Solidarity with the Jewish Community, UI Update, and more

October 13, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

It's been a difficult week in the world, and I hope you, your families, and your friends are safe and healthy. It has not been easy, but events like Monday's community solidarity event show me that when we come together, we can get through anything.

In this week's eblast, you can read about new laws that are in effect, local events, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Solidarity with the Jewish Community
While I’m still feeling like there are no adequate words to express the horrors that have besieged the Jewish community and the people of Israel, I just want to say that I stand with you and I stand with Israel. The more we learn about these terrorist attacks, the more we feel the heartbreak and devastation of the people of Israel and all our Jewish loved ones.

Hamas is a brutal terrorist regime and it is important to remember that Hamas does not represent all Palestinians. We cannot tolerate antisemitism or Islamophobia. I know that our community is stronger than this and we will continue to find ways to come together and support one another through these unimaginable attrocities. I will continue to pray for peace.
 
Fairfield Delegation's Letter to UI
This week, the full Fairfield State Delegation sent a letter to United Illuminating regarding their transmission line proposal. We expressed our appreciation for UI conducting a public meeting last week, but our frustration with their lack of transparency and preparation to answer the thoughtful and important questions asked by the residents of Fairfield.

We also requested UI withdraw and immediately re-file their application for the project so as to reset the clock for the CT Siting Council. This would give time for impacted parties to properly defend their private property and work with experts to find a mutually agreeable path forward.

The residents of Fairfield have made their voices heard, and we are starting to see the results of our community activism. I will not stop advocating for what is best for our community, and I encourage you to join me in continuing to apply pressure to UI and making sure our opposition is known.
You Can Read the Letter in Full Here
 
State Citations for Ludlowe Students
It was an honor to join the Fairfield Delegation in presenting official state citations to two very impressive students from Fairfield Ludlowe High School.

Ella Casano is a world-champion rower on the U19 US Rowing Jr. National Team, and is the inventor of the Medi Teddy  - a plush bear that covers IV pouches. She also runs a non-profit that donates IV covers to children in need.

Connor Cowan is an alum of the Civic Innovators Fellowship and Climate Innovators Fellowship, and was one of two students chosen by Gov. Ned Lamont to serve on the state Board of Education, representing over half a million students at monthly meetings. He is currently a Chief Impact Officer at the Institute for Youth in Policy.

These are both exceptional Fairfield students, and I was so proud to recognize their success. Congratulations Ella and Connor!
 
Climate, Coffee, and Conversation
I hope you'll join me and the Fairfield Delegation this Sunday, October 15 from 12:30-2pm at the Fairfield Museum and History Center (307 Beach Road) for an environmental legislator panel. 

You can ask myself and other legislators questions, raise issues, and discuss our climate goals in Connecticut. I hope to see you there!
 
Laws Effective October 1st
A number of new laws that were passed during the 2023 legislative session that address several issue areas to improve our great state went into effect October 1.

New laws include wrong way driving prevention with a test program on 120 highway exit ramps that are determined high risk for wrong-way drivers, gun violence prevention, and prohibiting hand-harvesting of ecologically important horseshoe crabs or their eggs from state waters.

Additionally, we prohibited deceptive and coercive interrogation methods, and implemented proper notification of inmates’ families and any associated victims of related crime(s) when they transfer them from one facility to another.

These are just some of the laws - click here for the full list.

Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue sharing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Mattress Recycling Event
A final reminder that tomorrow, October 14 from 8:30am-12:30pm there will be a town-wide collection and recycling of mattresses at Veterans Park (909 Reef Road).

More than 50,000 mattresses are discarded in the U.S. every day - consigning to the nation's waste stream an item that actually can be recycled into many new, useful products.

If you have an old mattress or box spring that you'd like to discard in a better, more environmentally friendly way, plan on bringing it to this free event.

Any mattress, no matter when it was purchased, can be brought to the event for no-cost recycling, if it is not damaged, heavily soiled, or posing other health or safety risks.
 
Halloween on the Green
Get your costumes ready! The Fairfield Museum will be hosting their 7th annual Halloween on the Green on Sunday, October 29 at 370 Beach Road from noon-4pm. This free event features trick-or-treating, giveaways, displays in the historic buildings, food vendors, bounce houses, and much more. You can read more about the event here and watch a video of highlights from the event here.
 
Alzheimer's Association Open House
On Monday, October 30 from 1-3pm, the Fairfield Museum will host an open house featuring the Alzheimer's Association Connecticut Chapter at 370 Beach Road. You can learn more about Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and memory loss, as well as resources available to you. The Fairfield Museum will also share how it will begin offering pilot programs for people living with dementia and their care partners.

You can register for this free, important event here.
 
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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