Travis Simms

Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for Jan. 30, 2026

The House will be back in session next Wednesday, Feb. 4. My colleagues and I are gearing up for a busy short session, working hard to pass critical legislation through May 6. Follow along at CT-N.com and stay tuned here for updates. CT Schools Poster Competition The CT Coalition for Climate Action is now accepting applications for the third annual Climate Change Student Poster Contest!  The contest was created to celebrate Connecticut for being one of the first states in the nation to include Climate Change Studies as part of its science curriculum in public schools. Students in grades 5-12 are invited to create and submit a poster that highlights the importance of protecting the environment, and what we can do to reduce climate change.   Students and finalists are invited to the judging at the Capitol on Earth Day, April 22nd between 12–2:30pm. Semi-Finalists will be displayed at the state Capitol and the top three individual winners of the Grades 5–12 category will receive scholarships of $1000 for first place, $500 for second place, and $250 for third place. In addition to individual student entries, there will also be a  K–4 Classroom Poster Category, with one poster submission per class. The winning classroom will receive a $100 Staples® gift card along with a visit from either Leah Lopez of Save the Sound or Save the Sound’s Soundkeeper, Bill Lucy. Final poster design and registration form should be emailed as a PDF to CTClimateActionCoalition@gmail.com no later than April 1, 2026 at 5pm. Click here to learn more.  Sidewalk Project Information Meeting Last October, the city of Norwalk held a public information meeting about the Roadway Paving and Sidewalk Installation for Lockwood Lane and Heather Lane Area. The City will hold a follow up meeting next Tuesday, February 3 to discuss alternatives to the original proposed sidewalk work on Lockwood Lane. The meeting will be held from 5:30 - 6:45 p.m. in Norwalk City Hall. Please see the flyer for more information.  Detour in Norwalk Extended Attention Norwalk drivers - the detour pattern at Ft. Point Street and South Smith Street. has been extended and will continue through April 3. South bound cars/trucks will detour to Reynolds Street and northbound will detour to Van Zant Street. All local access maintained.  Please observe all signs and police direction. Schedule subject to change. Women's Business Grant Opportunities The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced the next round of Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs. The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in the state of Connecticut who have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. The application period for Ignite grants runs from February 3rd through March 18th. You can find additional information on Ignite here.    The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring child care businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. The application period for Child Care Business grants runs from February 1st through February 28th. You can find more information on the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants here.   Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session here.   Major Issues Report If you want to learn more about various topics that may be discussed during the upcoming legislative session, check out the 2026 Major Issues Report. This report provides brief summaries of issues that the General Assembly could potentially tackle in 2026. Click here to access the document.  Upcoming Library Events The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website.  ICYMI Access Health CT (AHCT), Connecticut’s official health insurance marketplace, has announced that the final deadline to enroll in a health or dental plan for 2026 has been extended to Saturday, Jan. 31. Customers who enroll now will have coverage starting February 1. Customers can also renew their coverage. Visit Access Health CT's website for more information.  Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position.  AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more.  This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities: Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000. Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500. Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.   Applications are due by 5 p.m. on March 4.  For more information, please click here. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have. Sincerely, Travis Simms State Representative Website Email Facebook Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences