Travis Simms

I want to wish you all a fun and safe Independence Day.

Several new laws that address many issues aimed at improving our great state will become effective on July 1st.

I hope this message finds you well. Today, we had a special session in Hartford to address several important issues, including preventing an increase in the motor vehicle tax for commercial vehicles. Below, you will find a newsletter with the following topics:

On this day, June 21st, we honor the birth of a remarkable figure in our history: Joseph Hayne Rainey. Born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina, Rainey’s journey from the depths of enslavement to become the first Black person to serve in the U.S. House of Representatives is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

I hope you're staying cool and hydrated during the searing hot temperatures we're experiencing. Relief is coming soon, but in the meantime, I have included some information and resources that could be of assistance in beating the heat.

I am humbled and proud to receive the prestigious honor of being named one of the 100 Most Influential Blacks in the state by the CT NAACP. I want to thank the NAACP Connecticut State Conference for selecting me and congratulate all who are being recognized for their work.

Happy Juneteenth!

Acknowledging and celebrating this day allows us to educate younger generations about the importance of freedom and the cost at which it was achieved.

I hope you're enjoying the warm weather. Even warmer weather is headed our way in the coming days. This week's newsletter includes information, from the Governor forming a working group to look at Ranked Choice Voting to an exciting Juneteenth celebration at the Capitol on Wednesday.