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| Dear Friend,
This is my State Capitol update for the week of February 14.
If you prefer to watch rather than read, click the image below to hear about the issues contained in this newsletter. |
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Yesterday I was in Cornwall to celebrate the town’s having won the Democracy Cup, an award given by the Secretary of State to honor the highest voter turnout in state and federal elections (in other words, even years). Cornwall, where 90.5% of voters went to the polls in November 2024, won the small-town category, and, by the way, had the highest overall turnout in the state, repeating their victory in 2014. The Northwest Corner is solidly represented in this category, with Falls Village having won the similar award for highest turnout in municipal elections (in other words, odd years) in 2023.
First Selectman Gordon Ridgway shared some Cornwall history, making it clear that Cornwall residents have been fighting for democracy and participatory government since before the country was founded. May we all take a page from that history, and continue to fight for democracy at the local, state, and federal level. |
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| The new home for the Democracy Cup will be Cornwall’s mantle in Town Hall for the next two years. Thank you to Cornwall’s registrars, town clerk, board of selectmen, and everyone who worked at the polls for ensuring a healthy democratic process! |
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Here’s a list of today’s topics:
- New DOL Page for Federal Employees Who Lost their Jobs or were Placed on Administrative Leave. Click here.
- ICYMI - Women's Business Development Council Now Accepting Grant Applications. Click here.
- ICYMI - New Matching Funds Grant Program Supporting CT Communities Pursuing FEMA Funds. Click here.
- Events in the Northwest Corner. Click here.
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If you are a federal employee who lost their job or was placed on unpaid administrative leave, you may file for unemployment benefits. Eligibility is determined case-by-case; submitting an unemployment application is the first step.
Here are a few things to know:
- U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) developed a fact sheet, Unemployment Compensation for Federal Employees.
- The fact sheet indicates that you should file in the state where you reside, however, that may not always be Connecticut—you may be required to file in the state referenced on the form your employer gave you upon separation. This form, the Notification of Personnel Action, also called the SF-50, will identify your last official duty station.
- As noted on the USDOL fact sheet, you must provide copies of the following:
- (a) The SF-8, Notice to Federal Employee About Unemployment Insurance (employer provides this form upon separation);
- (b) The SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action (employer provides this form upon separation); and
- (c) Proof of pay from federal employment in the last eighteen (18) months.
- Connecticut’s unemployment system, ReEmployCT, is available 24/7/365 for filing except during standard maintenance times. Maintenance times and other information are available on the CTDOL Consumer Contact Center page.
- Questions should be directed to the Consumer Contact Center.
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| Attention small business owners - the Women's Business Development Council is now 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, business must:
- Be in operation for at least two years
- Have annual revenues between $25,000 and $2 million.
The application will remain open through Monday, March 10. Learn more about the Ignite Grant HERE. |
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| 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. |
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| DEEP is accepting applications for a new matching funds grant program to support Connecticut communities pursuing funds through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. This new matching grants program is a component of the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund, which helps communities invest in projects that address vulnerabilities to extreme weather and reduce impacts to critical infrastructure.
DEEP’s Matching Funds for FEMA, BRIC program is open to municipal governments, local public utilities, federally recognized Tribal nations, and other entities eligible for FEMA BRIC funding. DEEP will award between one and three quarters of a project’s non-federal match requirements, with larger awards going to projects that benefit environmental justice communities and incorporate nature-based solutions.
Applications are due by midnight on March 3, 2025. Additional details on review criteria and how to apply can be found in the Request for Proposals on the webpage for the DEEP Climate Resilience Fund.
DEEP will hold an office hours to give applicants opportunities to ask questions:
For questions about this program, please email DEEP.climateresilience@ct.gov. |
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The Millbrook School 131 Millbrook School Rd, Millbrook, NY 12545 will be hosting the Firefly Environmental Arts Project Launch on Friday February 21st at 7pm. Snow date: Sunday February 23 at 1pm). Our guest speaker, Eileen Fielding, Sharon Audubon Center Director, will provide an inspirational talk on environmental and sustainability issues. Additionally, there will be a student presentation by the Marvelwood School: Purple Martins: Passing the generational torch to ensure their survival in Connecticut & Beyond. The evening will include a collaborative art exhibit showcasing nature-inspired works by both professional and aspiring student artists. Reception to follow.
Firefly Environmental Arts Project The Firefly Environmental Arts Project is a collaborative arts and sustainability initiative engaging students and professionals within our CT/NY/MA tri-state corner to build community through shared experiences in nature and the arts. fireflyprojectinfo@gmail.com www.fireflyenvironmentalartsproject.com. |
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REVOLUTIONARY RENAISSANCE - Motets, Madrigals, and Canzonas by Groundbreaking Composers of the 16th Century
Concerts on March 1 & 2, 2025 in Lakeville, CT and Great Barrington, MA - Information and Tickets: www.crescendomusic.org
Dedicated to bring to our audience jewels of the minorities in musical life, this concert program features underperformed repertoire of the Renaissance. |
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| The Albert Rivera Quartet will play two shows at the Palace Theater's Poli Club on Friday, February 14. The first show will begin and 7 PM and the second will begin at 9 PM.
Click here to learn more. |
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| It is my honor to represent our district. I look forward to hearing from you about the issues raised in this newsletter, or any other topics you think I should know about. You can email me at maria.horn@cga.ct.gov or call me at (860)-240-8585. Thanks for reading, and I wish you a safe weekend.
Click here to forward to forward this email to a friend. |
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| Sincerely,
Maria Horn
State Representative |
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