Jason Rojas

As the nation, and the world, grapples with the highest levels of inflation that we have seen in decades, I thought you might find an important study by the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco looking at what is driving the increases in prices interesting. The study found that current inflation is largely driven by supply disruptions (global supply chain disruptions, shutdowns in China, and the war in Ukraine), and somewhat driven by increased demand (consumers are still spending).

This Sunday is Juneteenth! June 19 or "Juneteenth Independence Day" celebrates June 19, 1865, the day that Union soldiers marched into Galveston, Texas, and enforced the Emancipation Proclamation, ending slavery in Texas. This came nearly three years after President, Abraham Lincoln had proclaimed that they: “Shall be then, thenceforward, and forever, free.”

It's Connecticut Open House Day! Now in its 18th year, Connecticut Open House Day celebrates the state’s diverse array of history, art, culture, nature, and adventure experiences. Residents and families across the state can enjoy more than 200 museums, arts and cultural venues, historical sites, farms, and restaurants, with free or discounted admission or special offers.

Happy June! Did you know that June is considered "dog license month?" State statute requires that all dogs in Connecticut six months or older must be licensed each year during the month of June in the town where they reside. Applications in all towns are due by Thursday, June 30 – applications submitted after this date are subject to a late fee (and note that unlicensed dogs are subject to a fine).

Happy Memorial Day Weekend! A reminder that state and local offices will be closed on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day – so please plan accordingly. In both East Hartford and Manchester, all town offices will be closed Monday and will reopen on Tuesday, May 31 for regularly scheduled hours of operation. In both communities, there will be no curbside waste pickup on Monday, so expect curbside trash pickup and recycling scheduled to be delayed by one day for the remainder of the week.

It's expected to be a HOT weekend. As you begin your summer yard work, attend outdoor graduation ceremonies and celebrations, or just spend some time in the sun please remain cautious and safe as temperatures are expected to rise this weekend and our communities activate a heat advisory. During heat advisories, residents are encouraged to drink plenty of water, wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing and limit time outdoors.

With the 2022 legislative session now concluded, the focus is now on which of the bills sent to Governor Lamont's desk will get his signature. As they've been doing throughout the session, Governor Lamont and his team are reviewing the legislation passed through both the House and the Senate. Ultimately, the Governor has three options: sign the bill, veto it, or simply take no action.

It's officially a wrap for the 2022 legislative session! It may have been a short session, but we got a lot done for the people of Connecticut. We passed historic tax cuts, kickstarted initiatives to respond to the kids' mental health crisis, continued to build on our economic growth coming out of the pandemic-induced recession, and so much more.