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Late last week, I sent out an email regarding the current status of SNAP. On Friday, two federal judges ruled that at least some funding from the USDA emergency fund had to be released.
On Monday, the Trump Administration said it would release partial funding, but there's still uncertainty surrounding when/how that funding will be available.
In the meantime, if you are in need of food assistance, local pantries across the state are providing essential emergency assistance. Pantries are also seeking donations to help meet the growing demand.
Click here to find food programs and services available through 211 Connecticut. You can also call 2-1-1 or 1-800-203-1234.
Click here to find a Connecticut Foodshare food pantry or mobile food pantry.
Please consider making a monetary donation or even donating your time to Connecticut Foodshare if you are able. Click here to volunteer and/or to donate. |
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A couple of days ago, as we stood at the polls at Stadley Rough Elementary School, my 2022 opponent, Brenda Santopolo Hefferon, came over and said, “Can we take another picture like we did last year?”
Brenda and I may have run against each other before and this year she was the opponent of one of my great friends, Frank Salvatore, but in that moment, none of it mattered. We smiled, took the picture, and reminded ourselves what community and respect truly look like. In a world where being an opponent so often turns into hostility, and where some resort to lies, deception, misinformation, and bias to divide people, this simple gesture stood out.
As one election ends and I begin preparing for my own re-election, I’m reminded that we are, above all else, human beings and neighbors who share a love for our city. We may be Democrats, Republicans, Independents, or Unaffiliated, but we are all Danburians, regardless of party, race, faith, or any other label.
We can disagree, even passionately, but at the end of the day, we should never lose sight of what connects us, our shared commitment to making Danbury a better place for everyone.
Thank you, Brenda, for standing with me as a reminder that respect and decency are stronger than hate and division. |
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| Danbury PD Adds 6 New Officers |
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The Danbury Police department brought in six new officers:
Andy Pena
Sabovic Rahim
Kenneth Joel Ynoa
Chris Korona
Benjamin Almonte
Joseph M Montana
Welcome to the best police department in the country! |
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| Congratulations, Case Benfica! |
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Celebrating 25 years of Casa Benfica!
Congrats to everyone at 28 Federal Road for creating a place where great food, family, and soccer come together. Here’s to many more years of success! |
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| Boys & Girls Club Coming to Danbury |
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Exciting news — the Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield, CT is coming to Danbury! I’m honored to serve on the Danbury Clubhouse Advisory Council as we work to bring this incredible resource to our community.
To show our city’s commitment to our youth, Mayor Roberto Alves has pledged $50,000 to help launch the program, a true investment in Danbury’s future.
Grateful to work alongside leaders like Mike Flynn, who’s led the organization for nearly two decades, and Kristin Goncalves, a former Danbury Student and Business Connection board colleague whose dedication and talent I know firsthand.
I’m looking forward to seeing the Danbury Clubhouse come to life and create new opportunities for Danbury’s kids! |
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| Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting |
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Attended the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting as they installed their new Board of Directors and kicked off another year of strong business advocacy.
Proud of the partnership we’ve built with Maura and her team, together with the Chamber, commercial brokers, and developers, we’re driving real growth and creating jobs right here in Danbury.
Under Mayor Roberto Alves’ leadership, we’ve welcomed companies like AB Electronics, Blackstone Industries, and i95 WRKI, and lowered unemployment to just 3.3%, proof that Danbury is open for business! And we’re only getting started. |
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| Special Session Announced |
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Reminder: The House of Representatives will be in special session on Wednesday, Nov. 12, at 10:30 a.m. You can follow along live on the Connecticut Network at ct-n.com or find them on YouTube and Roku.
At this time our potential agenda is likely to include votes on making up the massive funding gaps created by the Federal government in the areas of healthcare, food, childcare, WIC, heating assistance and school meals; children's mental health; codifying existing data privacy and courthouse protections; a revised housing bill. The language of the individual bills is forthcoming, pending their release to legislators and the general public. |
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| Generation Power Assistance |
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The Generation Power CT (GPCT) Emergency Energy Assistance Program provides a one-time grant of up to $500 to help eligible Connecticut households with electric, gas, or fuel expenses.
Increasing energy costs are a challenge for many in the state, but through this program, GPCT has helped to provide families across Connecticut with secure access to heat, power, and water.
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All GPCT energy programs are available to income-eligible households making up to 75% SMI gross household income. Each income-eligible household that receives a GPCT Energy Assistance Award will receive up to $500 toward a future fuel delivery or toward a past-due utility bill.
For the best chance of approval, and to make full use of this once-per-12-months grant, GPCT strongly encourages households to apply for assistance when they are most in need. GPCT has three energy assistance cycles coming up, including Nov 2-10.
The other dates:
To learn more about eligibility requirements and application materials, please click HERE.
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November marks the fifth annual Heating Assistance Awareness Month, and Hartford is partnering with Eversource to raise awareness of available programs to help pay or lower heating bills and keep homes warm this winter.
If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with their energy bills, now is the time to get assistance this winter heating season. There is a plan for everyone, including:
Connecticut Energy Assistance Program (CEAP):
- Apply to get up to $645 towards your heating bill from CEAP. Apply for CEAP online at CT.gov/heatinghelp or through your local Community Action Agency (CAA). Find your local CAA at 211.ct.org or call 211.
Energy Efficiency:
- Take advantage of Eversource’s energy efficiency programs, incentives, and tips to help you save money and reduce your overall energy use during the colder months. Renters need permission from their landlords to participate.
Winter Protection:
- If you provide proof of qualifying household income or public assistance benefits you receive for at least one household member, your service cannot be shut off between November 1 and May 1.
Visit eversource.com/billhelp to learn more about these programs. You can also find your local CAA for assistance at 211ct.org or call 211.
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As always, if you have any comments, questions or concerns, please reach out to my office.
Sincerely,
Farley Santos |
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