Legislative Update July 18th

July 18, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I hope you're staying cool during these warm days. In this newsletter, I provide some helpful safety precautions when dealing with extreme heat. I also included pertinent information regarding free meals for all children under 18 in our area. No child should go hungry, not here.

There's also an update on the Heather and Lockwood Lanes drainage project. Keep scrolling for more updates, including the Hot Girl 2024 Summit on Saturday at the Norwalk Town Green. As always, I am proud to serve as your representation in Hartford. Thank you.

Have a great weekend,
Travis
 
EXTREME HEAT SAFETY TIPS
The latest Extreme Hot Weather Protocol ended on Wednesday, but temperatures will remain warm for a bit. I wanted to share some valuable safety tips aimed at keeping you cool during this hot stretch.

Some prevention tips to stay safe in extreme heat include:

  • Keep your body temperature cool to avoid heat-related illness.
  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening. Try to rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to cool off.
  • Find an air-conditioned shelter. (Call 2-1-1 for a list of cooling centers.) Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device.
  • Avoid direct sunlight.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take cool showers or baths.
  • Check on those most at-risk several times a day.
  • Pets that cannot be brought indoors should be provided ready access to water and shade to keep them cool.
  • Never leave pets inside of parked vehicles because temperatures can soar to life-threatening levels within minutes.

Everyone is also reminded to stay hydrated during periods extreme heat. Because bodies lose fluid through sweat, dehydration is common while experiencing very high temperatures. It is strongly encouraged to:

  • Drink more water than usual.
  • Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.
  • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Remind others to drink enough water.
 
NO QUESTIONS ASKED: FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
CT Summer Meals sites provide healthy meals to ALL CT children 18 and under! No paperwork or proof of immigration status is needed - no questions asked. For a list of Norwalk Public Schools meals distribution sites, please click HERE.
 
GREAT NEWS FOR HEATHER, LOCKWOOD STORM DRAINAGE PROJECT
Some $5.1 million has been secured through Bond Commission funding to address the mitigating flood issues at Heather Lane and Lockwood Lane. Please click on the Patch story for more details.
 
CT RECEIVES $39M GRANT FOR ALL-ELECTRIC BUS FLEET
The CT Department of Transportation will receive a $38.9 million competitive grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) to purchase 46 battery electric buses and install 29 chargers for the CTfastrak bus rapid transit service. The grant will aid CTDOT in converting CTfastrak to an all-electric bus fleet.

Awarding this grant also helps accelerate Governor Lamont’s goal of converting the overall statewide public transportation bus fleet from diesel to zero-emission models by 2035, which he has directed the CTDOT to complete through

Executive Order No. 21-3.
 
JULY IS MINORITY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH
This month, we bring awareness to the unique challenges that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face when it comes to mental illness. Please click on the image below to learn more, including eye-opening statistics on how many got care and why the numbers are as low as they are.
 
3RD ANNUAL HOT GIRL 2024 SUMMIT SATURDAY
 
Empowerment, inspiration, live music, entertainment, and great speakers will all be a part of the 3rd annual Hot Girl 2024 Summit this Saturday, July 20th, on the Norwalk Town Green, 8 Park Street in Norwalk, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This year's theme is "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." The event is free. To register, please click on the image below.

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative
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