civil and human rights law and social justice. In addition to the workshops, Kids Court will provide an opportunity for students to compete in the Kids Court Essay Competition by writing a short essay on one of six civil rights topics. Students with the top essays from Middle School and the top essays from High School will be selected as finalists to present their papers remotely before a panel of judges on June 6, 2023 (prizes awarded!). More information about the Kids Court Academy can be found here.