Back to School, Little League, and more

August 11, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Below, please find information on back to school updates, our Fairfield National Little League team, and more. You can use the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Back to School Information
Connecticut's 2023 Sales Tax Free Week begins on Sunday, August 20 and runs through Saturday, August 26. This is a great opportunity to take the kids back-to-school shopping or to treat yourself or your loved ones while saving money.
 
Many retailers in Connecticut offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax Free Week, providing consumers with even more savings.

During this sales tax holiday, most clothing and footwear items priced under $100 are exempt from the Connecticut sales tax. The exemption during Sales Tax Free Week applies to each eligible item costing under $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. The tax holiday applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.

More information about Connecticut’s Sales Tax Holiday, including a list of exempt and taxable items, is available on the Department of Revenue Services website.
 
Hunger and the stigma of not being able to afford school meals is one of the biggest hurdles to learning. That is why I am pleased to report that Governor Ned Lamont and Education Commissioner Charlene M. Russell-Tucker announced plans to expand Connecticut’s free school meals program for the 2023-2024 school year, enabling more students to receive access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at no additional cost to them or their families.
Free School Meals Program Press Release
 
In our last legislative session, we passed over $240 million in funding for public education, including over $2.5 million in Education Cost Sharing funding for Fairfield. The Education Cost Sharing grant is the primary mechanism through which the state distributes funds for schools to every municipality in order to help offset the financial cost on local communities and also ensure our schools provide the best education possible to every child. As the Vice Chair of the Education Committee, I'm really proud of this historic increase in education funding.
 
Older Adults Financial Exploitation Protection
Cases of financial exploitation and fraud involving caretakers of older adults is far too common and can result in an older adult having their savings depleted or lost entirely.

We're protecting older adults from suspected cases of financial fraud, scams, and exploitation by authorizing financial institutions to temporarily suspend or hold transactions involving an account of an adult over the age of 60 if there is a reasonable suspicion of financial exploitation. This law takes effect July 1, 2024.
 
Pension Costs Restructuring
These reforms to the pension system will save the 106 participating cities and towns about $740 million over the next 30 years! 
 
Fairfield National Little League
A big congratulations is in order: our Fairfield National Little League 10U Allstars are on a hot streak, going undefeated so far in the regional tournament. They're returning to the field tonight at 7:30 for the New England Championship against Massachusetts. Our team has made us so proud this whole tournament, now let's bring it home!
 
CT Transit Rail Upgrade 
This is a big deal!

The new rail cars will have:
 A spacious two-by-two seating configuration
 Easy access for passengers using mobility aids
 Convenient overhead luggage racks
 Foldable workstation tables
 A bicycle storage area
 Reliable Wi-Fi connection
 Real-time information displays
 Conveniently located power outlets and USB ports
 Panoramic balcony-style windows giving an enhanced view

Learn more here: tinyurl.com/2w8vzw4c
 
National Farmers Market Week
This week is National Farmers Market Week!

We are so lucky to have two farmers markets in Fairfield! Have you checked them out yet this season?

Greenfield Hill Farmers Market - Greenfield Hill Farmers Market
Saturdays 10 am - 1 pm

Fairfield Farmers Market - Fairfield Farmers Market
Sundays 10 am - 2 pm
 
HazMat Day
Mark your calendar: Saturday, August 26 is Hazmat Day! Fairfield residents may drop off household hazardous materials to Veterans Park, Saturday, August 26, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Chemicals from around the home, garage, workshop or garden shed may contain substances which are difficult to dispose of safely. Your participation will help our Town's environment and our region's water supply.
Please don't mix your hazardous materials, and please don't smoke while transporting and dropping off.
 
Community Overdose Vigil
Please join us for a candlelight vigil to help end overdose, remember, without stigma, those who have died from overdose, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
All are invited to speak and share about their loss of a loved one, continued struggle or pathway to recovery.
Please bring your own chair.
Music provided by Jim Savage, LCDC, Substance Use Prevention and Treatment Consultant and closing remarks by Reverend Sara Smith from UCC, Bridgeport.
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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