Support For Disabled Veterans & Willimantic Little League Preps

April 30, 2024


The House is proud to pass a bill supporting our veterans who put their lives on the line for our freedom. I'll break down how new legislation will bring aid to our disabled veterans.

Two leaders within Willimantic Little League joined my weekly radio show to talk about the upcoming season. Please read below to learn how our league is honoring the 50 year anniversary of girls taking part in the sport!

Students and teachers paraded through downtown Willimantic to celebrate their school's recognition as the elementary school of the year. Please keep scrolling to see pictures and video as we marched on the street!

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Supporting Our Disabled Veterans
  • Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Little League
  • Parade for Natchaug Elementary School
 
Supporting Our Disabled Veterans
The House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would support veterans who have been disabled during service. This is a small way to say, “thank you."

House Bill 5491 establishes a property tax exemption for veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption will be used for a home that is a primary residence, but if a qualified veteran does not own a home, the exemption will apply to a single motor vehicle they own.

More than 1,200 veterans in Connecticut are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service.
These brave men and women have spent their lives fighting to protect our freedoms. It is our turn to support them when they come home with disabilities to ensure they live with dignity and without fear of losing their home.

The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. This year’s session ends on May 8.
 
Let's Talk About It: Willimantic Little League
We discussed the upcoming Willimantic Little League and Softball seasons on my weekly radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” My co-host Dennis O’Brien spoke with two men who are heavily involved in the league to break down what we can expect in 2024.
 
Joe Clauson, the President of the Board of Directors of Willimantic Little League and Jarid Bailey, a coach coordinator, let us know that Opening Day will take place on Saturday, May 4. Dennis will throw out the first pitch at Lower Legion Field on Quercus Avenue.
 
This year marks 50 years since girls have participated in little league. You will notice every player with a patch on their jerseys that reads, “Girls with Game.” Willimantic Little League is open for children ages 4-16, and this year 183 kids are signed up in all divisions.
 
Click on the video below to listen to the entire show and to learn more about volunteer opportunities to support the league.
Dennis O'Brien discusses the start of the Willimantic Little League season.
 
Parade for Natchaug Elementary School
I was proud to be part of a wonderful party as the community marched to celebrate Natchaug Elementary School! It was named Elementary School of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools.
 
Students, parents, educators, and many others marched in a parade in Windham last week while showing off their school pride! The route ended at the Shaboo Stage where the kids had fun basking in the glory of their fantastic accomplishments. Congratulations and keep up the good work!
Click Here To Watch Video of Parade