Governor Lamont Delivers Budget Address, Visit to District Courthouse, and More!

February 7, 2025


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! The 2025 legislative session is underway. My colleagues and I have broken out into our respective committees and are making sure bills are ready for the next part of the legislative process. 

Please see below to see what I've been up to in Hartford and in the 117th district!
 
Around the 117th District
Earlier this week, I joined fellow members of the Milford Delegation for a visit to the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District Courthouse. We had the privilege of meeting with the judges and gaining a deeper understanding of the courthouse’s operations. We also toured the courtrooms and observed a hearing, offering valuable insight into the judicial process.
Last week, I attended the BOWA Elected Officials’ Day! A huge thank you to the administrators, teachers, staff, and student leaders at Amity Middle School Orange and Amity Regional High School for the warm welcome and insightful tour. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about your schools and the incredible work you do!
 
At the Capitol
Governor Lamont delivered his budget address to both chambers of the General Assembly on Wednesday. I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass a budget that benefits all residents.
Don’t forget about next week’s public hearings! 

You need to register if you wish to provide testimony but that isn’t necessary if you want to observe the hearings. Tune in and watch them live on the committee’s YouTube channel.

Here is a look at this week’s schedule, including the bills that will be heard, in this week’s  CGA Bulletin. 
During the 2025 session, House Democrats’ legislative priorities will focus on:
  • Special Education Relief
  • More Housing, Reduced Homelessness
  • Affordable Childcare
  • Protecting Our Environment

These priorities reflect our 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, and protecting our environment has never been more critical.
 
Upcoming Events
The West Haven Delegation will hold a town hall tonight, February 7 from 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM. We will listen to your concerns, as well as answer any questions you have about the legislative process. Hope to see you there! 
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for a new program that will  support Connecticut communities pursuing funds through the FEMA Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. This new matching grants program is a component of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund, which helps communities invest in projects that address vulnerabilities to extreme weather and reduce impacts to critical infrastructure. 

DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA, BRIC program is open to municipal governments, local public utilities, federally recognized Tribal nations, and other entities eligible for FEMA BRIC funding. 

DEEP will hold office hours to give applicants opportunities to ask questions: 

Applications are due by midnight on March 3. 
Attention United Illuminating customers - PURA is currently reviewing an application for the company to adjust their rate case. There will be two public comment hearings over the next few months:
  • Monday, March 10 @ 5:30PM - Fairfield Public Library, 1080 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
  • Tuesday, March 18 @ 12PM - REMOTE ACCESS: Meeting Registration - Zoom

Customers are encouraged to go on the record with comments by attending a public hearing or submitting comments in writing in the proceeding.

Click here if you want to learn more about rate cases. 
 
Attention small business owners - the Women's Business Development Council has begun accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development.

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 will remain open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant HERE.   
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!
 
Celebrate Black History Month at the West Haven Public Library! It will hold a Take & Make craft event every Tuesday throughout the month. Please see the flyer below for more information.  
The library will also hold a program about Black history in Connecticut tomorrow, February 8 from 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM. Attendees will have the opportunity to view items from the CT Museum of Culture and History. 

Registration is required. Visit https://westhavenlibrary.libcal.com/event/13634258 or contact the Reference Department to register.
The Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce has restarted its Lunch N' Learn Workshops. 

On Wednesday, February 19th, the organization will collaborate with Southern Connecticut State University about how to protect your business from cyber attacks. This event will be free for chamber members and $15 for the general public. Click here to register. 
Registration for April Vacation Camp is now open! Please see the flyer below for more information. 
 
The work we do here in Connecticut has never felt more important. One thing that undoubtedly makes our work better is when we hear from you – so I hope you’ll take my survey and reach out to me directly if I can ever be of any help.

Click here to access my survey. 
Sincerely,

MJ Shannon
State Representative
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences