|
|
|
|
This past week, ICE’s actions in Norwalk, Stamford and beyond have forced us to confront two fundamental questions: Who are we? Who do we want to be?
On Aug. 14 and 15, masked ICE agents entered the Norwalk Police Department’s parking lot without prior consent from city officials. Soon after, those same agents tased a man, slammed his head against the pavement, and detained him in Rhode Island despite his serious injuries.
Days later, my colleague and friend, State Representative Corey Paris, urged residents on social media to remain vigilant in light of ICE’s presence. For that simple call to look out for one another, he and his family have endured harassment, racist attacks, and even threats — amplified after ICE itself reposted a far-right attack calling for him to be “charged.”
Let us be clear: these actions represent a rogue federal law enforcement agency abusing its power. This campaign of intimidation against residents, against protestors, and against an elected state representative is un-American and unacceptable.
That is why many of my colleagues, along with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz and U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, stood together at the State Capitol to denounce ICE’s actions and to support Rep. Paris. And I am proud that the Norwalk Police Department reaffirmed its commitment to Connecticut’s Trust Act, which limits cooperation with ICE and protects immigrant families from overreach.
True patriotism is having the courage to speak out and stand up for those who live in fear. We must commit to rejecting warrantless raids by unidentifiable agents operating under the color of law, actions that tear families and communities apart.
This is about dignity, decency, and democracy itself.
So again, I ask you: Who are we? Who do we want to be?
I urge you to stand with us: share this message, support Rep. Paris, and join me in demanding accountability from ICE. Together, we can protect the most vulnerable among us and defend the principles of justice that define who we are.” |
|
| Celebrating Social Security's 90th Year |
|
|
Last week marked the 90th anniversary of Social Security, a promise we made to protect the dignity and well-being of older Americans, people with disabilities, and families who have lost a loved one. It's the single-greatest anti-poverty program in the history of the U.S.
But now this vital program is under attack. People have earned their Social Security through a lifetime of hard work, and we must stand together to protect it for today’s recipients and for future generations.
Read more here from CT News Junkie. |
|
| Sales Tax-Free Week Continues |
|
|
|
Connecticut's annual Sales Tax-Free Week runs through Saturday, Aug. 23. It provides a chance to save money, whether it is taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones.
Highlights of Sales Tax-Free Week
- Sales or purchases of certain items of clothing or footwear costing less than $100 per item are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax.
- Sales Tax-Free Week applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone.
- This special exemption applies to purchases made from retailers located in Connecticut as well as from online retailers.
This is Connecticut's 26th Sales Tax Free Week.
A list of exempt and taxable items during Sales Tax-Free Week can be found here.
A list of FAQs can be found here.
|
|
| Reduction to Your Energy Bill |
|
|
|
Starting Sept. 1, there should be a reduction to your energy bill. The State Bond Commission recently approved the release of $155 million to decrease the public benefit charges on your Eversource bill. This action is a result of bipartisan energy affordability legislation (Senate Bill 4) that passed earlier this year.
The funding will reduce costs associated with:
- Hardship protection programs: $125 million will go towards assisting low-income customers who struggle to pay their electric bills
- Electric vehicle charging programs: $30 million will cover costs related to the state's EV charging infrastructure and integration.
The result will be about $10 to $20 off our monthly bills. While it's not a comprehensive solution we have been working toward, it is a start. I will continue pushing for real change in how we address electricity rates and fees.
In addition to looking at ways to impact our rates here in Connecticut, it is also critical that there are federal approaches to reduce costs.
I support Sen. Richard Blumenthal's call recently for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to provide oversight over local transmission projects that significantly increase energy costs for consumers. Read more about Sen. Blumenthal's proposal here.
|
|
| Hazardous Waste Collection |
|
|
The city of Norwalk’s free Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection event is scheduled for Saturday, August 23, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This event will be held at Ponus Ridge Middle School (21 Hunter Lane).
At the HHW event, the city will accept hazardous materials such as oil, lighter fluid, poisons, insecticides, pesticides, fluorescent lightbulbs and more.
Here is how you can safely transport your hazardous materials:
  Leave materials in original labeled containers. Tighten caps & lids.
Pack containers in sturdy upright boxes and pad with newspapers.
Sort & pack separately: paint, pesticides, household cleaners, etc.
Pack your car and drive directly to the HHW event.
Please do NOT mix chemicals!
Please have your driver’s license, vehicle registration or Norwalk Disposal Pass available.
Residents ONLY = NO Commercial or Business loads accepted.
*Latex Paint is NOT Hazardous Waste but will be collected on HHW Day. Residents can dry
Latex Paint completely and dispose as regular trash, once completely dry and solid!
If you plan to attend, please have your driver’s license, vehicle registration or Norwalk Disposal Pass available and remember to leave all hazardous waste in its original packaging. It is also recommended that you pack your waste containers securely in a box so they can be transported without spilling and removed from your vehicle efficiently.
To view acceptable and unacceptable waste for the 2025 Household Hazardous Waste Collection, visit https://norwalkct.gov/503/Household-Hazardous-Waste. For any questions regarding the HHW collection, contact the Customer Service Center at CustomerService@norwalkct.gov or 203-854-3200. |
|
| The next SoNo Saturday Market will be held on Saturday, Aug. 30. Over 30 vendors & exhibitors will cover the lawn at 50 Washington for a fun day of shopping, snacks, music & outdoor fun for all! Please see the graphic below for more upcoming dates. |
|
As always, please feel free to contact my office at at travis.simms@cga.ct.gov.
Sincerely,
Travis Simms
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
