Jaime Foster

As the summer winds down and our children prepare to head back to school, we have some good news for all three districts receiving funds to hire and retain mental health specialists. Having a mental health specialist in the schools gives children another trusted adult to talk to. I'm happy that all three towns in the 57th District will benefit from this opportunity. I've noted the amounts each town will receive in this e-newsletter.

The Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS), in consultation with the Connecticut State Department of Education (CSDE), has announced that $8.8 million in special food assistance benefits is scheduled to be distributed Sunday, August 13, 2023, to the families of 57,313 children under age 6 who are enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will be performing a pavement marking project from Sunday, August 6, through November 30, 2023. This will impact Route 5 and Route 191.

Is it hot enough for you? We are truly experiencing the dog days of summer - make sure you stay hydrated and out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day (if you can). Keep an eye on elderly neighbors and friends.

(VIDEO) Press conference on July 17 with Governor Lamont, CT Department of Agriculture Commissioner Bryan Hurlburt, DEEP Commissioner Katie Dykes, members of the state and federal delegations, farming community representatives, and farmers, regarding the July floods that caused incredible damage to crops across the state.

Part of what makes Connecticut great is that we seek to lift up all residents, regardless of income or background. This program is one more example of that commitment to our community.

This declaration means that farmers in all eight counties can apply for disaster assistance from the Farm Service Agency, such as emergency loans, to cover production losses they experienced because of the unusually cold temperatures that May 18 spring morning, provided that certain eligibility requirements are met.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has announced that the start of work at various intersections in the Towns of Ellington and Vernon will begin on July 10, 2023.