January 26th Newsletter

January 26, 2024
Dear Friends,
 
With the 2024 Legislative Session just around the corner, I am committed to keeping you informed and engaged in the democratic process.
The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

  • The nonpartisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document highlights and summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
  • Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
  • You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress. 
  • Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and the news and notes below!
 
Talking About MyCTSavings in Manchester
It was great to join State Comptroller Sean Scanlon for a quick walk on Main Street in Manchester on Thursday and talk to some business owners and employees about MyCTSavings, the state’s great new(ish), no-cost retirement savings plan for small businesses.

Manchester Mayor Jay Moran, State Senator MD Rahman and I visited JeicobyScott Salon, Silk City Coffee, Urban Lodge Brewing and Lutz Children's Museum. 
 
Manchester and Glastonbury Legislative Town Halls
The 2024 Legislative Session runs February 7-May 8, and there are two upcoming, in-person events to discuss what's on the agenda at the State Capitol, plus it provides opportunities for Manchester and Glastonbury residents to talk about the issues that matter most to them. 

Please join me and the Manchester delegation on Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Lincoln Center for a Legislative Town Hall.
On Monday, February 5 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. in The Friends Room at Welles Turner Library, please join the Glastonbury delegation for a Legislative Town Hall.
Looking forward to seeing and talking with you!
 
Connecticut Launches New Portal for Jobseekers
Connecticut has launched its new jobs portal, jobs.ct.gov, which is aimed at assisting state residents — and those seeking to move here — in the process of finding a job.

Jobs.ct.gov joins health.ct.gov and business.ct.gov as the next service category in Connecticut's ongoing journey toward an all-digital state government that streamlines and improves access to services and resources. Some of the resources available through jobs.ct.gov include:

  • Powerful job search tools
  • Job search tips and personal help
  • Free and low-cost training, certificate, and classroom programs
  • Resources to help employers hire, train, and retain employees

All of the resources are Connecticut-specific and focus on connecting jobseekers with the variety of employment and workforce development opportunities.

The strong and steady statewide economy continues to add jobs, but employers in some industries still face workforce shortages, and jobs.ct.gov will be a valuable resource to them. This portal also importantly provides employers with information to reach greater numbers of skilled jobseekers from diverse backgrounds, which is critical to a more equitable Connecticut economy.
 
Operation Fuel Applications Open for Winter/Spring Season
Operation Fuel's energy assistance program opened this week for the Winter/Spring season. Applications will be accepted until March 1 unless available funds run out before that date.
You can find more details and apply at operationfuel.org/gethelp.
 
CT Baby Bonds Program Update
We’re building a brighter future for Connecticut children born into poverty. In just six months, the first-in-the-nation CT Baby Bonds program has put more than 7,000 working families on a pathway to the middle class and is transforming the future of our state.
You can find more information on Baby Bonds at portal.ct.gov/OTT/Debt-Management/CT-Baby-Bonds.