Town Hall Recap, FBLA Day at the Capitol, and More!

February 14, 2025


 
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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
Thank you to everyone who attended the West Haven Delegation Town Hall last Friday. We were able to have several fruitful discussions about local issues, as well as our legislative goals for this session. If you were unable to make the event and have a question, comment, or concern, please reach out to my office. 
Earlier this week, I had an excellent conversation with some of my constituents at Cafe Atlantique in Milford. We discussed housing policies, including the recently proposed Just Cause eviction bill. Rising housing costs are impacting everyone. My colleagues and I will work hard to push for legislation that will help address this issue.
The West Haven and New Haven delegations met with University of New Haven President Dr. Jens Frederiksen yesterday.  We had a productive conversation about the state of higher education. 
 
At the Capitol
February 11 was Connecticut Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Day. FBLA members from around the state were in attendance. 

It was a pleasure to hear from these young leaders and talk to them about their plans for the future!
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. 
 
Upcoming Events
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 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
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