Hispanic Heritage Month & Launch of Health.CT.gov

October 13, 2023


Hispanic Heritage Month is coming to a close, but I learned so much about our proud history and culture. Please look below at how our community is celebrating Hispanic traditions!

Be sure to check out Health.CT.gov as your hub for health and wellness services. Keep scrolling to find out what resources are available!

Below you will find the following sections and topics in this week's email:

  • What's Our Rep Been Up To?
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Building Our Skilled Workforce
  • State's New Health and Human Services Portal
  • Groton Leaf Collection
  • Flanders Road Paving
  • Mystic Christmas Movie on Hallmark
  • Community Events
 
What's Our Rep Been Up To?

We celebrated a historic partnership between Saint Bernard School and the Mohegan Tribe, which purchased the land where the school is located. Under the deal, the Mohegan Tribe now owns the land stolen from them in the 1800s, and Saint Bernard School will continue its mission of providing educational excellence for our students in Southeastern CT.

This a proud moment for all of us. We celebrate the resilience of the Mohegan Tribe and the commitment of Saint Bernard School to academic excellence!
 
I had a wonderful time walking in Westerly and Pawcatuck with Stonington First Selectwoman Danielle Chesebrough, Selectwoman June Strunk, and Selectwoman Deborah Downie for my first joint Stonington-Westerly parade. I enjoyed seeing everyone on this beautiful fall day!
 
I met so many wonderful people and reconnected with familiar faces at my open coffee hour at the Ditty Bag in Mystic! We talked about reducing the costs of prescription drugs, climate action, and boat house funding for Groton and Stonington. Please join me next month!
 
Hispanic Heritage Month
I am proud to represent and serve along with my colleagues in the State House and to celebrate our culture during Hispanic Heritage Month. We are happy to learn from our diverse and rich backgrounds at every opportunity.
 

In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, it was wonderful to be a part of a panel discussion and film screening at the Mystic Aquarium for its annual “Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week.”

This wonderful event celebrated the voices, experiences, and storytelling traditions of Hispanic and communities of color, as well as our ocean and waterways.
 
Building Our Skilled Workforce
During the 2023 legislative session, we successfully passed a number of measures, which will enhance and support our skilled workforce and make our state more attractive for companies and new businesses.
 
These new initiatives in diverse fields including education, aviation, healthcare, and first responders seek to attract the best talent from within and beyond to create a top-notch workforce.

Below are some highlights of the work we accomplished this past session:

Public Act 23-97 is a multifaceted step forward for those in the medical fields.
Additional measures include:
 
Public Act 23-167:
  • Expands school-based apprenticeship opportunities in aviation and aerospace
  • Builds on training for future paraeducators
  • Offers dual credit/enrollment opportunities

Public Act 23-55:

  • Creates prosecutor apprenticeships for law school students

Public Act 23-207:

  • Creates tax credits and incentives for towns and businesses that build and/or develop housing set aside for specific workforces including teachers, police officers, and firefighters

A skilled workforce is one of the foundations of a robust economy. My colleagues and I are committed to strengthening our current and future workers by providing the necessary tools to help them thrive and succeed.
 
State's New Health and Human Services Portal

I am so excited to announce Health.CT.gov, a new website serving as a hub for all of your health and wellness services. You'll find all sorts of great, local resources like: 

Programs specifically tailored for your community

Insurance and financial resources

Easy directions to apply for the help you need

Health services for you and your loved ones

Healthy Living Tools

Click the image below to check out the new website!
You can also check your eligibility for assistance with health insurance, utilities, food, and other critical health needs. Spread the word and check it out today!
 
Groton Leaf Collection
It's starting to really feel like fall, and that means leaves will start piling up on your yard. The City of Groton is reminding everyone that leaf collection begins on Wednesday, October 25 and will continue every Wednesday through December 6.
 
Flanders Road Paving
Crews are paving and milling Flanders Road from the I-95 overpass to Route 1. The work should take about a month as long as the weather cooperates. The road will be open at times, but drivers may be delayed. Please plan for possible delays or seek a different route.
     
    Mystic Christmas Movie on Hallmark
    Don’t miss the “Mystic Christmas” movie premiere on the Hallmark Channel on Saturday, October 28 at 8:00 P.M. Crews showcased several parts of our community while filming including Olde Mistick Village, Mystic Seaport Museum, Mystic River Park, and Mystic Aquarium.
       
      Upcoming Community Events
       
       
       
      Come out to celebrate Mystic Aquarium's 50th anniversary on Saturday, October 14th with fireworks! Head to Mystic River Park at 1:00 P.M. and be a part of history as community leaders and special guests honor the Mystic Aquarium. Then, enjoy Chili Fest, Live Bands, and a Beer Garden at 2:00 P.M. on Cottrell Street! Finally, bring your camera to Mystic River for the fireworks at 7:15 P.M.