Renee LaMark Muir

If you have been fired or put on unpaid leave from your federal government job, the state of Connecticut is ready to help.

The Connecticut Department of Labor has brought together several programs and services to assist residents who have lost their jobs with the federal government. There are approximately 18,800 federal employees working in Connecticut.

Make sure to get your REAL ID! The TSA just set a deadline for federal enforcement of REAL ID requirements.

Starting March 12 & running through the end of the month, Senator Norm Needleman & I will travel around the district for mid-session community forums. We’ll discuss important issues impacting our state & bills under consideration this year.

A House Democratic priority bill aimed at improving access to affordable early childhood care is moving along in the legislature.

The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) has announced recipients of the 2025 Farm Transition Grant to bolster agricultural production of both new and existing farm operations. More than $527,000 has been awarded to fund 29 projects throughout the state.

Rosa Farm in Higganum is awarded a new farmer microgrant, totaling $3,750. The plan is to use the funds to construct a chicken brooder, duckling brooder, and run for each to facilitate growth before transitioning to the larger coops.

Wild Hill Farm in Deep River has been awarded a $5,000 Farm Transition Grant from the CT Department of Agriculture to bolster agricultural production. The farm will use the grant for the construction and installation of 8 raised beds, installation of expanded fencing around the grow space, purchase of a refrigerator and prep station, and a branded tent for markets.

On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

Governor Lamont announced that due to a weather forecast indicating that Connecticut will experience a blast of arctic temperatures and breezy winds over the next several days, he is directing the state’s severe cold weather protocol to go into effect beginning at 6 p.m. on February 16 and remaining in effect through noon on February 22.