|
|
|
|
| From my family to yours, I want to take a moment to send my best wishes for the holiday season. May it bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, and time well spent together. Remember that no matter how we celebrate, we also share many blessings. So, in the spirit of the season, please spread the joy that makes this time of the year truly special. |
|
| I wish everyone a happy, healthy, and prosperous new year! As we celebrate the start of 2025 and look ahead to everything we can accomplish together, please be aware that police are stepping up patrols for everyone's safety. Read below to learn what steps you can take to ensure a safe holiday season.
Speaking of the new year, some new laws that we passed are taking effect on January 1. Please keep scrolling to learn how we're improving the quality of life in our state with new legislation.
The legislative session is only a few weeks away, and time is running out to send me your ideas for new laws. I'll break down why it's so important to be involved in the democratic process!
Just a reminder that a new student loan reimbursement program for Connecticut residents opens on January 1. I will dig deeper into the requirements that determine your eligibility.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Warding Off Package Thieves
- Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over
- Opportunity to Offer Ideas for Bills
- New Laws Effective January 1
- Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
|
|
| Warding Off Package Thieves |
|
|
| While the holiday season generally brings holiday cheer, there are some Grinches who can dampen the mood. With online shopping becoming more prevalent, package thieves, better known as porch pirates, have more opportunities to swipe deliveries.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB), citing a Security.org study, said package thieves stole more than $18 billion in merchandise over the last year. |
|
|
Here are some ways, courtesy of the BBB, to discourage porch pirates:
- Don’t leave unattended packages.
Try to schedule a delivery when you know you will be home. If you are out, ask a trusted neighbor if they mind holding on to packages. Also, some retailers offer garage delivery.
- Ship to store, storefront, or post office box.
Consider shipping to a retailer with a physical location near your home or, if you have one, ship to a post office box that accepts packages.
Installing a home security system with cameras or a video doorbell is a great way to deter package theft, especially when highly visible.
Many delivery companies include the option to require a signature before leaving a package, but be sure to check with the delivery company on their policy for packages that are not signed for. They may return it to the sender after a certain number of attempts.
Most retailers provide tracking details with links to delivery services. Some even send their own emails to let you know when something has landed on your stoop.
If you fear your package being stolen, file a report with your local police department and the delivery company. Depending on your delivery service, they may offer insurance or other policies to reimburse you for your losses. |
|
| Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over |
|
|
| During the holiday season, drunk driving is a significant threat.
From now through January 1, 2025, drivers across Connecticut can expect to see more law enforcement on the roads to prevent impaired driving and keep roads safe for everyone. |
|
|
The Connecticut Department of Transportation urges the public to take proactive steps to ensure a safe holiday season:
- Designate a Sober Driver: Before drinking, plan a safe way to get home. Use a ride share service, public transportation, or designate a sober driver.
- Stay Alert on the Roads: Keep a safe distance from drivers who appear impaired. Report dangerous drivers by calling 911.
- Intervene When Necessary: If you see someone attempting to drive impaired, take their keys and help them arrange a safe ride home.
Driving under the influence of any substance, whether alcohol, cannabis, prescription medication, or over-the-counter drugs, is illegal and dangerous. Impaired driving can lead to jail time and fines. |
|
| Opportunity to Offer Ideas for Bills |
|
|
| The legislative session is just around the corner, starting on January 8, and now is the perfect time to share your ideas for laws that can make a real difference in our community. Please contact me now at Mary.Welander@cga.ct.gov with proposals on any topic including education, energy costs, health care, housing, public safety, or another issue you care deeply about. |
|
| Your input helps shape our priorities for the upcoming session and represents an opportunity to have your voice heard! We can work collaboratively toward crafting solutions that improve lives and strengthen our community. |
|
| New Laws Effective January 1 |
|
|
| A number of new laws that were passed during the 2024 legislative session will go into effect on Wednesday, January 1. |
|
| One law will expand Connecticut's paid sick leave policy to all companies with at least 25 employees. This new law lets employees take care of their families without adding any additional stress or financial strain.
It will soon become easier than ever for companies to help employees pay off their student loan debt. Through one law, the tax credit for employers making payments for an employee will be expanded - helping Connecticut residents and businesses alike.
We are also protecting those affected by coerced debt, which is created as a result of a domestic violence victim being forced by an abuser into incurring credit card debt. Credit card companies must now review the details of cases to determine if the debt is coerced debt, and abusers will be held liable for the debt.
Other laws include a bill improving the health and safety of Connecticut residents, measures to make our elections more secure, and more.
Click the link below for the full list of laws going into effect, and please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. |
|
| As always, your calls, emails, and testimony at our public hearings directly influenced these new laws. Please continue to share your views and have your voice heard at the Capitol! |
|
| Reminder: Apply for Student Loan Reimbursement Program |
|
|
| This is a reminder that you can apply for the state’s new Student Loan Reimbursement Program starting on January 1. Eligible applicants will receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years and will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis. |
|
|
The requirements are the following:
- Must have graduated from a public or private college or university in Connecticut with a bachelor’s or associate degree
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
- Must have an income below $125,000 if filing single in 2023
- Must have an income below $175,000 if filing married in 2023
- Must have made payments towards student loans
- Must have 50 hours of volunteering time after January 1, 2024
This is an opportunity to support the people of Connecticut and to spur economic growth across our state. |
|
| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
|
| Join the fun at the Osborne Homestead Museum and solve the mystery to find Ivanhoe! The mystery game will be held indoors at the Osborne Homestead Museum on Friday and Saturday from 10 A.M. - 4 P.M. This will be a free, family-friendly event. Participants will go to the Osborne Homestead Museum to get a map and directions. For more information and to register, call 203-734-2513 or email DEEP.Kellogg@ct.gov. |
|
| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
|
|
| Take a look at the fliers and other upcoming events below. |
|
| You’re invited to step on a new year's day hike, which starts at 1 P.M. at the kiosk at Sleeping Giant Park’s main entrance. CLICK HERE to reserve your spot. The hike features uneven terrain and possible rock scrambling. Dress for the weather and wear supportive footwear. Pack essentials like snacks, water, and sunscreen. |
|
| Check out the events and community calendar in Orange below. |
|
| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
|
|
| Check out the flier and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
|
|
|
| |
|
