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What's Our Rep Been Up To?
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During Tuesday's Special Session at the Capitol, I spoke with Groton resident, former Stonington Education President, and retired teacher Michael Freeman just outside the House Chambers.
A short time later, I joined my colleagues and we took a bipartisan proposal and moved the state's presidential primary up by four weeks. It will occur on the first Tuesday in April.
We made this decision after carefully considering how moving the primary would benefit Connecticut voters. By advancing the primary date, we aim to increase our influence in the national political landscape and encourage more candidates to visit us during the 2024 campaign season.
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The bipartisan support for this important bill serves as a powerful testament to our unwavering commitment to upholding democracy and ensuring that every single voice has a meaningful opportunity to be heard and valued.
As we move forward, I encourage you to stay informed about the upcoming presidential primary and actively participate in the democratic process. Your vote matters and your voice deserves to be heard.
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We all had a great time supporting and celebrating the Mystic River Historical Society's 50th Anniversary Gala at the Mystic Yachting Center for a night of fun filled with dancing to 70’s music!
Thank you to Steve and his incredible board members for their work in making the big event a success! CLICK HERE to learn more about the important work of the Mystic River Historical Society.
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Funding for Noank Boathouse
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I’m thrilled to announce that the Town of Groton is slated to receive $60,000 in state bonding to upgrade the historic boathouse located on Beebe Cove in Noank’s Spicer Park! The funding will cover the costs of removing point on the outside of the building as well as repainting, removing, and replacing old roof shingles.
The State Bond Commission still needs to approve the funding when it meets next Friday. I am confident we will get the green light for this important repair work, and I will keep you informed every step of the way.
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Major Boost For High School Students
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| The Connecticut State Department of Education awarded approximately $60,000 to a pair of school systems in the 41st district to expand dual credit offerings in high schools. This investment is part of a $3.8 million statewide investment to enable more high school students to earn college credits prior to graduation through partnerships formed between high schools and public and private colleges and universities. |
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The Groton School District received $40,000 to:
- Expand the number of DE courses at Fitch High School (FHS)
- Hire a project coordinator to help FHS Guidance Counselor who facilitates ECE accreditation process between several teachers and UConn
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The Stonington School District received $19,527 to:
- Establish new and expand current partnerships at Stonington High School (SHS) to increase dual and concurrent enrollment opportunities
- Create dual enrollment classes at Mitchell College such as exercise science, early childhood education, and race, ethnicity, and culture
- Fund stipends for SHS teachers and UConn Avery Point and Mitchell College program facilitators
CLICK HERE to see each district's Dual Credit Grant Applications. Make sure to click on Groton School District and Stonington School District to see more about their individual applications. |
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New Electric Bill Discount Available in December
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| Beginning December 1, 2023, a new electric bill discount will be available if you have a financial hardship status on your Eversource electric account. Based on your household income or receipt of a public assistance benefit, you may be eligible for a 10% or 50% discount off your electric bill per month. Your discount will depend on your annual household income for all adults over 18 or receipt of a public assistance benefit for at least one household member. |
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| You must apply for or verify the financial hardship status on your electric account before the new hardship year begins on November 1. This will prevent service shut-off and ensure that you get a discount. This verification is required annually. |
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New Groton Utilities Website
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Groton Utilities has launched a new website with a fresh, modern, and improved navigation to make it easier for you to find the information you need. The new website has:
- User-friendly interface
- Updated content
- Enhanced search functionality
- Mobile-friendly design
CLICK HERE to visit the new Groton Utilities website!
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Tree & Vegetation Removal Project on Route 1 in Stonington
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Crews have begun removing trees and vegetation on Route 1 in Stonington. The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is performing the work from 8 A.M. – 3 P.M. Monday through Friday through Friday, October 13.
According to the CTDOT, drivers can expect right-lane and shoulder closures on both sides of Route 1 from Mason's Island Road to Buzzi Memorials in Stonington. Make sure to slow down in that work zone.
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Ramp Closure During Wrong-Way Detection System Installation in Groton
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation will install a wrong-way detection system at the Exit 3A northbound off ramp from Route 349 (Clarence B. Sharp Highway) in Groton.
Work is scheduled from 7:00 P.M. on Monday, October 2 to 5:00 A.M. on Tuesday, October 3. There will be a temporary ramp closure on Route 349 at the Exit 3A northbound off ramp to Route 1 in Groton. A detour will be in place at this location.
The rain date is Tuesday night, October 3 until the following morning.
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New Website Celebrating CT State Parks
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Are you looking to learn more about our state parks? The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) launched CTParks.com, a new website showcasing our Connecticut State Parks in a more user-friendly fashion.
More people are going outdoors and enjoying activities such as hiking, camping, biking and fishing just to name a few. The new CTParks.com will allow you to learn about and access our wonderful states parks such as Bluff Point and Haley Farms State Parks in the 41st district.
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| Connecticut is home to 142 state parks and forests covering more than 255,000 acres of pristine coastline, rolling hills, and enchanting forests. |
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Groton Municipal Television is working with environmental nonprofit, Save the Sound, to produce a show called “Clean Water Ways,” which aims to reduce CT non-point-source stormwater pollution through public education.
In the latest episode, Clean Water Ways host Lauren Post looks at how Project Oceanology promotes student and public interest in marine science and the importance of clean water with the Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Callie Scheetz. Post also talks with Save the Sound’s Water Quality Director, Peter Linderoth, about the importance of monitoring water quality in Long Island Sound and its Unified Water Study program.
Click on the video below to watch the entire episode!
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| Clean Water Ways: Project Oceanology and Unified Water Study |
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EEE & West Nile Virus Found in Mosquitoes
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Ledge Light Health District says mosquitoes collected in Stonington on September 11 have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and West Nile Virus (WNV). Mosquitoes collected in Ledyard on September 13 have tested positive for West Nile Virus.
The presence of these mosquitoes serve as a reminder for everyone to take standard precautions to avoid being bitten. CLICK HERE to learn how you can take steps to prevent mosquito bites. |
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Lowering Your Prescription Drug Costs
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On October 2, all Connecticut residents will be eligible to sign up for ArrayRx, a prescription drug discount card program that provides up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state.
You need a valid physical Connecticut address and an email address to enroll. A digital card will be provided after registering.
The program is part of Public Act 23-171, An Act Protecting Patients and Prohibiting Unnecessary Health Care Costs, which I proudly supported.
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| I highly encourage you to take advantage of this great opportunity. Residents should never have to worry about accessing the lifesaving care they need, and this free program is a massive leap forward. I'm thrilled ArrayRx is coming to Connecticut, and I will continue the fight to lower healthcare costs for all. |
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Upcoming Community Events
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| The 3rd Annual Outdoor Artisan Market will be held at the Bill Memorial Library in Groton, CT on Saturday, September 30th from 10:00 A.M. – 3:00 P.M. It will be a fun day on the green with more than 30 local artists and crafters offering an extensive selection of unique goods.
For more information, please call the Library at (860) 445-0392 or visit http://www.billmemorial.org. |
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| What better way to start spooky season than making your own spooky friend? Kids' Grab & Go kits will be available on Monday, October 2 at Stonington Free Library. Get yours while supplies last! |
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| 6-12 graders are invited to make some spider web themed crafts at the Groton Public Library. |
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