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There are many issues that we need to address urgently at the State Capitol. House Democrats recently unveiled leadership's top priorities for 2025. Please read below to learn about their proposals to tackle special education, housing, affordable childcare, and our environment.
On a recent Session day, the Connecticut General Assembly approved legislation providing enhanced survivor benefits for families of state employees who were killed in the line of duty. I'll take a closer look at how this law will make a big difference.
Do you need help paying utility bills? Operation Fuel is taking applications for emergency energy and utility assistance to those in need. Please read below to learn if you're eligible for this valuable funding.
Calling all women-owned and child care businesses in Connecticut! You can apply now for grants to help your respective companies. Keep scrolling to learn if your business is eligible for up to $25,000 in funds.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Help With Your Energy Bill
- 2025 Leadership Priority Bills
- Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits
- Mourning the Loss of Beloved Firefighter
- Help for Unemployed Federal Employees
- Black History Month
- Apply Now for Women-Owned and Child Care Business Grants
- Community Events
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| Help With Your Energy Bill |
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| Operation Fuel's Energy Assistance Program opened this week, which means eligible Connecticut residents will be able to apply for assistance with gas, electric, oil, or other deliverable fuels. |
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| This program offers Connecticut households one-time energy assistance grants up to $500 toward a utility bill or one-time fuel delivery. |
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| 2025 Leadership Priority Bills |
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| During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on: |
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| These priorities reflect the recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families which hinders economic growth, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
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| Line of Duty Deaths & Survivor Benefits |
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| Many of my colleagues and I gathered in the House chamber on Tuesday to vote in favor of legislation to enhance survivor benefits for families of state employees killed in the line of duty. |
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| This proposal was inspired by the tragic losses last year of two Connecticut state employees. Trooper First Class Aaron Pelletier was killed in a hit-and-run on I-84 in Southington in May 2024. Andrew DiDomenico, a CT Department of Transportation worker, was struck and killed while picking up trash at an on-ramp to I-91 in Wallingford in June 2024. |
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Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change, which we helped ratify, means that both surviving families will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty. State employees do the jobs that make Connecticut a safer place to live and work. This agreement serves as a symbol of our deep gratitude and respect for those workers.
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| Mourning the Loss of Beloved Firefighter |
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| The entire community is mourning the loss of Firefighter Chris Burkett, a dedicated public servant who courageously served with the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company for 16 years. He was stationed at both the West Simsbury and Main Station, demonstrating unwavering commitment, bravery, and selflessness in protecting others. His dedication to the safety and well-being of our community will never be forgotten. Our hearts go out to the Burkett family, his fellow firefighters, and all who knew and loved him. |
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| Help for Unemployed Federal Employees |
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The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) is offering a new resource for federal employees and contractors who recently lost their jobs or were placed on unpaid administrative leave.
They can file for unemployment benefits on a new page on CTDOL’s website. Eligibility is determined on a case-by-case basis.
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Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and in our communities today.
At a time when the new Administration is rolling back diversity, efforts and celebrations at the local level to reflect, learn, and continue striving for equity and justice for all are more important and meaningful than ever.
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| Black History Month represents a continuation of Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy and reminds us that his incredible work is not confined to a single day. I was honored to attend the annual MLK service at the First Church of Christ, where Dr. King worshipped. We commemorated his life and his pledge for justice, equality, and civil rights. |
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Apply Now for Women-Owned
and Child Care Business Grants |
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| Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have an exciting opportunity to secure funding to support and grow their companies. The Women’s Business Development Council is now accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
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The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE. |
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The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today!
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Howard Wright will perform as Abraham Lincoln in first-person and authentic attire on Wednesday from 7:00 p.m. – 8:15 p.m. at Eno Memorial Hall. Wright will portray the connection President Lincoln had with the Declaration of Independence, and how this connection shaped the Gettysburg Address.
The event is for students, children, and Simsbury Historical Society members. $10 at the door for non-members. Pre-registration is not required.
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The International Skating Center of Connecticut is hosting its 'Skate Your Heart Out' Public Skate session on Friday from 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Grab your sweetie for some rink-side romance or get your friends together for some Galentine's Day fun. Admission is buy one, get one half off! $10/one skater or $15/two skaters. $5/skate rental.
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John Mills, president and founder of the Alex Breanne Corporation, will focus on the lives and family of Peter and Esther Jackson, both buried in Simsbury Cemetery in the town center. Peter is said to have been enslaved in Bermuda, traded for a Native American enslaved man, and brought to Simsbury. He died in 1819. Esther lived to be 98 years old, leaving behind a documented historical legacy upon her death in 1857. Learn about their extended families and what became of their descendants for free on Thursday, February 20 at 7 p.m. at Henry James Memorial School.
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