Connecticut is receiving federal funding to expand the use of affordable electric heat pumps. Please read below to learn how this technology will help the environment while saving you money.
Many animal shelters are overwhelmed with pets this summer. I'll dig deeper into why you should consider adopting a dog if you have the means to do so.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Investing in Affordable Electric Heat Pumps
- More Wrong-Way Detection on Route 8 in Derby
- In the News
- Consider Adopting a Dog
- Provide Feedback in My Constituent Survey!
- Hamden Improves Bond Rating
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Investing in Affordable Electric Heat Pumps |
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Connecticut will get up to $100 million to speed up the process of getting more affordable electric heat pumps installed throughout the state. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is awarding a total of $450 million to a coalition of states, including Connecticut, known as the New England Heat Pump Accelerator Coalition. The goal is to increase the number of cold-climate air-source heat pumps, heat pump water heaters, and ground source heat pumps in single-family and multi-family homes. These heat pumps reduce emissions, provide significant health benefits, and deliver energy savings.
The coalition will work collaboratively to promote the development of heat pump skill sets in the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, and electrical workforce. It also intends to invest about 50% of the benefits in historically overburdened and underserved communities, such as Stamford.
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Additionally, the coalition will partner with heat pump manufacturers, distributors, and installers to increase the availability of air-source and ground-source heat pumps while lowering equipment and installation costs for consumers. This partnership will include significant investment in workforce training, ensuring installers will have access to good-paying careers while delivering more efficient heating and cooling solutions.
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| More Wrong-Way Detection on Route 8 in Derby |
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Crews are installing wrong-way detection technology at night on Route 8 north at Exit 16 in Derby. The off-ramp is closed until Sunday, August 4. Drivers should get off at Exit 17 and take Route 8 south to Exit 15 from 7 P.M. to 4 A.M.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is setting up a 360-degree camera at the off-ramp to monitor drivers who are traveling in the wrong direction. Wrong-way signs with red circular LED lights will turn on and flash when the technology detects a wrong-way vehicle.
A few weeks ago, the CTDOT installed wrong-way detection on Route 8 northbound at the Exit 15 off-ramp in Derby.
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| Milford-Orange Times: "Slow Going" |
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| If you are able to offer a permanent home to a dog in need, your local animal control shelter likely has a suitable companion waiting for you. According to a recent report by WFSB, many animal control shelters in our state are approaching full capacity. This situation has arisen due to a decline in adoptions as more individuals and families go on trips during the summer. |
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Animal shelters play a crucial role in caring for and rehoming abandoned and stray animals. However, when shelters reach or exceed capacity, it can strain their resources and limit their ability to provide the necessary care for all animals. Adopting a pet not only gives an animal a much-needed home but also helps alleviate the burden on these shelters.
My family rescued our dog, Piper, last year. We are so grateful to have this four-legged friend in our lives. Her abundant energy and love have been a gift!
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Back in March, advocates came to the Capitol during the legislative session for International Puppy Day! I could not resist meeting some adorable fur babies outside of the House Chamber.
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If you have the means and capacity to adopt a pet, please consider visiting our local animal control shelters. By choosing to adopt rather than shop for a pet, you are making a compassionate choice that supports the welfare of animals and helps reduce the number of homeless pets in our communities. Adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, but the rewards of providing a loving home to a dog in need are endless.
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| Provide Feedback in My Constituent Survey! |
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My office just released my 2024 constituent survey, and I want to hear from you! Please take a few minutes to fill out the survey and share your ideas and views on key issues affecting our community.
I do my best work when I hear from you. This survey is an opportunity to voice your priorities, provide feedback, and suggest bill ideas for future legislative sessions. This is democracy in action, and I encourage everyone to take part!
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| Hamden Improves Bond Rating |
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The bond rating agency S&P Global Ratings has upgraded Hamden’s rating from BBB+ to A- with a positive outlook. In fact, all three major ratings agencies have upgraded the town of Hamden this year. These groups evaluate budgets, audits, performance, economic drivers, and long-term liabilities to rate the town’s debt and ability to repay investors. This rating upgrade shows the town is making efforts to stabilize and improve its finances.
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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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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Take a look at the fliers below to learn more about upcoming events. Make sure to click on the button at the bottom of this section. |
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| Stop by Brooksvale Park on Sunday, August 4 at 11 A.M. to enjoy a free concert featuring Liz McNicholl. |
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| Check out the fliers and community calendar in Orange below. |
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Get ready for heart-pounding rides, delicious food, exciting games, live entertainment, and a raffle at the Orange Volunteer Firemen's Carnival from now through August 4 at the Orange Fairgrounds. Proceeds support the Orange Volunteer Firefighters Department which works tirelessly to keep our community safe.
- Friday, August 2: 5 P.M. – 11 P.M.
- Saturday, August 3: 3 P.M. – 11 P.M. & FIREWORKS!
- Sunday, August 4: 12 P.M. 5 P.M.
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| Soul-and-jazz singer Rhonda Denét will perform at on Saturday, August 3 at 2:00 P.M at Case Memorial Library. Denét will celebrate the ladies of Motown with a collection of hits by female singing groups, solo artists, and songwriters who helped introduce the world to the Motown sound.
Registration is full but you can sign up to be on the waitlist. |
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| Adults are invited to play a few rounds of pickleball followed by a light brunch with prosecco at a fun event on Sunday, August 4 at 9:00 A.M. at the Pickle Spot in Orange. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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| Check out the event below and access the Woodbridge community calendar by clicking on the button at the bottom. |
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