|
|
|
|
| The General Assembly held a joint session on Wednesday to hear Gov. Ned Lamont present his proposed budget.
The governor highlighted a number of key areas to fund, including special education, childcare, and housing. |
|
| A couple of things of note. First, this is just the beginning of a lengthier process involving the legislature, resident input, and other key stakeholders.
Second, there are, without question, overlapping priorities in the governor's budget and what the House Democrats have identified for this session. (Please see the graphics below.) |
|
| These priorities reflect our recognition that special education is the biggest budget wildcard for municipalities, increased housing and decreased homelessness are critical to the state's future economic health, rising costs and a reduced workforce are making childcare hard to obtain for many families, and protecting our environment has never been more critical. |
|
| Black-Owned Business Expo |
|
|
|
Celebrate, connect and support the success and impact of Black-owned businesses in the community on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the YMCA, 136 West Main St.
More details below.
|
|
| African-American Mayor for the Day |
|
|
| In celebration of Black History Month, the African American Mayor for the Day event will be held at City Hall on Feb. 19 (Snow Day Feb. 26). This year's honoree is Irene Saunders.
An evening program will be held at Mt. Olive AME Zion Church.
More details to come. |
|
| CT Social Equity Council Meeting |
|
|
| On Monday I attended the monthly meeting of the CT Social Equity Council, whose mission is to promote equitable economic prosperity by supporting social equity entrepreneurs and reinvesting in communities most impacted by the so-called War on Drugs.
A number of topics were discussed, including industry trends and how to further promote Black-owned businesses in the community and Connecticut.
The next Social Equity Entrepreneurs Virtual Roundtable is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 6 to 7 p.m. |
|
| With the federal government freezing funding, laying off federal workers, and dismantling agencies, Sen. Chris Murphy is hosting a Citizen Meeting to provide an update on what he’s doing to fight for people in our state followed by a Q&A with attendees.
He will be joined by Sen. Richard Blumenthal.
The meeting is Saturday, Feb. 8, at 11:45 a.m. at Duffy Elementary School, 95 Westminster Drive, West Hartford.
RSVP is required by clicking here to attend. If you can't attend, but would like to watch the event, it's being livestreamed here. |
|
|
Women’s Business Development Grants
|
|
|
| Women-owned and child care businesses across Connecticut have exciting opportunities to secure funding to support and grow their companies.
The Women’s Business Development Council is accepting applications for two grant programs designed to help businesses at various stages of development. |
|
|
|
The Ignite Grant Program offers grants of up to $10,000 for local women-owned businesses. To qualify, a business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application deadline is open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant RIGHT HERE.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25,000 to licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program supports businesses at different stages, from start-ups to those looking to expand. You can apply now through Monday, March 3. CLICK HERE for more details.
Live information sessions are available throughout the application period. These sessions will cover grant requirements and provide an opportunity to ask questions. Register for an information session HERE.
Don’t miss out on these valuable opportunities by applying today! |
|
|
Special Education Listening Tour
|
|
|
| The Special Education committee is holding a listening tour across the state that will help to inform their work this legislative session.
The next one is Tuesday, Feb. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Room 214 in Beacon Hall at Housatonic Community College in Bridgeport.
If you can't make that one, another will be held on Thursday, February 13 at 2 p.m. in Room 2B of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave, Hartford. You can watch that session on YouTube Live by clicking HERE.
Special education is a top priority, and your input is crucial. |
|
| As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to my office. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
