Honoring Stamford's Teacher of the Year

January 26, 2024

We are all fortunate to have some of the best educators in the entire state. This week, I had the opportunity to meet Stamford's Teacher of the Year, and I was blown away by her kindness, empathy, and passion for her work and students. Please keep scrolling to see how we honored Elba Sims.

We are now six months into the state's landmark Baby Bonds program. Keep scrolling to find out how many newborns in Stamford are getting financial support for their future.

Have a great weekend!

 
Honoring Stamford's Teacher of the Year!

My colleagues and I were honored to recognize Stamford’s Teacher of the Year with a citation recognizing her accomplishments in the community. Elba Sims, who is compared to a superhero, educates students who are immigrants and speak different languages at Turn of River Middle School. She is a dedicated, compassionate, and inspirational teacher who relishes the opportunity to teach students from different backgrounds. Her classroom is a safe space for students to learn and grow as they get acclimated to life in the United States.

Sims is also an active member of various organizations, including Building One Community, Parent University, and the TOR School Governance Council. She is a dedicated member of the ASD program and advises the LGBTQ Club at TOR. 
It was a privilege to meet Elba Sims and to present her with a citation on behalf of the Connecticut House of Representatives. Sims' work underscores the profound impact she has had on the education landscape. Elba Sims exemplifies the kind of passionate teacher whose dedication extends beyond the traditional confines of the classroom. Her commitment to nurturing and inspiring students goes far beyond the curriculum, influencing their personal and academic growth. It is educators like Sims who become instrumental in shaping the future of our students.
 
Newborns Eligible for Baby Bonds Program
The first-of-its-kind Baby Bonds legislation is up and running, and about 7,800 newborns were automatically born into the program. 376 of those children are in Stamford. The Baby Bonds Program provides critical funding to aid children who are born into poverty.
Children whose birth is covered by HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, are automatically enrolled in the program and are having $3,200 invested on their behalf. Those investments, which are managed by the Office of the Treasurer, will grow over time and can be used when the participant is between the ages of 18 and 30 for specific purposes intended to help build individual wealth. These include buying a home in Connecticut, starting or investing in a Connecticut business, paying for education or job training, and saving for retirement.
 
It is estimated that about 15,000 babies will be eligible for Connecticut Baby Bonds annually. Parents of eligible newborns do not need to take any action to enroll or apply.
Click Here To Learn More
 
Poverty Awareness Month

Why was our Earned Income Tax Credit increase such a big deal in our fight against poverty?

By changing the rate from 30.5% to 40%, we were able to provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit are families with children. I pledge to continue to fight homelessness in Stamford and across our state.
 
Take Your Child to the Library Day

Let's get your kids in our wonderful libraries! Take Your Child to the Library Day will be held on Saturday, February 3. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun.

Ferguson Library is inviting toddlers and children through fifth grade to listen to an interactive concert. Orchestra Lumos and Music Together of Fairfield County will perform from 11:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. at the main library. Children will get to sing, dance, move, play, and enjoy live music while building literacy and social skills. Parents should plan to attend the concert with their children. No drop offs are allowed.