Connecticut Supports a Strong Business Climate

November 17, 2023


As we head into the week of Thanksgiving, I wanted to start this letter with a sincere note of gratitude to all of you. Serving as your representative is an absolute honor and I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to serve you, your families, and our communities. I hope you have a restful, safe, and happy holiday next week! 
  • My colleagues and I passed legislation with the goal of supporting our local economy and bolstering our state standings. You can read below to learn how our fiscal policies have resulted in job growth and improved bond ratings. We know that many are still struggling, though, and we will continue to work to create fiscal policies to improve the security of Connecticut residents. 
  • Every school in our district is eligible to win the state's snowplow naming contest. Keep scrolling to find out how the competition works and to see the fantastic names of previous winners.
  • Access Health CT is inviting you to enroll or renew your insurance plan. Below you will see where an in-person enrollment fair is taking place near our district.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
  • Connecticut Supports a Strong Business Climate
  • Food Resources Ahead of Thanksgiving
  • Snowplow Naming Contest
  • Access Health CT Open Enrollment
  • Native American Heritage Month
  • Derby Events Calendar
  • Upcoming Events in Hamden
  • Orange Events and Community Calendar
  • Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
 
Connecticut Supports a Strong Business Climate
Thanks to our strong, fiscally responsible policies at the state level:
  • Our bond ratings are stellar.
  • Job growth numbers keep improving.
  • We have cut billions in unfunded pension debts from our balance sheets.
  • We paid back the pandemic-era Unemployment Trust Fund loan, which is great news for local businesses.
This proactive repayment of the Unemployment Trust loan sends a strong message that Connecticut is open for business.
 
The Governor's Office has details on the unemployment repayment below.
Unemployment Loan Repayment Announcement
 
Food Resources Ahead of Thanksgiving
Sometimes we find in ourselves in moments where we are able to help others, and other times we need a little help. Whatever place you are in right now, please look at the resources below to make sure everyone's Thanksgiving is a good one.
 
To find assistance or meal support or to support these services, click on the links here.
Click Here To Donate Food or Funds
 
Snowplow Naming Contest

Students in the 114th district and the rest of the state are invited to submit their most creative names for four snowplows, which will clear ice and snow on our state roads and highways during storms. K-12 schools have until December 15 to send in their best names!

The winning schools will have their submitted name featured on the side of the Department of Transportation snowplow. Students need to be up for the challenge! Previous winners include Buzz Iceclear, Husky McSalty, Plowzilla, and my personal favorite Scoop Dogg. The naming contest is a fun way to encourage kids to think critically and be aware of snowplow safety guidelines.
Full Contest Rules & More
A favorite book that my mom read to my brothers and I when we were little was Katy and The Big Snow; perhaps the story could provide inspiration to your student! 
 
Access Health CT Open Enrollment
You can now enroll, renew coverage, and explore the various policy options with Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace. Open enrollment started on November 1.
If you are interested and have questions about the program, there are several ways to receive free assistance:
  • In-person: The closest enrollment fair will be in Hamden on Thursday, January 4 at the Keefe Community Center. CLICK HERE for more information.
  • Online: Visit accesshealthct.com. You can learn more about the different plans and find free help online using the "live chat" feature.
  • By phone: Call 1-855-805-4325. Help is available Monday - Friday,
    8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. Customers who are deaf or hearing impaired may use TTY at 1- 855-789-2428 or call with a relay operator.
  • Work with a Broker: To find a Certified Broker or Enrollment Specialist, visit accesshealthct.com/get-help/

If you or your family need quality, affordable healthcare please don't miss this opportunity. Click here to learn more.
 
Native American Heritage Month

This Native American Heritage Month, it is important to face the tragic history that took place right here in our state. Are you familiar with this tragic history that took place during the Pequot War?

The Mystic massacre took place on May 26, 1637, when English settlers under Captain John Mason, and Narragansett and Mohegan allies set fire to a fortified Pequot village near the Mystic River. They shot any people who tried to escape the wooden palisade fortress and killed the entire village, consisting mostly of women and children, in retaliation for previous Pequot attacks. The only Pequot survivors were warriors who had been with their sachem Sassacus in a raiding party outside the village.

Please watch the video below to learn more about our state's history.
 
Derby Events Calendar
Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar.

Author, researcher, storyteller, podcaster, and explorer of the unexplained, Jeff Belanger returns to the Derby Public Library to share stories and lore from his new book, The Fright Before Christmas: Surviving Krampus and Other Yuletide Monsters.

He will delve into the folklore of Krampus and other yuletide beasties and ghosts on Monday, November 27 at 6:00 P.M. CLICK HERE to register!
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the flier below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the upcoming events in Orange by looking at the fliers and community calendar below.
Go on adventures! Fight monsters! Save the world! Claim loot! This teen program will take place on Saturday, November 18 from 2:30 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. at Case Memorial Library. CLICK HERE to register and learn more!
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below and click the button under that to access the community calendar.
Enjoy this concert on Monday, November 20 at 6 P.M. The Blue River Jazz Band play America’s traditional, classic, “hot” jazz and swing music from the early 20th century. CLICK HERE to register.
The CT Hurricanes will host its annual open house on Sunday, November 26 from 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. at Amity Regional High School. This is an opportunity to see what it is like to be a member of the Hurricanes. This event is not an audition, but a chance to learn about the organization and participate alongside out talented members and dedicated staff.
Click Here To Learn More & Register
Woodbridge Community Calendar