Visiting the Woodmont Amateur Radio Association

January 30, 2026

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

Please keep reading for more information on a visit to the Woodmont Amateur Radio Association, Grant opportunities from WBDC, and more!

Visiting the Woodmont Amateur Radio Association

Last weekend, I visited the Woodmont Amateur Radio Association at their Winter Field Day Open House. I learned so much from the members, watched an email get sent over the radio, and even listened in as they connected with an operator in Michigan.

Visit to CT State Gateway

Earlier this week, I joined a few of my colleagues from the General Assembly for a meeting with students and faculty at CT State Gateway. Our community colleges offer so many incredible programs, and it’s important to listen to what’s working well and where we can do better.

Grant Opportunities from WBDC

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from February 3rd through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here. 

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.

Poster Competition for CT Schools

The CT Coalition for Climate Action is now accepting applications for the third annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest!

The contest was created to celebrate Connecticut for being one of the first states in the nation to include Climate Change Studies as part of its science curriculum in public schools. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to create and submit a poster that highlights the importance of protecting the environment, and what we can do to reduce climate change.

Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22nd between 12–2:30pm. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the top three individual winners of the Grades 5–12 category will receive scholarships of $1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place.

In addition to individual student entries, there will also be a K–4 Classroom Poster Category, with one poster submission per class. The winning classroom will receive a $100 Staples® gift card along with a visit from either Leah Lopez of Save the Sound or Save the Sound’s Soundkeeper, Bill Lucy.

Final poster design and registration form should be emailed as a PDF to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com no later than April 1 at 5 PM.

Click here to learn more.

Start of the Legislative Session

The House will be back in session next Wednesday, February 4th. My colleagues and I are gearing up for a busy short session, working hard to pass critical legislation through May 6th.

Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates!

ICYMI - AARP Community Challenge Grant Program

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.
Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.
Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.

Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4. For more information, please click here.

ICYMI - Real ID Update

Starting February 1st, 2026, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will begin charging a $45 fee for air travelers who arrive at airport security without a Real ID or another acceptable form of identification, such as a valid passport or trusted traveler card. Travelers will be charged this fee to use TSA's ConfirmID identification verification system. The verification is valid for a 10-day period, so it may cover a return trip within that window.

To avoid unnecessary costs and potential security delays, travelers without a Real ID are strongly encouraged to schedule an appointment at their local DMV to update their ID as soon as possible.

Click here to make an appointment with the CT DMV.

ICYMI - 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program

Applications are now being accepted for the 2026 Sustainable CT Fellowship Program.

The Sustainable CT Fellowship Program is a paid, full-time summer position for students who are currently enrolled in a post-secondary degree program or who will graduate during the 2025–2026 academic year. Fellows gain hands-on experience supporting municipalities in implementing Sustainable CT actions, tracking progress toward certification, and fostering community engagement in sustainability initiatives.

All applications must be submitted by Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST. Click here to learn more.