Passing Bills, Road Work Coming, and School Recognized

May 12, 2023

SESSION RECAP

The House of Representatives passed House Joint Resolution 1, which I proudly co-sponsored. The resolution means you will get to decide if we amend the state constitution to allow no-excuse absentee voting. 

Connecticut's rules for absentee voting are among the most restrictive in the U.S. and are enshrined in its constitution. A constitutional amendment is required to remove restrictions on absentee voting. 

Absentee voting works, which we saw during the COVID-19 pandemic in an effective and safe manner.

TEMPORARY SHUTTLE FOR GOLD STAR MEMORIAL BRIDGE

A free, temporary shuttle will soon be connecting pedestrians and bicyclists to Groton and New London on I-95 southbound over the Gold Star Memorial Bridge.
 
The free rides will begin on Monday and run seven days per week from 6 a.m. – 5 p.m. The pedestrian walkway has been closed since it was damaged in a deadly, fiery crash in April.

The Gold Star Bridge Shuttle will run on continuous 30-minute loops with stops at Williams Street & Bailey Circle (Southbound), Bridge Street in Groton, 121 Riverview Avenue, and 1 Bailey Circle. The 20-passenger shuttle bus will display “Gold Star Bridge Shuttle” and can carry two bicycles.
 
The complete Gold Star Bridge Shuttle schedule is below.

WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?

On Monday, I went to Bluff Point State Park in Groton to visit Bushy Point Beach where there are nesting grounds for the piping plover and oyster catcher as well as migratory bird species that are increasingly under threat.

Thank you Connecticut Audubon Society and the Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) for showcasing each site where these incredible birds are forming nests.

We were privileged to observe a few piping plover pairs foraging for food and nesting. 66 pairs of piping plover, 79 pairs of American oystercatcher, and 247 pairs of least tern nested at a handful of beaches in Connecticut last year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These birds migrated to our shores each spring long before we did, and it is up to us to ensure their habitat is protected and their species has a fighting chance of survival.

I am honored to co-sponsor HB 6813 and vote for the bill out of the Environment Committee. While I’m disappointed by the filibuster on the bill on Wednesday on the House floor, I believe we can come together to move this bill to the Senate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Delicious treats at the Farm 2 School Community Dinner created by Fitch Culinary Students and Groton Public Schools Food Service at Fitch High School! All proceeds go towards the district’s gardens.

 

It was a great day for the 3rd Annual Stonington Spring Fest at the high school. We supported our local businesses via the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce’s Downtown Mystic Spring Stroll!

I joined my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, for the CT General Assembly’s Second Annual Kickball Classic. There were plenty of smiles and laughs while raising money for charity.
 
Proceeds are going to two great causes. The first is the Q Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County in memory of my friend State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who died in a tragic car crash at the start of the 2023 legislative session. We also raised money for the Sarah Foundation in memory of former State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda.

To learn more about the Q Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, click HERE.

To learn more about the Sarah Foundation, click HERE.

I couldn’t resist taking a picture with UConn center Donovan Clingan when the Huskies stopped by the State Capitol to celebrate the national championship! Maybe you'll see me running the offense and throwing alley-oops next season! I'm so proud of our college basketball program!

MEET ME IN PERSON

Please join me for a Legislative Update to find out what we're voting on at the Capitol! Representatives Christine Conley and Anthony Nolan will share their perspectives on Friday, May 19 from 6 pm - 7 pm at Union Baptist Church on High Street in Mystic. 

We will be sharing which bills have passed the House and which proposals are still to come before session comes to an end on June 7.

This is an opportunity to meet each representative serving Southeastern Connecticut, to ask questions about the legislative session, and to learn more about resources available to you. I hope to see you there!

SLOW DOWN FOR CONSTRUCTION

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be performing two safety improvement projects, including epoxy pavement-markings, in our district.

You can expect to see work on Route 78 in both directions from Route 2 in Stonington to the Rhode Island State line as well as Route 1 in Groton from I-95 to State Route 649.

Here's what else you need to know:

  • Work is expected to go from May 21 - September 30 with several breaks surrounding holiday weekends
  • Nighttime work is from 7:00 pm - 5:00 am (Sunday evenings – Saturday mornings)
  • Drivers can expect changes to the schedule based on the weather

MORE DETAILS HERE

STONINGTON TOWN BUDGET REFERENDUM

 

There will be a referendum next week on Stonington's proposed $80 million budget, which carries a 17.45 mill rate, for the fiscal year starting July 1. The annual town budget meeting was held this past Monday at Stonington High School.

The referendum will be held on Tuesday, May 16 from 12 pm – 8 pm.

CLICK HERE to see your polling location.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL OF THE YEAR!

The state's top Elementary School of the year is West Vine Street School in the Pawcatuck section of Stonington! The Connecticut Association of Schools was impressed with the school’s positive school climate, focus on student achievement, and the integration of social-emotional learning.

West Vine Street School is proud of its students, staff, and families who support one another! CLICK HERE to learn what makes West Vine so great!

ASIAN AMERICAN, NATIVE HAWAIIAN, AND PACIFIC ISLANDER HERITAGE MONTH

During Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we're celebrating the diversity of cultures, breadth of achievement, and remarkable contributions of these communities.

We recognize the brave immigrants who, motivated by the promise of possibilities, picked up their lives and found new homes here. We must also pay tribute to the native peoples who have stewarded these lands for generations and community leaders who have shaped a brighter future for us all.

JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH

The story of the Jewish people is one of resilience, faith, and hope in the face of adversity, prejudice, and persecution. This Jewish American Heritage Month, let us join hands across faiths, races, and backgrounds to make clear that evil, hate, and antisemitism will not prevail. Let us honor the timeless values, contributions, and culture of Jewish Americans, who carry our nation forward every day.

Advocates of the Jewish Federation of Eastern Connecticut visited the State Capitol on Wednesday to tackle issues that matter.

HYDRANT FLUSHING SCHEDULE

Groton Utilities and Aquarion Water are conducting their water main flushing and testing programs. All Groton Utilities customers should expect intermittent intervals of water discoloration during the water main flushing process. House of flushing are from 8:00 am - 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. That work is expected to completed by June 16 (weather permitting).

GROTON UTILITIES FLUSHING SCHEDULE

AQUARIAN WATER FLUSHING SCHEDULE

COMMUNITY EVENTS