Standing with Attorney General Tong

August 8, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you have had a great week. Please keep reading for information about the Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, upcoming oral health forums, and more!

Standing with AG Tong in Support of the Trans Community  

During the last week of July, I stood alongside Attorney General Tong and LGBTQ+ advocates to speak out against the federal government’s cruel attacks on the transgender community—especially our trans youth. I’m proud to represent a state that refuses to back down when it comes to protecting our most vulnerable and standing up for equality.
 

Standing in Solidary with Texas Legislators 

While in Boston this week, I joined lawmakers from over 35 states on the steps of the Massachusetts State House to stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Texas as they fight back against undemocratic redistricting efforts.

No matter what state we call home, we all share a common belief: fair maps and fair elections are the foundation of our democracy. We’re standing up for voters and for the fundamental right to have every voice heard.
 

Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program 

The Aspiring Educators Scholarship Program, established by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the CT State Department of Education (CSDE), is now open and accepting applications!

This scholarship supports students who:

  • Graduated from a public high school in an Alliance District
  • Are enrolled—or will soon enroll—in a teacher preparation program at a four-year college or university
  • Are in good academic standing
  • Meet any additional CSDE eligibility requirements

 Up to $10,000 per year is available for eligible students, including:

  •  High school seniors planning to begin a teacher prep program this fall
  • Undergraduate or graduate students already enrolled in an approved program

Don’t miss this opportunity to get financial support as you prepare to inspire the next generation of learners!

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming an educator. To learn more, click HERE.

 

Upcoming Oral Health Forums 

Connecticut Oral Health Initiative (COHI) is holding a series of virtual oral health forums. Each event is aimed at understanding the barriers that specific groups face in getting dental care, learning what's worked, what hasn't, and what needs to be improved. 

  • Individuals with High-Risk Medical Conditions
    • Date: Monday, August 11th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Click here to register.
  • Male Participants
    • Date: Tuesday, August 12th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Click here to register.
  • Rural Residents
    • Date: Wednesday, August 13th, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
    • Click here to register.
  • Pregnant Individuals
    • Date: Saturday, August 16th, 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
    • Click here to register. 

Participants will receive a $50 gift card and an oral health kit for participating. If you have any additional questions, please visit the COHI website.  

 

ICYMI - WBDC Small Business Grants  

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs.

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs  through September 16. You can find additional information on Ignite here.   
 
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs through August 31. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.
 
Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here

 

Upcoming Events
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sincerely,

MJ Shannon
State Representative

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