Robin Comey

I hope this message finds you and your family well. June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while recognizing the ongoing work to ensure equality, dignity, and inclusion for all.

Pride Month serves as a reminder that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, valued for who they are, and empowered to live authentically, free from discrimination and prejudice. Let us recognize the diversity that strengthens our communities and reaffirm our commitment to fostering a society where every individual is welcomed, respected, and empowered to thrive.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• Branford Fair Rent Commission
• New Laws Effective July 1
• Summertime Child Nutrition Assistance Program
• E-Bike Safety
• Branford Food Pantry Needs Volunteers
• Community Events

What a wonderful weekend at the Branford Festival! It was great to see so many people come together to celebrate our community.

A special thank-you goes to the dedicated volunteers who give so generously of their time, not only throughout the festival weekend, but also during the many months of planning that make this event possible. The amount of work, coordination, and commitment involved is truly remarkable, and I am in awe of all that you accomplish.

I’m already looking forward to next year. Kudos and heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped make this year's festival such a success!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for our Post-Session Town Hall last week. It was a pleasure to connect with residents, reflect on the recently concluded legislative session, and discuss the issues that matter most to our community.

I am grateful for the thoughtful questions, concerns, and ideas shared throughout the evening. Open dialogue with constituents is essential to effective representation, and these conversations provide valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing our communities.

Your feedback helps shape my work at the Capitol and informs the priorities we pursue in the months ahead. Thank you for taking the time to engage in the process and make your voices heard. I look forward to continuing these conversations and working together to address the needs of our community.

The Branford Fair Rent Commission was created to ensure local rental housing remains fair and equitable for all.

Click here for more information and to file a complaint with the Branford Fair Rent Commission.

Several new laws that we passed during the 2026 legislative session will take effect on July 1, bringing important changes for Connecticut residents.

Among them is Public Act 26-42, which expands access to voting by allowing any eligible voter to cast an absentee ballot without needing to provide a specific reason. The law removes outdated restrictions that previously limited absentee voting to a narrow set of circumstances.
 
Another new law, Public Act 26-12, strengthens recruitment and retention efforts for Connecticut's first responders. The legislation expands benefits such as tuition waivers and mortgage assistance for police officers, firefighters, correction officers, EMS personnel, and National Guard members, while also providing support for the families of certain public safety personnel who die in the line of duty.
 
Public Act 26-1 provides stronger workplace protections for employees at warehouses and fulfillment centers. The law ensures that productivity quotas do not interfere with legally required meal and bathroom breaks and requires employers to clearly communicate any quotas workers are expected to meet.
 
These measures reflect our ongoing efforts to make voting more accessible, support those who serve our communities, and strengthen protections for Connecticut workers.

Families across Connecticut are receiving extra help putting food on the table this summer through the Summer Electronic Benefit Transfer (S-EBT) program.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services, in partnership with the Connecticut State Department of Education, is providing a one-time $120 food benefit for each eligible child to help offset meal costs while school is out of session. More than 350,000 children are expected to get support from the program.

This investment helps families with children pay for food during the summer months while school is not in session. More than $42 million in S-EBT funding is expected to be provided to Connecticut families this summer.

Who is eligible?

Children may qualify if their family:

• Participates in SNAP, Temporary Family Assistance Program (TFA), or Husky A with an income below 185% of the federal poverty level or
• Was approved for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2025-26 school year.

Most eligible families automatically received their benefits electronically last weekend. They are being loaded onto existing SNAP or EBT cards, including previously issued Summer EBT cards. Families new to the program will receive an EBT card by mail.

Families who are not automatically enrolled can apply for Summer EBT through August 31.

With summer here and more e-bikes on our roads and trails, it's a great time to remember the importance of riding safely. Wear a helmet, follow traffic laws, stay alert, and be mindful of pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists around you.

A few simple precautions can help prevent accidents and ensure everyone enjoys a safe and fun summer. Ride smart and stay safe!

The Branford Food Pantry is seeking volunteer drivers to help pick up food donations from local grocery stores using the Pantry's van. These food pickups help keep the shelves stocked and ensure neighbors in need continue to be served. Your time can help put food on the table for local families. 

Pickup days are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday mornings, with flexible scheduling available.

Requirements:

•  Valid Connecticut driver's license in good standing
•  Ability to lift boxes weighing up to 50 lbs.
•  Desire to help fight food insecurity in our community

To learn more or volunteer, please contact Branford Food Pantry at: BranfordFoodPantry30@gmail.com