Robin Comey

It’s hard to believe, but we’re less than a couple of weeks away from the start of another school year.

This week is Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week, is underway and runs through Saturday, August 23. It’s a great opportunity to tackle your back-to-school shopping without paying sales tax!

Wishing you and your family a smooth and successful start to the new school year!

There have been a lot of events going on around town and out of state. There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Council of State Governments East Annual Meeting
• Branford Public Schools Upgrade
• David Regan Eagle Scout!
• Teej Celebration
• Sales Tax-Free Week
• Student Loan Relief
• CT Alert
• Community Events

This week, I’m connecting with colleagues and legislative peers from across the region at the Council of State Governments (CSG) East 2025 Annual Meeting in Providence, Rhode Island. The focus this year is on housing policy, and we’ve had valuable conversations and sessions about innovative approaches to tackling housing challenges across the country.

In addition to housing, I attended sessions on federal education funding and strategies for supporting preventive health systems—both critical topics that impact communities across the East Coast.

While in Providence, we also had the opportunity to experience WaterFire Providence, a unique and immersive public art installation that lights up the rivers of downtown Providence. WaterFire has played a key role in the revitalization of downtown, attracting visitors, supporting local businesses, and contributing to Rhode Island’s economy. It’s a powerful example of how arts and culture can drive economic development and community pride.

WaterFire is free to attend and makes for a great day trip from Connecticut—you can even take the train, like I did! Click here to learn more about this inspiring installation.

I just attended an amazing tour of our district facilities and couldn't be more proud of the progress we're making for our students and community:

• NEW ATHLETIC FIELDS: Our long-awaited new fields at Walsh are finally here! Students now have top-quality spaces for sports, physical education, and outdoor activities.
• CLASSROOM UPGRADES: Our fourth-grade students are learning in style with brand new classroom furniture designed for comfort and collaboration.
• HIGH SCHOOL IMPROVEMENTS: Major investments in our high school quad and gymnasium are creating better spaces for learning, socializing, and school events.
• HISTORIC MILESTONE: Once the transition is complete, Branford will be the first school district on the entire East Coast to go fully electric with our bus fleet! Our new electric buses are cleaner, quieter, and better for our environment and our kids' health. I learned so much about this incredible technology. This was only made possible with over $13 million in grant funding.

These improvements represent our ongoing commitment to providing the best possible educational environment for every Branford student.

Thank you so much to Dr. Christopher Tranberg & his entire team for playing a key role in all these wonderful changes.

I was proud to present David Regan with a citation last week at the Stony Creek Fire House in recognition of his outstanding achievement in earning the rank of Eagle Scout and for all the great work he has done for our community.

For his Eagle project, David partnered with the Parks and Open Space Authority to improve public access to one of our town’s cherished natural areas. He led the construction of trail steps descending the steep slope from Short Rocks Road to the bridge over the fish ladder at Supply Pond. In addition, he forged a new section of trail connecting Short Rocks Road to the pond, enhancing connectivity to the surrounding trail network.

David’s dedication, leadership, and commitment to community service are truly commendable. Congratulations, David!

I had the pleasure of attending a vibrant Teej celebration — a cherished Nepali cultural event that brings women together to strengthen bonds and celebrate tradition. It was a beautiful display of community, culture, and joy.

Thank you to the Rana family and SR Event Planning for hosting such a meaningful and festive gathering!

Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week runs through Saturday, August 23. This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax-Free Week and it provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.

Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week:

• Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax
• Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone
• This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers

Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses – to save during Connecticut’s Sales Tax-Free Week!

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) reopened its Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) for applications.

The SLRP provides up to $5,000 annually, with a four-year cap at $20,000, to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements.

Recent changes have expanded eligibility for Connecticut’s student loan relief program, helping it reach more residents burdened by student debt.

The updated criteria now recognize a wider range of educational and volunteer experiences, allowing more individuals to qualify for assistance. Notably, former Stone Academy students may now be eligible for relief following the school's closure. Those who did not receive a tuition refund are now eligible for reimbursement.

According to OHE, these changes are designed to provide a pathway to recover from both educational and financial setbacks, ensuring the program serves those most in need.

The following includes the program’s key eligibility requirements:

• Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years
• Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024
• Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university, or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate
• Income limits: $125,000 for individuals and $175,000 for married applicants
• Must have 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service
• A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion

Applicants must create an account, complete the application, and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. Click here to create an account and apply.

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection (DESPP) is urging state residents to sign up for the CT Alert emergency notification system as extreme weather incidents continue to increase.

According to DESPP, more than 5,000 residents signed up for CT Alert just over the last month — more than during any one of the last three years bringing the total to nearly 226,000 people who have signed up for the emergency notifications.

DESPP offered a number of tips on how to prepare for potential severe weather:

• Download the CTPrepares app for your mobile phone so you know how to prepare for any emergency.
• Create an emergency kit to keep in your home so you are ready for any emergency.
• Put together a “go bag” with copies of important documents, prescriptions, battery-operated radio, and other items such as a cell phone charger.
• Make sure you have an evacuation plan, particularly if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone.

Signing up for CT alert system can be done online or by texting CTALERT to 888-777.