Newsletter 5/8/21

jenn
May 8, 2021
As both a mom, former Board of Ed member, and someone who has spent my career working in education, I know how much our teachers have sacrificed this year, both for our children in their classrooms and at home with their own families.
Teachers change lives, and in this community we are so lucky to have so many dedicated, supportive, and loving teachers. This Teacher Appreciation Week and truthfully, every week, please know that I am immeasurably grateful for you and all that you do for my child and all of our children. THANK YOU. 
 
MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS EVENT FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and shining a spotlight on the importance of mental health has never been more important. The pandemic has had an impact on the mental health of nearly every one of us. This year has been particularly challenging for our children who experienced a significant shift in their daily routines, social settings, and ability to connect with loved ones and peers.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, please join me, Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey, and Michelle Peters, CT Director for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, with your children for a virtual read aloud of Gizmo's Pawesome Guide to Mental Health on Monday, May 10th at 4:30pm.

This read aloud will be followed by a discussion with Dana Bassio, the Teacher Leader for School Psychology and Social Work for Fairfield Public Schools, highlighting mental health resources for parent and guardians.
 
REP. LEEPER'S ART CONTEST
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. 
 
LEGISLATION PASSED THURSDAY
This Thursday the House was in session to pass several pieces of important legislation. Below I have provided highlights on several bills that passed, each with bipartisan support. 
HB 5158: Breastfeeding in the Workplace
As a working mother with young children, I vividly remember how difficult it was returning to the workplace following the birth of each of my children. HB 5158 modernizes the current law to remove barriers and support the needs of breastfeeding, working moms without placing any undue hardships on small businesses. 
 
HB 6229: Food Insecurity College Students  
Across CT, 12% of residents face food insecurity, and that percentage ranges from 15-50% at our college campuses. This bill maximizes the Federally available SNAP benefits for eligible students, and true win-win as it connects needy students with Federal-aid at no cost to CT taxpayers.
  
HB 6526: Electric Choices
We all know we need increased accountability on our electric suppliers. This bill offers strong consumer protections by eliminating fees for early termination and closing the variable-rate legacy provision. These changes give ratepayers more transparency and peace of mind. 
 
HB 6571: Zero-Emission Hookups
HB 6571 will provide Connecticut businesses additional opportunities for low-cost financing of zero-emission vehicle hookups on commercial properties. As we look to bring our state into a more climate-friendly future and more electric vehicles are hitting the streets, this bill helps commercial properties meet growing demand. 
 
SUSTAINABLE CT BEACH CLEAN-UP
Many thanks to Sustainable CT for coordinating this beach clean up event. We had a great time making our community more beautiful!
 
BIRTHDAY ANNOUNCEMENT
While I was really sad to miss my little one's 5th birthday so that I could represent Fairfield in the State House of Representatives, I was happy to at least wish him a very happy Star Wars Day birthday! #maythe4thbewithyou
Happy Birthday Ben!