Millions in Funding, Happy Fourth of July, and EBT Card Scam

June 28, 2024
More than $3 million in state funding is coming to Stamford to support local business and police. Please read below to learn how these valuable investments are going to make a difference in our community.

The Fourth of July is just around the corner, and that means it's time to fire up the grills, hit the beach, or spend time with loved ones. I'll let you know when and where you will be able to watch amazing fireworks lighting up the night sky.

The state is warning those with EBT cards not to get scammed after a spike in thefts. I'll break down how you can avoid becoming a victim.

Here are the sections of today's email:

  • Millions in Funding Coming to Stamford
  • Fourth of July Celebration 
  • SilverSource’s New Downtown Office
  • EBT Skimming Scam
  • Scholarship Available for Future Educators
 
Millions in Funding Coming to Stamford

I applaud the State Bond Commission for approving more than $3.2 million in funds to support the city’s efforts to improve pedestrian safety and equip its police force with body and dashboard cameras.

$3 million will go toward making pedestrian safety improvements and creating food truck parking near Stamford Government Center. This project is expected to create a greener space that will support local businesses and ensure the area is walkable and compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Another nearly $237,000 will be reimbursed to the Stamford Police Department for its purchase of body cameras, dashboard recording equipment, and data storage. This funding shows our dedication to the brave members of the Stamford Police Department who put their lives on the line every day to protect the community. These technological upgrades will improve safety for everyone, transparency, accountability, and the relationship between our officers and the public.

Thank you, Governor Lamont and the State Bond Commission, for allocating these funds to Stamford.
 
Fourth of July Celebration
We're only a few days from the Fourth of July! It's a time to express our American pride, reflect on our history, and celebrate our freedoms and cultural heritage. Stamford will celebrate Independence Day with fireworks on Saturday, July 6 at 9 P.M. at Cummings Park Beach. The rain date is Sunday, July 7.
 
SilverSource’s New Downtown Office

We were all smiles as the city celebrated the opening of SilverSource’s new downtown office. The nonprofit provides information and critical services, such as housing and medical care, to older residents in need. I joined seniors, volunteers, and city officials for the festivities in the air conditioned office. SilverSource received $125,000 in ARPA funds in our statewide spending stabilization plan.

CLICK HERE to learn more about how SilverSource helps seniors in need.
 
EBT Skimming Scam
The state is warning you to be aware of an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) skimming scam. It is a technology-driven crime committed, at times, by organized rings in which the criminals steal EBT card information. The criminals install electronic devices on ATMs or store point-of-sale terminals to capture card information, which is commonly referred to as skimming.
 
Connecticut, through the Department of Social Services, was one of the first states in the nation to implement a replacement benefit plan, having done so in June 2023.

Here are some tips for recipients to keep your benefits safe:
 
Scholarship Available for Future Educators
A special scholarship is available to students who graduated from a public high school in an Alliance School District, which includes Stamford. The Aspiring Educators Diversity Scholarship Program is open to diverse undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in an educator preparation program. The maximum a student may receive is $10,000 per year. 
Click here to apply and learn more