Dominique Johnson

Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! I hope you are having a good week. I am pleased to share that the city of Norwalk is set to receive state funding from the Community Investment Fund (CIF). The CIF Board approved the funding during its meeting on Tuesday. The Carter Community Center is set to receive $3.5 million, and South Norwalk Elementary School will receive $2.5 million. 

Thank you to Governor Lamont and the CIF board for approving these funds that will greatly benefit our city. The Carter Center is an excellent resource for Norwalk residents, and the allocated funds will ensure it continues to be a safe and accessible place for all members of our community. The funding for the roundabout at South Norwalk Elementary will help ease traffic burdens during pick up and drop off and keep students safe on their way to and from school. I am grateful for this funding and look forward to the completion of both projects.

Please read below for information on new laws that will go into effect on October 1, federal funding for flood damage, and more!

New laws include increasing safety for home health care aides who are on the front lines of direct contact with clients, giving the elderly population more options for choosing nursing homes and preventing discrimination for those under mental health care.

The internet is a great informational resource, but can also be misused by thieves, bullies, predators, scam artists, and other criminals. To protect privacy, online services will be prohibited from collecting personal data without approval from those under 18, and those 13 years of age and younger only with parental consent.

Animal rights were on the radar with the banning of dog races and gifting of live animals at fairs, and increased penalties for hurting or killing a police dog. Also, the Siberian Husky will officially be the state dog on October 1!

Additionally, to help facilitate voting access for eligible voters, we included a question on the ballot in our next election that will allow voters to choose whether to implement a law for no-excuse absentee ballots.  With that in mind, the integrity of our electoral system is central to voter trust and participation in elections and to help safeguard that confidence we extended the time violations of state election laws can be referred to the State Elections Enforcement Commission for investigation.
 
There are several new laws in addition to the above – please follow the link for the full list and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Thank you for your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings. Public input and feedback had a direct influence on these new laws. I encourage you to continue sharing your views and make your voice heard.

The federal grants will support storm victims who need:
•    Temporary housing and home repairs
•    Low-cost loans for uninsured property losses
•    Programs to support individuals and businesses recover 

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA app. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

• An additional 1,500 children will be enrolled in Care 4 Kids using existing state and federal funding
• An additional 900 children will be added to the School Readiness and Child Day Care program by maximizing existing state funds

Here in Connecticut, we are easing the burden of paying for child care while expanding who can receive assistance. These changes are a win for parents, children, and our state.

Annual Touch-a-Truck and Open House Event Saturday, September 28th

The City of Norwalk will host its annual Touch-a-Truck and Open House event on Saturday, September 28th, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Norwalk Public Works Operations Center. This free, family-friendly, hands-on experience will include demonstrations, fun giveaways, and wastewater treatment plant tours. Children and adults will have the opportunity to explore the City’s vehicles, learn about the services the City provides and meet City officials. Visitors are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items in support of the Open Door Shelter in Norwalk, such as peanut butter, jelly, tuna, macaroni & cheese, pasta sauce, soup and kid-friendly snacks.