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Connecticut is making progress on underfunded state employee pension funds. Keep scrolling to learn how the state is making significant strides and why that’s good news for you and our economy.
The state paid tribute to the life of former Governor Jodi Rell this week at the State Capitol. Read below to understand the lasting legacy she leaves behind.
The open burn ban in Simsbury is cancelled after recent precipitation, but we must all continue to use extreme caution. You will find fire prevention tips below.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Strengthening Pension Funds
- Remembering Governor Jodi Rell
- DEEP Lifts Statewide Burn Ban
- Improved Craft Room at Eno Hall
- Community Events
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| Strengthening Pension Funds |
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Thanks to sound fiscal policies, Connecticut has made significant progress in strengthening its pension funds for retired state workers and addressing legacy debt.
The improvements in the State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) and Teachers’ Retirement System (TRS) are detailed in reports released this week. Our latest independent valuations found both systems to be at their highest funding levels in decades.
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The majority of our debt as a state came from decades of underfunding our retirement programs for teachers and state employees. With 13 straight years of the legislature making full payments into these systems, as well as policies we adopted in 2017 that use surpluses to pay down debt, we’ve managed to pay off $8.6 billion of debt early, which saves taxpayers $730 million annually. That pay down is estimated to save around $18 BILLION in tax dollars in the future, creating a stronger, more secure Connecticut for our children and grandchildren.
Connecticut residents are directly benefiting from this sound fiscal management. CLICK HERE to read CT Mirror's article.
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| Remembering Governor Jodi Rell |
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| I offer my deepest condolences to the family of former Governor M. Jodi Rell, who was a genuine, warm, and caring leader. She made a huge difference across Connecticut, and I am grateful for her years of public service to our state. |
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| Former Governor Jodi Rell was a pioneer and a role model, especially for women who wanted to reach for the stars. Rell led with a calm, rational, and graceful approach in order to foster economic and social growth our state. Her integrity and compassion brought stability to state government at a very difficult time. She helped rebuild the trust of residents by focusing on strengthening state ethics laws. |
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| We will all miss Governor Jodi Rell, who left the state a better place. Her legacy will live on in the policies she championed, the communities she helped uplift, and the countless individuals she inspired. Her contributions will continue to benefit the state for generations to come. |
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| DEEP Lifts Statewide Burn Ban |
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The statewide burn ban is over for Connecticut’s State Parks, Forests, and Wildlife Management Areas. Recent rain has helped tremendously with drought conditions and lowered the forest fire danger level.
Despite the news, please keep in mind that you are urged to consult with Fire Marshal Patrick Tourville, the Simsbury Open Burning Official, for guidance on burning. Preventing outdoor fires isn’t only about personal safety—it’s about protecting our neighbors, our communities, and the first responders risking their lives to keep us safe.
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| Improved Craft Room at Eno Hall |
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| The Craft Room at Eno Hall received a facelift, and it looks great! Crews put a fresh coat of paint on the walls and ceiling, upgraded the lighting with LED fixtures, brought in new cabinets, and improved the flooring. I would like to thank the Simsbury Public Works Department for their hard work! |
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| The Simsbury Historical Society invites the public to its holiday market at the Ellsworth Visitor Center. The market will be open Thursdays – Sundays from 12 P.M. – 4 P.M. with specialty items including Simsbury and "Simsbeary" gifts, jewelry, ornaments, goat and cow's milk soaps, candles, and much more. This is a favorite spot for me to do my holiday shopping for office presents and stocking stuffers for my adult children! |
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Join the Simsbury Camera Club for a reception on Saturday from 11:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. at the Simsbury Public Library and view the wonderful photography on display. The exhibit showcases the unique ways our club photographers see and capture the world around us.
You can check out the month-long exhibit through December 30. Visit anytime during open library hours.
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| Join the International Skating Center of Connecticut Skating Club for hot cocoa with Santa and ice skating on Sunday from 3:00 P.M. - 4:30 P.M. Skating & hot chocolate is $15/person, skate rentals $5/pair, walker rentals $5/walker. No pre-order is necessary. |
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| Have you ever wondered what it’s like to travel and explore the country in an RV? The Simsbury Public Library invites you to meet author and former State Representative Linda Schofield as she discusses the stories in her new book “Discovering America by RV.” The event will be held in the Friends of the Library Program Room on the lower level on Monday, December 9 at 7:00 P.M. |
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| The book is a journey through the backroads of America, and a deep dive into the soul of the United States and parts of Canada, as seen through the adventurous eyes Linda Schofield and her husband in the RV. This narrative isn't merely about places to see. It's about understanding the layers that make up each destination. |
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| Parents and caregivers of Simsbury Middle and High School students are invited to learn about the potential dangers their children could face with social media. An internet safety specialist will deliver a presentation on Thursday, December 12 at 6:30 P.M. at Henry James Middle School. |
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| Please consider joining the community on National Wreaths Across America Day to remember the fallen, honor those who serve, and teach the next generation the value of freedom. American Legion Tomalonis-Hall Post 84 will partner with Abigail Phelps Chapter in Simsbury to place wreaths in the Simsbury Cemetery on Plank Hill Road at noon on Saturday, December 14. CLICK HERE to sponsor a wreath or donate to programs. |
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| Join the International Skating Center of Connecticut Skating Club on Sunday, December 15 for its Ugly Sweater themed Public Skate! The skater with the tackiest sweater may even win a prize! Public Skate is $10/skater and rental skates are available for $5/pair. Pre-registration is not required. |
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