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Dear Neighbor,
The 2026 legislative session is now underway, highlighted by Governor Lamont's State of the State Address, which was delivered in the House Chamber on Wednesday.
Afterward, the Senate handled some important business by voting overwhelmingly to extend the emergency response fund, created to address crippling, unnecessary federal funding cuts. We'll be voting to extend it today.
We can talk about it and more at Burnside Roma Restaurant on Friday, February 20th. Come on out. Let's talk. Please scroll down for more details. I was proud to join many colleagues in wearing red on Opening Day, as requested by our colleague, Rep. Tammy Exum, in honor of Heart Awareness Month. Rep. Exum is encouraging a potentially life-saving test, a coronary calcium scan, which looks for calcium deposits in heart arteries.
Click HERE to watch a short reel featuring officials and lawmakers who have had the scan done.
Ramadan begins for our Muslim friends soon, and we're five days into Black History Month. I have so much respect for different cultures, simply because they bring people together, which, in turn, makes us stronger.
Lastly, a special shout-out to Manchester's own Ashton Grant, quarterback coach of the New England Patriots, who will face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl LX (60) on Sunday. Win or lose, Ashton is a winner in my book. Enjoy the game, everyone, and have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Patrick Biggins
State Representative |
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| A former student of mine studying politics at Eastern Connecticut State University visited the House Chamber on Wednesday, the opening day of the 2026 legislative session. |
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| Here's a great opportunity to share your thoughts, concerns, and ideas that can help me represent you in Harford the best way I can, or stop by to say hello. I would love to see you on Friday, Feb.20th @ Burnside Roma Restaurant. |
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| Chime, a leading consumer financial technology company, has announced that the Chime Scholars Foundation has opened applications for the 2026-2027 academic year. |
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Aspiring scholars can now apply for scholarships of up to $20,000 to support their education, paving the way for greater career opportunities and higher earnings.
The scholarship program is open to students of all backgrounds and stages of life, and it supports a wide range of educational pathways, including traditional college degrees, apprenticeships, trade schools, and technical certifications.
Since 2022, CSF has provided $7 million in scholarship funding to over 1,000 students.
Last year alone, CSF welcomed its largest cohort of scholars to date, awarding more than $3 million in scholarships to 800 students for the 2025-2026 academic year. |
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Heart disease is often preventable, but remains the top killer in the U.S. Here are some simple ways to promote heart health today:
• Get CPR Certified
• Exercise Regularly & Manage your Stress
• Keep Track of your cholesterol
• Know your numbers! Learn how to self-measure your own blood pressure |
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| Black history is American history! |
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| No matter what happens in Super Bowl 60 on Sunday, Manchester's own Ashton Grant, the Patriots quarterback coach, is a winner! Click on the article below to follow a path that has led him to the NFL's biggest game. |
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I love to read!
"Biggins Books" will highlight what I'm currently reading, all via audiobooks, and some highlights and thoughts about what I read. |
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Full disclosure? I hope that you're encouraged to pick up a book, any book, and just read. Reading is a wonderful way to relax, relieve stress, enhance brain activity, and more.
In the last few weeks, I've read:
The City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty. I will say this author's writing is beautiful. This book brought me to a whole new world, and it was a wonderful adventure.
The River is Waiting by Wally Lamb. I hated this book for most of the book. It was sickening, and I was enraged reading it. Then I got to a point where I was rooting for the main character. The book is set in Connecticut, but if you read this book, be ready for strong emotions.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This was a clever book where you are a little lost the entire time, and excited when you figure out what is happening in order to solve the case.
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| The Town of East Hartford is looking for volunteers interested in giving back to the town. Interested? Click HERE for more details. |
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| Please see a wonderful Manchester-centric guide to leisure services in town for all ages, including the ability to register for many events this winter and spring! Please click on the image below for more details. |
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