Memorial Day Parades, Compo Beach Playground Reopens and More!

May 23, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are doing well. I will highlight a few pieces of legislation we recently passed below. They are driven by my commitment to working hard every day for our families, listening to you and reflecting your ideas in this legislation, and creating it in collaboration with others so we can better address our real-life needs and put our well-being at the center of what we do! 

Monday is Memorial Day. On this day, we remember and honor those who sacrificed everything. 

Norwalk and Westport will both hold parades. Norwalk's Annual Memorial Day Parade will take place on Monday, May 26 at 10 AM. Click here to learn more. 

Westport's parade will also be held on Monday - it is set to begin at 9 AM. Click here to learn more. 

Please read below for information on Medical debt relief, summer activities in our community, and more!

Legislative Recap 

On Monday, House Democrats passed legislation on Monday that saves money for EVERY EMPLOYER in the state since all of them faced skyrocketing workers’ compensation claims costs after a CT Supreme Court ruling.

This legislation was a top priority of businesses and municipalities and saves them millions of dollars. Business advocates estimate workers’ compensation costs would have increased 265% absent any action.

Last week, the House passed a novel, landmark bill supporting public libraries that are struggling to afford the skyrocketing costs of e-books and digital audiobooks. SB 1234 bars libraries from entering into or renewing expensive contracts and licensing agreements with publishers.
 
The measure positions Connecticut as a national leader in this arena and marks a significant step toward transparency, equity, and sustainability in how libraries acquire and provide digital resources to the public.

Click here to find the full list of bills passed.

Westport Town Hall 

The Westport Delegation will hold an End of Session Town Hall on Monday, June 16 at the Westport Public Library. Rep. Steinberg, State Senator Maher and I will be available to answer your questions, as well as discuss and reflect on the 2025 legislative session. Hope to see you there! 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learning to identify the signs is an important step when seeking help or when trying to help others. Here are some common signs to be aware of:

  • Feeling sad or hopeless
  • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • You think about hurting yourself or feel like life isn't worth living

Taking small steps to support your mental health can make a big difference:

  • Take breaks from social media
  • Go outside and relax or be active
  • Connect with others
  • Take care of your body by getting at least 7 hours of sleep, staying physically active, and eating healthy
  • Reduce your alcohol intake and avoid smoking

Click here for local resources for mental health assistance.

 National Emergency Medical Services Week

This week is National Emergency Medical Services Week. 

In Connecticut we have 20,000+ certified EMS personnel that handle 450,000 emergency calls annually. Join me in honoring the dedication, courage, and lifesaving care of Connecticut’s EMS professionals. Thank you to every EMT, paramedic, dispatcher, and first responder who make the difference between life and death.

Medical Debt Relief for CT Residents 

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!
 
I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way  — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.
 
What to expect:
Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Deb. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.
 
Who qualifies?

  • Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
  • Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. You can view a sample of what this letter looks like by clicking here.  

Zumba Gold Classes at Calf Pasture Beach

The City of Norwalk’s Recreation and Parks Department will hold Zumba Gold classes at Calf Pasture Beach!

Classes will meet on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, beginning on July 8 and ending August 26.

To register for Zumba Gold classes, please create or sign up using an Active Net account. If you don't have an account, you can open one by visiting http://scb.ai/Nvtpyt

Grand Reopening of Compo Beach 

The grand reopening of the Compo Beach Playground will be held on Saturday, May 24. There will be food trucks, activities for all ages and a movie on the beach at sunset. Click here for more information. 

Upcoming Library Events 

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programing. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Nature Walk at Cranbury Park

Explore the great outdoors with Norwalk Recreation and Parks! Discover native plants, spot birds, and learn about the forest ecosystem—guided by our staff and expert arborist, Sarah Cruz. 

This free event is perfect for all ages. Just dress for the weather, wear sturdy shoes, and don’t forget water and snacks! Stay after your walk for more fun activities.

This event is free, but registration is required. Please click the flyer below for more information. 

Survey for Norwalk Residents

Attention Norwalk residents and business owners - the City of Norwalk and Redevelopment Agency (RDA) have created a survey to gauge interest in developing a Business Improvement District (BID). A business improvement district could potentially increase resources and investment in downtown Norwalk.

Click here to access the survey. It should take about 10 minutes to complete. 

Norwalk Resident Beach Parking Pass

Attention Norwalk residents -  beach season is right around the corner. You can now confirm that your license plate is on the Grand List for your 2025 Norwalk Resident parking pass. This pass provides parking access to:

  • Calf Pasture & Shady Beach
  • Veterans Park
  • Cranbury Park
  • Taylor Farm Dog Park

Your car registration must list Norwalk as your tax town to qualify for a resident pass.

Click here to verify your plate. If you are not on the list, send a photo of your car registration to the following email address -  residentpass@norwalkct.gov.
 

Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.

Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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