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Dear Neighbor,
I want to wish our students a safe and successful 2024-25 school year! Our kids are the future. We need to do all we can to ensure they stay on this path. One thing we can do is make sure we're looking out for their safety and since August is back-to-school safety month, I have provided some information, mostly reminders, that we need to keep in mind. I am proud to report that our state government is providing help for small businesses devastated by the record rainfall and flooding we experienced in parts of CT last week, and I could not be more pleased about a trades and skilled labor program that helps local students learn about what could be a viable career path in those areas. There's more for you in this week's newsletter. Keep scrolling!
Have a great weekend,
Travis
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This new school year comes with an old reminder: look out for students of all ages walking to and from the bus stop. Our little ones may not always look both ways before crossing the street. Please SLOW DOWN and give kids extra room on the roads. Their lives depend on it. We all want our students and schools to have great starts to the school year. It begins with getting to and from school safely. |
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As students return to school, let's do our part to keep them safe! SLOW DOWN in school zones, stop for buses, and stay alert. Safe driving in our community ensures our kids arrive at school and home, safely. |
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The Fairfield Avenue Overpass is coming along nicely! Click on the image below to read the story. |
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Our state government is providing a lifeline to small businesses reeling from the record rainfall and subsequent flooding last week in Western Connecticut. This is a positive development, especially for those who may have a business. Governor Ned Lamont is allocating $5 million in state funding to launch a micro-grant program so those businesses can rebuild and recover from the damage.
Under this program, state grants of up to $25,000 will be available for small businesses and nonprofit organizations in Fairfield County, Litchfield County, and New Haven County that have fewer than 100 employees and experienced damage from the floods. Grants can be used to cover various expenses to help in the recovery, including those associated with cleanup efforts, replenishing lost inventory, and replacing equipment.
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development will administer the program on behalf of DECD by the WBDC, a nonprofit organization based in Fairfield County that works to support business growth and job creation statewide. On September 3, 2024, the WBDC will launch an application process for businesses to seek grants. Applicants will be required to provide detailed descriptions of how their businesses were impacted and include photos, receipts, invoices, and estimates where applicable. To learn more, please click HERE. |
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Eleven Norwalk Public Schools juniors, seniors, and recent graduates were introduced to skilled laborers and learned about viable career paths in the trades at the Trades & Skilled Labor Bootcamp held at CT State Community College in July.
The Bootcamp provided a two-week experience introducing students to the various opportunities available in fields such as plumbing, flooring, electrical work, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), wholesale distribution, commercial real estate, and construction management.
The Skilled Trades Bootcamp not only sought to spark interest in these vital professions but also to address the growing demand for skilled tradespeople in the local workforce. Participants left with a greater appreciation for the trades and a clearer understanding of the opportunities available to them including financial literacy, resume writing, degree and certificate programs available at CT State Community College Norwalk, and current job openings in the area. The Trades and Skilled Labor Summer Bootcamp Pilot was a collaborative effort between CT State Community College Norwalk Office of Continuing Education & Workforce Development, HMTX Industries,
Fixitup Building & Remodeling, Regal Real Estate, local industry professionals, and Norwalk ACTS. The Bootcamp organizing group is dedicated to continuing its support for local students and looks forward to hosting the next Bootcamp in January 2025.
Please email SkilledLaborBootCampNorwalk@gmail.com, for more information to
participate as a student or contribute resources to support the success of this boot camp for future participants. |
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The Connecticut Youth Employment Program is an initiative designed to help young people ages 14 to 24 explore careers by providing opportunities to work alongside professionals who assist them in building career networks and receive on-the-job training while also covering participant salaries and other job-related expenses, such as uniforms and transportation to and from work.
The YWCA Hartford Region is one of the many partners statewide hiring youths under the program, overseen by the Connecticut Department of Labor, and administered by the state’s five Workforce Development Boards.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Youths who want to enroll can contact their region's Workforce Development Board by clicking HERE. More information can be found on the Connecticut Youth Employment Program webpage HERE.
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If your college student is interested in getting hands-on experience with our state government, apply now for the 2025 Legislative Internship Program! The program allows students to get college credit while meeting face-to-face with legislators, learn how the legislative process works, participate in a mock session in the House of Representatives, and so much more. |
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Some of the requirements include:
- 18 years of age or older by program start
- Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
- Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
- Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
The application deadline is Friday, November 1. You can learn more about the program HERE. You can learn how to apply HERE. |
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August 31st is International Overdose Awareness Day, a global campaign to end overdose, remember those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.
Connecticut has dedicated many resources toward combatting this crisis to prevent, discourage, and destigmatize opioid addiction. The Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services launched its LiveLOUD communications campaign in 2019 directed to those who are actively using fentanyl, heroin, or prescription opioids, as well as their families and communities, to learn about this complex issue, get connected to support and treatment options, and learn how to become a LiveLOUD partner to help spread awareness.
Addiction is a disease, and we should treat it as such without prejudice or judgment. Anyone seeking addiction treatment can visit www.ctaddictionservices.com or call 1-800-563-4086 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to get connected to nearby services throughout Connecticut.
As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.
Sincerely,
Travis Simms
State Representative |
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