Childcare Affordability, Birdcraft Museum, and more

September 27, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday!

I hope you've been enjoying what looks to be another beautiful autumn in our state.

It's been a busy week, and I can't wait to tell you all about it. In this week's eblast, you can read about the new Birdcraft Sanctuary at the Audubon, UConn's Sustainable Clean Energy Summit, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Opening of the Birdcraft Museum at the Audubon
If you have time this weekend, I cannot encourage you enough to go check out the newly renovated Connecticut Audubon Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary! Located at 314 Unquowa Road, Fairfield, the recently reopened Birdcraft Museum has so many beautiful displays, and you can check out this video for a preview of what it was to offer. Amy Barnouw, director of the Fairfield Region, has done an incredible job.

In addition, now is the perfect time to check out the beautiful sanctuary grounds. With the changing of seasons, this just might be the most beautiful time of the year to explore the different trails.

The museum's hours are Tuesday, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10am-3pm, and the sanctuary is open from dawn till dusk, 365 days a year. Admission is free, and I can guarantee it is worth it for the whole family to take a visit!
Credit for both photos to the CT Audubon Society Birdcraft Museum and Sanctuary.
 
Uniting for Hope Interfaith Charity Dinner
I was honored to join the Bridgeport Islamic Community Center for their annual Uniting for Hope Interfaith Charity Dinner to support their food pantry. It was amazing to hear from people of so many different faiths, all united for such a wonderful cause!
 
UConn's Sustainable Clean Energy Summit
I've kept my foot on the gas in learning about our energy landscape and the emerging technologies. It was a pleasure to participate in UConn's Sustainable Clean Energy Summit with Asst. Sec. of the US Dept. of Energy Gene Rodrigues. He spoke about how we are working simultaneously on many competing priorities of affordability, reliability, sustainability, and grid decarbonization.

The key takeaways were that there are no simple solutions, but there are many technological advancements happening and we need to make sure we update our regulatory framework to keep up. I look forward to continuing to dig into the details, engaging with experts, and making progress for our rates and environment.
 
Making Childcare More Accessible and Affordable
Great news for families across Connecticut: Gov. Ned Lamont recently announced several changes to our early child care and education programs that will expand the number of children able to access these programs while also lowering the costs for parents.
 
Effective Jan. 1, 2025, family fees for Care 4 Kids - the state program supporting low to moderate-income families with the costs of child care - will be capped at 7% of household income, down from the current rate of 10%. This change is estimated to save parents an average of $200 per month.
 
And effective Oct. 1, 2024, families participating in Care 4 Kids can remain enrolled until their household income reaches 85% of the state median income, an increase from the current limit of 65%. This means parents are less likely to worry about whether accepting a raise at work means they cannot receive child care assistance anymore.
 
I'm also happy to see the capacity of these programs expanded:
  • 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.
 
Visit with the Greater CT Youth Orchestra
This week State Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey and I joined the Greater CT Youth Orchestra and learned more about their program. They have students participating from 45 towns across the state! I was blown away by how comprehensive and dynamic the program was and can't wait to see their shows later this year.
 
Serious Elections, Funny Pictures
I joined Fairfield University Art History Professor Philip Eliasoph's class to listen to Southport's brilliant and witty Sean Kelly present on "How Humorous Images Have Influenced Political History" about the history of political cartoons and the role of satire in political discourse. It was amazing to hear about how a simple cartoon can convey so much and make people think.

You can watch coverage of this insightful lecture here.
 
Electric Rates Forum
We also had a forum at the Bigelow Senior Center to discuss electric rates yesterday.

We covered important topics, including lowering costs through reduced rates at EnergizeCT.com and United Illuminating's Flexible Payment Arrangements. You can find more info on that plan from UI below:

"We will work with you if you are having trouble paying your electric bill. We offer flexible payment arrangements for all customers needing assistance. These arrangements can be spread out up to 18 months for residential customers and 6 months for non-residential customers. Current payment arrangements may be renegotiated due to a change in financial circumstances Per Conn. Agencies Reg. § 16-3-100(b)(3)(A). These arrangements may be discussed confidentially by calling our Customer Care Center at 800.722.5584"

I'm committed to finding the right solutions to control electricity costs and making sure all residents can comfortably pay their utility bills. If you want to discuss this topic further, please reach out to me or my office!
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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