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I hope everyone is settling into the new school year. The first day was August 29 and our daughter was so excited to start first grade. She came home tired - but happy - on her first day. |
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| As always, with back-to-school comes a lot of activities - events at school, recreational activities, and of course, fair season. Two local fairs are coming up - Ellington's Fire Carnival is September 5-7 at Bob Tedford Memorial Park (and includes the Saturday parade at 5:15 p.m.) and the Four Town Fair in Somers (comprised of the four towns of Enfield, Ellington, Somers, and East Windsor) is September 12-15 (with a parade on Saturday at 10 a.m.).
On another non-school or fair-related note, I wanted to share with you that after pushing for PURA to re-open the Eversource Rate Case to extend the payments beyond 10 months, quietly on Friday evening, two of the three PURA members voted against re-opening the rate case. PURA Chair Marissa Gillett had originally proposed 22-to-36 months to reduce customers' monthly costs, but her fellow PURA members overruled her. I joined several of my fellow state representatives and published an op-ed in this Sunday's Hartford Courant (asking for the rate case to be re-opened and submitted before the decision was made). You can read the op-ed below.
I'm also happy to share with you that at the last State Bond Commission meeting, a $25 million Fiscal Year 2025 installment was approved for the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund/Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc. That will allow more families affected by crumbling foundations to start the process of replacement. I also want to note there will be a meeting in Ellington on September 17 for people to learn more about the crumbling foundation replacement process.
I hope you have a great week!
Jaime |
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In this newsletter, you'll find:
- Crumbling Foundations Funding Updates
- Help for our Paraeducators
- Nominations Due for Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024
- Teachers: Adopt-A-Calf Through Oakridge Dairy
- Vernon Greater Together Community Fund Seeks New Volunteers
- East Windsor to Host its National Night Out on September 6
- Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps to Receive 2024 National EMS Award of Excellence
- Arts Center East Open Submissions for New Juried Exhibit Due by September 20
- East Windsor Police Explorers Program Starts Next Session in October
- Ellington's Newest Buddy Bench
- And More!
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| On September 1, an op-ed, written by State Representatives Maria Horn. Eleni Kavros Degraw, Jason Doucette, and myself, was published in the Hartford Courant. As I noted above, the op-ed was submitted before the end of the week and the PURA decision to not re-open the rate case was made Friday evening. To read the op-ed, which doesn't just tackle the rate case, but helps set the record straight on misinformation, click HERE or click the graphic below. |
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| In mid-August, I was invited, along with Senator Ryan Fazio, to discuss energy bills and how we can fix the current situation on "This Week in Connecticut" with Dennis House on WTNH Channel 8. You can watch the interview HERE or click the graphic below. |
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| The August North Central News article focused on protecting seniors from scams and fraud. I was happy to join Chief Matt Carl from the East Windsor Police Department and Detective Matt Hogan of Troop C in Tolland to talk to seniors and their families about how to protect themselves. While the event has passed, there is good information to share with the seniors in your life (or read over if you are a senior). To read more, click HERE or click the graphic below. |
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| As a member of the Crumbling Foundations Caucus, I'm happy to share with you that $25 million - the Fiscal Year 2025 installment of funds for the Crumbling Foundations Assistance Fund/Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company, Inc. - has been approved by the State Bond Commission (SBC). That funding is making its way to the CFSIC (it can take a few weeks, and it was approved in August by the SBC). As of September 3, the Participation Agreement (PA) line is open temporarily, using reserve funds until the state funds come through.
The CFSIC has successfully returned nearly 1,000 families to safe and secure homes - on new foundations.
I also want to note that there will be a meeting at Ellington High School's auditorium on September 17, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., which will include discussions about the application process and progress updates. The meeting is hosted by the Capitol Region Council of Governments, CFSIC, and the town of Ellington. |
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| Our paraprofessionals are so important in each classroom. Our schools rely heavily on them, and often their compensation is amongst the lowest in a district. That’s why the state is leaning in to make paraprofessional health insurance more affordable. Most paras are working for the love of the kids they serve, but while they take care of our kiddos, we should take care of them.
At the end of August, Governor Ned Lamont, Comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Education Commissioner Charlene Russell-Tucker announced that the state would offer a $5 million expansion to their benefits program, to help subsidize thousands of paraeducators so they can afford insurance and make becoming a paraprofessional an economically feasible option for adults with a high school diploma.
Currently, Connecticut is short about 1,300 paras across the state. |
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| Looking to pay homage to distinguished veterans from Connecticut who have continued making positive impacts after leaving military service? Nominate them for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024!
Download the nomination package HERE.
Completed nomination packages must be submitted to the Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs by September 15. They should be delivered by email to lindsay.jesshop@ct.gov or mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to:
Office of the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs
287 West Street
Rocky Hill, CT 06067
Additional information on eligibility criteria and other requirements can be found in the nomination package.
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The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and its Artist Fellowship program is accepting applications. The Artist Fellowship program provides recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists to pursue new work and advance their artistic careers. All artistic disciplines are eligible!
Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.
Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:
- Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
- Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
- Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000
The deadline to apply is on or before September 20. Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying HERE or contact the COA program manager by email at tamara.dimitri@ct.gov with any questions. |
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| 57th District teachers (and all Connecticut teachers): Oakridge Dairy is participating in an Adopt-a-Calf program!
Visit DiscoverDairy.com/adopt to adopt a calf. Allow your students to grow alongside the calf and get updates every step of the way. Oakridge Dairy can't wait to share the fun and sometimes hard times with you! |
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| Vernon Greater Together Community Fund is looking for volunteers to join its advisory committee to help determine where funding is allocated to Vernon's needs. The Google Form can be found HERE. The deadline to apply is September 6. |
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| Hoping the second time is the charm! East Windsor is ready for National Night Out! This annual event is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen police/community partnerships and make neighborhoods more caring and secure.
September 6
East Windsor Park, 27 Reservoir Ave, Broad Brook
5-8 p.m.
The East Windsor Police Department, Broad Brook Fire Department, Warehouse Point Fire Department, East Windsor Ambulance, East Windsor Public Works, East Windsor Parks & Rec, and North Central Health Department will all be there! |
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| It's one of the traditional ends of summer - the Ellington Volunteer Fire Department's Fire Carnival (September 5-7) at Bob Tedford Memorial Park/Brookside Park. The parade is at 5:15 p.m. on Saturday.
There is no admission fee and parking is free! Pay for rides/games and food. Cash only, please. |
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| Healthy Kids Running Series - East Windsor was created to motivate kids to lead a healthy and active lifestyle through a positive introduction to the world of running!
East Windsor HKRS starts Sunday, September 8! Register HERE! |
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| The Ellington Opioid Settlement Committee is holding its second summer concert on September 12. Don't miss this fun night of live music, food, and community engagement! |
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| Broad Brook Fire Department hosted its 10th Annual Car Show on Saturday in support of the department. What a beautiful day for it! Spectators had the chance to look at 200+ cars, trucks, bikes, tractors, and other vehicles; have a great lunch made by firefighters, and win some raffle prizes. |
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| Congratulations to the Ellington Volunteer Ambulance Corps on being named by EMS World and the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians as a 2024 National EMS Award of Excellence recipient. To read the press release on the announcement, click HERE.
The award will be presented in Las Vegas later this month at the EMS World Expo. |
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| From Arts Center East: Submissions are open for our new juried exhibit, "New England Bridges and Barns!" Submit your artwork online by September 20.
From the oldest covered bridge in Bath, New Hampshire, to the iconic tobacco barns in East Windsor, CT or the site of the Nathan Hale Homestead, there is no shortage of hearty wooden architecture and historic structures throughout New England. This exhibit celebrates the unique architecture, history, and character of the New England landscape. |
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| Are you or someone you know interested in a future in law enforcement? The East Windsor Police Explorer Program is the perfect opportunity for kids to get hands-on experience and training while making a difference in their community.
What to Expect:
- Bi-monthly meetings focused on law enforcement activities, training, and community engagement.
- Education on all aspects of police work.
- A chance to become a major asset to our local police department and possibly grow into a future officer.
When: Starting October 6, from 6-7 p.m.
Where: East Windsor Police Department
Eligibility: Must be an East Windsor resident OR live in a town that does not have a Police Explorer program.
Don't miss this exciting opportunity to get involved, learn, and contribute to your hometown. Register HERE. |
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| Are you decluttering some paper products at your home? If you are, Rockville Public Library might be able to take it off your hands. The library is looking for magazines with colorful pages for future craft programs. If you can help, drop them off at the library. |
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| Constituent Spotlight: Congratulations to Lily R. and Windermere School in Ellington for obtaining funding through the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving to create a Buddy Bench. |
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| East Windsor's Planning and Development Department, in collaboration with the Arts and Culture Committee, is hosting a townwide photography contest! Learn more about it below! |
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The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) is preparing for its annual STAND DOWN event which will be held at six regional locations.
SIX REGIONAL LOCATIONS
- Bridgeport - University of Bridgeport, Wheeler Recreational Center, 400 University Ave.
- Bristol - St. Gregory CCD Center, 1043 Stafford Ave.
- Danbury - Danbury War Memorial 1 Memorial Drive
- Norwich - Easter Seals Veterans Rally Point, 24 Stott Ave.
- Rocky Hill - CT DVA main campus 287 West Street
- Stamford - UCONN, One University Plaza
The DVA continues our commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans, Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel, and their immediate families by providing this “one-stop” access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits at these regional sites across the State.
A list of confirmed service providers and transportation schedules is now available. You can check updated information HERE.
For any additional information please contact: 860-616-3772 or email: standdown@ct.gov |
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| Recruitment for the 2025 legislative intern program has started! Share this information with college students in your life. For more information, please click HERE.
Here are some of the requirements:
- 18 years of age or older by program start
- Enrolled in a Connecticut college or university
- Registered for a campus-based course to receive credit for the internship
- Minimum 20 credits completed by program start
- Minimum 2.7 cumulative GPA
The deadline is November 1! |
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| The Connecticut Youth Employment Program is an initiative designed to help young people ages 14 to 24 explore careers by providing opportunities to work alongside professionals who assist them in building career networks and receive on-the-job training while also covering participant salaries and other job-related expenses, such as uniforms and transportation to and from work.
The Connecticut Youth Employment Program runs year-round. Youths who want to enroll can contact their region's Workforce Development Board by clicking HERE. More information can be found on the Connecticut Youth Employment Program webpage HERE. |
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