Legislative Update September 19th

September 19, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I hope your week is going well. Today, I have included information and updates that will be of interest to the residents of the 140th district. Topics include:

  • Encouraging Returns From CT Pension Funds
  • Upcoming: Sustainability and Resiliency Week
  • Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month
  • Scenes From the United Way 2024 Impact Breakfast
  • Reminder: Touch-A-Truck, Open House Event on Sept. 28
  • Early Voting in CT Begins on October 21st 

I hope you enjoy this week's edition of the newsletter!

Have a great weekend,
Travis

 

ENCOURAGING RETURNS FROM CT PENSION FUNDS
Connecticut pension funds generated returns of 11.5% for the most recent fiscal year. That is a gain of $6.7 billion. This outstanding news from Governor Ned Lamont and State Treasurer Erick Russell means we can:
  • Save taxpayers money immediately and in the future
  • Guard against the impact of future down markets
  • Accelerate the steps to pay down inherited legacy pension debt
The continued improvement in Connecticut’s pension fund performance means we can free up revenue to fund valuable economic growth and social programs. We can also dedicate significant investments to childcare, housing, and fixing our aging roads, bridges, and highways.
 
Click here for more information
 
UPCOMNING: SUSTAINABILITY AND RESILIENCY WEEK
"The initiative is designed to promote engagement, foster collaboration, and celebrate the progress and innovation being done in the state as the world faces increasingly complex environmental and social challenges. In recent years, the Connecticut state government has been working to implement actions to make the state one of the most resilient in the country, such as taking steps to increase energy efficiency, reduce the state’s carbon footprint, reduce waste, and reduce the costs of government operations. The Sustainability and Resiliency Week events are being organized to encourage more collaboration among partners while also engaging the general public and external organizations in these efforts."

For more information and details, please click

HERE.
 
CELEBRATING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH
This Hispanic Heritage Month, which began Sunday and continues through October 15th, we’re not just celebrating culture - we’re honoring generations of resilience, creativity, and impact.
From art to innovation the Hispanic community continues to shape our world tremendously. Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together!
 
You can be a part of this month's celebration by encouraging your child to take part in the 17th annual Hispanic Heritage Student Essay Contest for a chance to win a $3,000 scholarship or an iPad. Middle and high school students in  Norwalk are asked to write how they connect with Hispanic culture in 500 words or less.
Participants can select a person, cultural experience, celebration, or tradition that has touched them in a meaningful way and explain why that connection is important. Optimum and Univision Foundation are sponsoring the competition and will accept essays through October 31. There will be a celebratory event for the winners in December.

The official contest rules can be found HERE

 
SCENES FROM THE UNITED WAY 2024 IMPACT BREAKFAST
I had a great time at the United Way Impact Breakfast this week at Pinstripes at the SoNo Collection Mall. The event brought together community leaders and supporters to discuss the United Way's strategic plan and key initiatives. State Treasurer Erick Russell was the keynote speaker.
 
REMINDER: TOUCH-A-TRUCK, OPEN HOUSE EVENT ON SEPT. 28
The annual, free, family-friendly Touch-a-Truck and Open House Event is scheduled for Saturday, September 28th at the Norwalk Public Works Operation Center, 15 South Main Street, from 9 a.m. to noon.
(photo credit: X)

This event provides the community an opportunity to participate in a fun-filled day that includes exploring the city's vehicles and learning about the services Norwalk provides. Community services, Police, Fire, Health and Traffic, Mobility and Parking, are among the departments that will be represented at the event.

*Please consider bringing non-perishable items and kid-friendly snacks for the Open Door Shelter, an organization I am fond of and fully support.

 
EARLY VOTING IN CT BEGINS ON OCTOBER 21ST
Since National Voter Registration Day was on Tuesday, I thought this might be a good opportunity to remind you about early voting in Connecticut for the upcoming general election on November 5th.

The early voting period in Connecticut begins October 21-31, and Nov 1-3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 29th and 31st. Please see the flyers below for more details.

The Community Room at City Hall, 125 East Avenue, is the early voting location in Norwalk.

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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