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Last Friday, I testified before the General Law Committee on a bill I proposed—House Bill 5429, An Act Concerning Caregivers, Qualifying Patients, and the Palliative Use of Cannabis.
This bill aims to close a gap in Connecticut’s medical cannabis program by allowing caregivers to legally cultivate cannabis for patients in need. I’m proud to advocate for policies that expand access and provide real solutions for patients! |
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| You can watch my testimony below and the full hearing by clicking here. |
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| On Wednesday morning, I joined Rep. Gresko for a press conference on the environmental dangers of rodenticides and neonicotinoids. |
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| Then, I attended the 2025 People’s Forum, hosted by Rep. Hughes, where advocates shared powerful insights on key issues impacting our communities. |
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| And I closed out the day at an Environment Committee public hearing, listening to testimony on policies that will shape our future. |
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| I also testified in support of H.B. 6913, AN ACT CONCERNING LGBTQ+ DISCRIMINATION IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES. This bill, if passed would prohibit long-term care facilities or long-term care facility staff from discriminating against any long-term care facility resident on the basis of such resident's actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression or human immunodeficiency virus status. |
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| The End Homelessness caucus held a press conference to outline their legislative priorities. I was honored to stand in support for such an important issue and promise to support any legislation that will lead to the eradication of homelessness. Housing is a human right. |
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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. |
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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.
Applications are due by midnight on March 3.
Visit DEEP's website for more information. |
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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.
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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.
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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! |
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| 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. |
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Save the date for West Haven's next Movie Matinee featuring Wicked!
No registration required. For more information visit westhavenlibrary.org. |
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There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year.
Click here for more information on IRS Direct File Tool.
The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here is some of the eligibility date for VITA:
• Household income less than $68,000
• If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
• No income from a rental property |
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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. |
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Sincerely,
MJ Shannon
State Representative |
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