Jennifer Leeper

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Connecticut residents are facing uncertainty. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help. Click here to take a look at the resource that outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. It’s never been more important to connect residents with trained contact specialists who provide personalized, confidential assistance for basic needs. In many cases, a single call results in multiple new referrals and supports, drawn from their up-to-date database of more than 40,000 community resources.

While we are still basking in the joy of our Siting Council victory, I want to share a few other updates from this week. I joined representatives from Comcast to announce a $15,000 grant to the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club of Fairfield and Bridgeport to advance digital literacy and expand access to essential technology!

I have some great news that I am so excited to share with you: The CT Siting Council met today and fully rejected United Illuminating's monopole transmission line project proposal in Fairfield and Bridgeport!

This is a major update that came as a result of our community partnering with Bridgeport and all sticking together, united in what we knew was a just fight. We have been doggedly persistent, ensuring the Siting Council heard the conviction of our concerns, and showing how powerful a grassroots movement can really be.

Each October, we bring awareness and honor the millions of lives affected by breast cancer. Throughout the month, we stress the importance of mammograms as the best way to screen for breast cancer, which is the most common cancer among women, except for skin cancer.

One in eight women in the United States will get breast cancer. More than 40,000 women die from breast cancer in the U.S. each year. Thankfully, though, with early detection and more advance treatments, like what is available here in Fairfield at the new partnered Hartford Health and Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the prognosis for those diagnosed with breast cancer has become much more positive.

Let us stand with survivors, honor those we've lost, and continue fighting for a cure.

The Norma Pfriem Breast Cancer Pink Pledge is such a wonderful event every year. Thank you to all the volunteers who commit countless hours to bringing our community together to raise awareness and funds to make more screenings and care available to women. The Center has provided life-giving care to over 50,000 women!

With fall comes cooler weather, changing leaves, and a number of new laws hitting the books. Several measures passed during the 2025 legislative session will take effect on Wednesday, October 1. Click here for a brief overview of some of these important changes!

I want to share the latest development on United Illuminating's monopole transmission line plan (this one is encouraging!).

On Thursday, the Connecticut Siting Council chose to delay their vote on the plan until October 16. This decision comes after a difficult but critical meeting that I, along with other leaders, had with Governor Lamont's office and UI officials.

Following the meeting, Governor Lamont called for a delay to "see a better way to do this," saying "we're not going to let UI rush into a bad decision."

It was great attending the ribbon cutting for the expansion of The Studio Fairfield, a great art studio in our town, to offer additional classes and a private event space!

It's so important to highlight the success stories in our town and celebrate the wins of our small businesses!