|
|
|
|
|
Connecticut Farmers' Market
I am proud to recognize next week, August 2nd to 8th, as Connecticut Farmers Market Week, in conjunction with National Farmers Market Week.
Farmers markets are more than places to shop — they strengthen our local economy, support family farms, improve access to fresh, healthy food, and create vibrant community gathering spaces. Every purchase made at a farmers market helps sustain Connecticut agriculture and keeps food dollars circulating in our local communities.
I encourage everyone to celebrate Connecticut Farmers Market Week by visiting a local farmers market. Click here for farmers markets across the state.
|
|
|
August Primary Election Information
Primary elections will take place on Tuesday, August 11, in municipalities where more than one candidate from the same political party has qualified for a particular office.The primary will be preceded by seven days of early voting, August 3 through August 9. Early voting hours are 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on August 3, 5, 7, 8, and 9, and 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on August 4 and 6.For additional election information and resources, click here to visit the Secretary of State's election webpage.If you plan to vote by absentee ballot, you no longer need to provide a specific reason to request one for any primary or election.Click here to access the absentee ballot request portal.Connecticut has a semi-closed primary system. Unaffiliated voters who wish to vote in a primary must enroll in a political party by 12:00 p.m. on the day before the primary (August 10), provided they have been unaffiliated for at least three months.Updating your party affiliation is one of the many changes voters can conveniently do online at https://ow.ly/Vmcn50Z38Qr.
|
|
|
CHESLA Graduate Loan Program
The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has officially launched the MyCHESLA Grad Loan program. The MyCHESLA Grad Loan is a new state-based graduate loan program designed to preserve access to affordable, fixed-rate financing for Connecticut students pursuing advanced degrees following the elimination of the federal Grad PLUS loan program, effective July 1. CHESLA’s new graduate loan program supports students enrolled in both graduate and professional degree programs. Borrowers can choose from repayment terms of 5, 10, or 15 years, along with flexible in-school repayment options, including interest-only payments, full deferment, or immediate principal-and-interest payments. Combined, these options provide borrowers with nine fixed-rate offerings tailored to meet a range of financial needs. Importantly, all approved borrowers have equal access to the same nine fixed rates, ensuring a transparent, fair, and consistent pricing structure. Fixed interest rates for the MyCHESLA Grad Loan range from 5.50% to 7.99%, depending on the selected repayment term and in-school repayment option. The program offers a cost-effective, borrower-focused alternative to higher-cost private student loans, with every available fixed rate remaining below the current federal Grad PLUS loan rate of 8.94%. Click here to learn more about CHESLA’s loan programs, financial education resources, and application process.
|
|
Free Summer Meals for Children 18 & Under in Bridgeport
Bridgeport Public Schools is offering free summer meals for children 18 and under at 18 locations throughout the city. The free summer meals program will run from June 29 through August 7, 2026. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 AM - 9 AM and lunch from 12 PM - 12:30 PM at participating schools and meal sites across Bridgeport. No registration is required.
Participating locations include: Barnum, Bassick HS, Batalla, Blackham, Central HS, Claytor, Cross, Discovery, Fairfield-Wheeler HS, Harding HS, High Horizon, Multicultural, Johnson, Marin, Read, Roosevelt, Tisdale, & Waltersville. Meals are also available at Sunflower Learning Center (1470 Barnum Ave).You can use the U.S. DAG's Summer Meals Site Finder or call 2-1-1 to find participating meal sites throughout the state. Please confirm the location and meal service times before visiting to make sure you don't miss out.
|
|
As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.
Sincerely,
Andre Baker |
|
|
|
|
|
|
