| Today we received the most optimistic economic news CT has experienced in decades! I am grateful for the strong leadership from Gov. Lamont and for the policies that have resulted in a state with a wonderful quality of life, where during this pandemic tens of thousands of people chose to make their home. Revenues are up, projected deficits are way down, and our State Treasurer is projected to be able to pay down our unfunded pension liabilities by a previously unanticipated $961 million! I am committed to continuing the policies that helped keep spending down and attract new residents and businesses. |
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| REP. LEEPER'S ART CONTESTS |
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| I have launched two art contests for Fairfield middle school students and high school students! I hope these contests will give our students the opportunity to explore Fairfield's beauty and their creativity.
Middle School Contest: Celebrating Fairfield
Theme: Fairfield landmarks historical or natural; did you know Fairfield was founded in 1639 or that we have 1,100 acres of open space? There is so much history and natural beauty in our town to explore!
High School Contest: Re-imagining Sustainability
Theme: Re-think, Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle; what does sustainability look like or what would you like it to look like in our Fairfield community? Fairfield is one of the most vulnerable communities to climate change in Connecticut. It is critical that our community takes proactive action now to mitigate environmental degradation.
Medium: Please use any materials you wish!
Deadline: May 28th, 2021
The top three pieces from each contest will receive a citation from the State and the first place design from each contest will be displayed in Rep. Leeper's Office.
Submission instructions: Please send Rep. Leeper a clear photo, or several photos, of your piece to jennifer.leeper@cga.ct.gov. |
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| TRANSPORTATION AND CLIMATE INITIATIVE PROGRAM |
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| If you were not able to join Wednesday’s forum on the Transportation and Climate Initiative Program, you can see it by clicking above. |
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WALK A MILE IN HER SHOES EVENT
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| Last Saturday The Center for Family Justice, Inc. hosted its 9th Annual "Walk a Mile In Her Shoes" Event to raise awareness around domestic abuse and sexual violence. Did you know that 1 in 5 CT residents will experience sexual violence in their lifetime? These numbers are staggering and this event is particularly special because it allows for men and boys to be the voices for change in their own communities about the causes and prevention of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Thank you to The Center for Family Justice, Inc. for all that you do to make CT a safer and healthier place for us all.
If you are interested in supporting this movement you can donate to their summer camp, Camp HOPE America. This is one of the first evidenced-based camping and mentoring programs in the United States to focus on children and teens exposed to domestic and sexual violence. Camp HOPE's mission is to give youth a brighter future by creating pathways to hope and healing.
Please listen to the video above for more details. |
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TEACH A GIRL TO LEAD-- READ ALOUD
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| There isn’t much that brings me more joy than being with our young people. Wednesday, I had the pleasure to do a school-wide real-aloud at Riverfield of “Sophia Valdez, Future Prez” as a part of the Women and Politics Initiative- “Teach a Girl to Lead”.
It may have looked a little different this year but I could still *feel* the joy. Thank you to the wonderful Mrs. Kilcourse for facilitating this. |
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| Did you know that lollipops were invented in CT in 1908? Neither did I! But thanks to the very persuasive essay from Mrs. Robb’s 3rd grade class, I learned that and many other reasons why lollipops should be CT’s state candy! Today, the Fairfield delegation and I were thrilled to presented the class with an official citation from the state declaring April 30th as Lollipop Day throughout the state! |
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| INCREASED VOTING ACCESS LEGISLATION |
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| Did you know that out of all 50 states, only 6 states require constituents to vote in person? Connecticut is one of these six states.
It is time for Connecticut to change our restrictive voting laws by allowing early voting and voting by absentee ballot, without an excuse. Our residents deserve a safe and accessible voting system that reflects modern life.
Here at the capitol, I am working to ensure Connecticut increases voting access by co-sponsoring several legislative measures including a bill to address early voting, H.J. No. 59, and voting through no-excuse absentee ballots, H.J. No. 58.
To track the status of H.J. No. 58, please click here.
To track the status of H.J. No. 59, please click here. |
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| The Connecticut Restaurant Association is partnering with Governor Lamont and the State of Connecticut to launch the #CTDrinksOnUs campaign, where participating state restaurants will offer complimentary drinks to patrons beginning on May 19. To take part in the promotion which will run through the end of May, customers simply show that they have received either one or both doses of a COVID vaccine, at which point they can select from a list of preset drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) set by each participating restaurant. The promotion limits drinks to one per person and purchase of food is required.
See the list of participating Fairfield County restaurants here.
If you are a restaurant owner and would like to participate, please click the button below. |
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