| Right now hundreds, if not thousands of bills are making their way through their respective committees. My colleagues and I are spending long nights at the Capitol to ensure your voice is heard. You have an opportunity to weigh in at upcoming public hearings, and I'll break down how you can testify below. |
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| I would like to take a moment to thank our first responders who went above and beyond during our most recent winter storm. Please keep scrolling to see images as they responded to downed trees and wires in the 114th District.
It's inspiring to see so many local high school students excelling in their respective competitions! Check out the stories below to learn how a Derby High School student and the Hamden High School Track Team earned their well-deserved titles.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- How To Testify on a Bill
- Thanking Our First Responders
- Remembering State Sen. Joe Crisco
- Students Can Apply To Join CT Board of Ed
- Black History Month Celebrations in Hamden
- Free Resources to File Your Taxes
- In the News
- Derby Student Wins Regional American Legion Competition
- Hamden High School Track Champs
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| I urge you to participate in the democratic process by testifying in upcoming public hearings. Various committees are inviting constituents and advocates to share their views on a variety of proposals -- from free school meals and artificial intelligence to a refundable child tax credit and many other issues that may directly impact you and our community. |
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| To participate in a hybrid public hearing, you'll need to pre-register. Please read the Bulletin instructions carefully and submit the required information. |
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| This is your opportunity to have your voice heard and make a difference. By sharing your experiences, concerns, and ideas, you can help shape policies that reflect the needs and values of our community. Whether you submit written testimony or speak at a hearing, your perspective matters.
The testimony process is open to everyone, and I'm happy to help guide you. If you are not sure if you submitted testimony or signed up to testify correctly, you can always send it to me at Mary.Welander@cga.ct.gov, and I will ensure it goes to the appropriate committee. |
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| Thanking Our First Responders |
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| I would like to thank all of our first responders, especially the Orange and Woodbridge Volunteer Fire Departments, for their immediate response to Monday’s wintry weather. The departments responded to approximately 100 emergency calls involving downed trees and wires. The community appreciates everything you do to ensure our safety! |
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| Remember to always stay away from any trees and wires that are down and call 911. Please be respectful of any barriers or caution tape blocking road closures or wires down, and don’t move them or drive around them. |
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| Remembering State Sen. Joe Crisco |
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| I was saddened to hear of the passing of former state Senator Joe Crisco this past week. Joe served as a state senator in the 17th District for 24 years. Joe always had a smile and helpful advice to share with me when I saw him over the years. My thoughts go out to his family and friends throughout the state and the Woodbridge community who are mourning his loss.
CLICK HERE to read Senator Joe Crisco's obituary. |
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| Students Can Apply To Join CT Board of Ed |
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| Do you know of a public school student who wants to participate in statewide education policy? If so, please encourage them to apply now to potentially serve on the Connecticut State Board of Education! The selected students, who will soon enter their senior year, will serve a one-year term, beginning July 1, 2025.
Take a look at the graphic below for application requirements. |
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| The governor will appoint two public school students who will lend an important perspective to deliberations on the State Board of Education. The selected students will not have voting privileges. |
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| Participants must complete their application, and it must be received by mail or email by Monday, March 17. Good luck! |
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| Black History Month Celebrations in Hamden |
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| The Town of Hamden is hosting a series of events in the coming weeks to celebrate Black History Month. Please keep scrolling to check out the events below commemorating the Tuskegee Airmen, local Vietnam veterans, a local African American museum, and more. |
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| Join Jeffrey Fletcher on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for a captivating presentation on the Ruby & Calvin Fletcher African American History Museum. His program tells the story of the founding of the museum in 2021, including how and why his parents, Ruby and Calvin Fletcher, started building the collection.
Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the mission of the museum by seeing and holding historic items and artifacts from the museum. The goal is to educate people about the history and culture of African Americans. |
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| Free Resources to File Your Taxes |
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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.
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The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility details from 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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You can schedule an appointment at TEAM, Inc. at 30 Elizabeth Street in Derby, Spring Glen Church at 1825 Whitney Avenue in Hamden, or many other locations.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes! |
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Derby Student Wins Regional
American Legion Competition |
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Congratulations to Derby High School Senior Vincent Trinh who won the American Legion District Oratorical Competition. In his outstanding performance, Vincent spoke passionately about the Constitution. We all wish him the best of luck as he advances to compete in the state competition in March.
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| Hamden High School Track Champs |
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| Put your hands together for the Hamden High School boys Indoor Track Team, which won the LL Championship meet! These talented athletes and coaches displayed speed, skill, and teamwork as they took home this prestigious title. |
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| It’s the first time Hamden High has won this championship meet in 15 years. Congratulations Dragons! |
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| Check out the events below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar in Derby. |
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| Enjoy a nature walk with the community every Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the meadow at Kellogg Environmental Center. Registration is required. |
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| Due to last week's winter weather, the Frank Albarella banquet has been rescheduled to Sunday at 12 p.m. at the A.M. Club. |
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| The Title VI Plan update forum will be held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. at the Valley Transit District Conference Room in Derby. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Bring the kids to Miller Memorial Library on Saturday for the Page Turners Book Club. Kids will get to read "Ben Yokoyama and the Cookie of Doom" in a fun setting at 3 p.m. |
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| Take a look at the flyers and other upcoming events below. |
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| Check out the event and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| The next Community Workshop to discuss the future of Fred Wolfe Park will take place on Thursday 6:30 p.m. in room 4 and 6 at High Plains Community Center. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| The Jess Ciola Functional Training Suite Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at the JCC Fitness Center has been rescheduled to Sunday at 10 a.m. |
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| Check out the flyer and community calendar in Woodbridge below. |
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| You're invited to stop by the Woodbridge Town Library Friends Meeting Room to learn about recycling with Sherril Baldwin on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. |
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