Push to Add Statues to Capitol, New Weekend Train Schedule, and Road Work Coming
May 19, 2023THE HOUSE IS IN SESSION!
It's crunch time in the House of Representatives as we work together to pass meaningful laws at the Capitol. Behind the scenes, we are working hard to finalize bill language, build consensus to advance important proposals, and craft a budget that will serve as the state budget for the next two years. Read below to see some of the highlights from this past week.
 |
The House of Representatives passed HB 6077, which establishes a process to add additional statues outside the Capitol that reflect the diversity, character, and accomplishments of the state. I am proud to co-sponsor this legislation because we need to memorialize our diverse heroes, including Native Americans, on a larger scale.
I testified on this bill earlier this session because neither Sassaccus nor Uncas, who were Pequot and Mohegan sachems, have statues at the State Capitol. Yet there is one for Captain John Mason, who led an attack known as the Mystic Massacre, killing 400 people and ushering in a long history of Native American genocide.
The presence of statues promoting our diversity would provide a more comprehensive understanding of our state history, which needs to be shared. The statues would also acknowledge the hardship and genocide of the original stewards of the land we stand on and claim as our own.
We also passed HB 6746, which addresses the spike in wrong-way crashes and deaths. Studies show wrong-way driving crashes are 100 times more likely to be fatal than other types of crashes. Our own State Representative Quentin “Q” Williams of Middletown was killed by a wrong-way driver in January. The bill would:
- Install wrong-way driving detection and notification systems on at least 120 highway exit ramps
- Provide a grant to test rumble strips on exit ramps
- Implement a public awareness campaign to reduce wrong-way driving.
WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
 |
 |
I celebrated Marine Science Day by visiting Project Oceanology to see its incredible programs in action! Project O hosted this event for UConn Avery Point, which brings middle school students from many different schools and homeschool programs.
Project O provides more than 20,000 students and adults annually with opportunities to learn about the ocean through firsthand exploration and experiences. Thank you, Andrew Ely and your incredible staff, for showing me around campus and inviting me aboard Enviro Lab III!
It's always amazing to see new businesses come to the 41st district! I joined the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the new location for the gift shop Portside on Holmes Street.
 |
|
Portside offers home decor, furnishings, curated gifts, bath and body products, and more. |
I had a great time catching up with Congressman Joe Courtney at the Groton Democrats Appreciation Dinner along with Rep. Christine Conley!
SHORE LINE EAST WEEKEND SCHEDULE CHANGE!
Starting on Saturday, crews will start weekend construction to upgrade the Shore Line East (SLE) railroad, which means you should expect a change in the train schedule. Some departure times will be affected by up to 36 minutes.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be working on a Fitter Interlocking Project and foundation work. CTDOT expects construction will be finished by September.
SLE Weekend trains with schedule adjustments include:
Westbound
- SLE 3621, arriving in New Haven at 9:20 a.m., 10 minutes earlier.
- SLE 3645, arriving in New Haven at 3:55 p.m., 26 minutes later.
Eastbound
- SLE 3604, departing New Haven at 8:46 a.m., 20 minutes later.
- SLE 3610, departing New Haven at 10:57 a.m., 19 minutes later.
- SLE 3618, departing New Haven at 12:57 p.m., 22 minutes later.
- SLE 3034, departing New Haven at 4:50 p.m., 20 minutes later.
- SLE 3638, departing New Haven at 5:42 p.m., 12 minutes later.
Starting May 22, the following trains will be bypassing the Madison station and will experience other service adjustments as noted below:
Weekday
- SLE 1627 passengers departing Madison at 5:57 a.m. will be bused to New Haven Union Station or any intermediate stops.
- SLE 1652 passengers traveling to Madison Station will need to get off at the Guilford station and then board a bus at 10:05 p.m., completing the trip to Madison station.
Weekend
- SLE 3613 passengers traveling on Saturdays from Madison will need to board a bus departing from the station at 7:01 a.m. to get to New Haven Union Station or any intermediate stops.
SLOW DOWN FOR ROAD WORK
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will be performing two safety improvement projects, including epoxy pavement-markings, starting on Sunday.
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
STONINGTON & GROTON APPROVE RESPECTIVE BUDGETS
Stonington's proposed $80 million budget passed a referendum earlier this week. The plan for the fiscal year starting July 1:
- Reduces that tax rate to 17.45 mill rate
- Increases spending by 4.4%
- Includes $41.6 million in school spending
|
Groton’s Representative Town Meeting approved its own $148.9 million budget on Thursday. It increases spending by $6.3 million. CLICK HERE to learn more.
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).
|
|
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE POSTPONED
The Legislative Update with Representatives Christine Conley, Anthony Nolan, and myself is postponed. Stay tuned for a post session debrief to hear about what we accomplished this year!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
