DOT Event, CT Oysters, and more

May 17, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Just because our legislative session is over doesn't mean there isn't plenty to keep you updated on in our state and our district. In this week's eblast you can read about a noise barrier event from the DOT, Connecticut's Oyster Trail, and more.

You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Legislative Wrap Up Event
Thank you to everyone that attended the Fairfield Delegation's legislative wrap up event last weekend! We talked about some of the wins from our latest session, including HB 5507, which provides much-needed reforms to the Siting Council, and SB 154, which pauses the implementation of the racial imbalance law.
It was also great to hear from you about the issues that matter most as we start preparations for next year's session. Your thoughts and opinions stick with me when I'm working at the Capitol, and I'm so grateful for the insight these events bring.
I was proud to be joined by Danielle Kanter and Campbell Treschuk, who are in the top 10 of the Ludlowe High School graduating class! Danielle won the CT Bar Association Scholarhsip and Campbell is a National Merit Scholar, so I was in some esteemed company!
 
DOT Noise Barrier Event
On Thursday, May 23 at 6pm, the Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold a virtual informational meeting about their recently published report on highway traffic noise analysis. The study recommended the DOT erect 38 new noise barriers along the highways and state roads to minimize the noise impact on communities, including half in Fairfield County, with 12 along I-95. A portion of Fairfield was identified as a top priority. Something we have known but I’m grateful the study has confirmed this. 

According to the DOT, when most highways were built into the 1950s, the environmental impact on communities was not taken into account. But with the changing times comes some much-needed adjustments to improve the quality of life for residents near highways.

The informational meeting will connect the public with experts to discuss their conclusions and the recommendations.

You can read the full report here

To register for the meeting, which will be held on Zoom, click here.

And to reach out to the DOT with additional questions or concerns, click here.
 
The American Revolutionary Experience
This weekend is the final weekend to enjoy "The American Revolutionary Experience," an event at the Old Academy at the Fairfield Town Green where you can learn about the American Revolution through a unique fusion of both biography and geography.

The final days for this event is Saturday and Sunday from noon-4pm.
I was fortunate enough to visit, and it was an incredible experience that shares the experience of ordinary people who witnessed the dawn of a new nation. I want to share a huge thank you to the Fairfield Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for making this exhibit possible. 

This event is a unique experience delving in to the founding of our country in a way never told before, and I hope you'll check it out before it's gone! 
 
Senior Mental Health Event
I hope you'll join me, State Representatives Sarah Keitt and Cristin McCarthy Vahey, and State Senator Tony Hwang for a senior mental health discussion event next Friday, May 24 at 10am at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities. People of all ages experience mental health issues ranging from anxiety to depression, and this event serves as a reminder that there is always help available. This should be an informative and engaging conversation, and I hope you'll consider attending.
 
Celebrating Connecticut's Oysters!
I was delighted to see Governor Lamont announced the launch of the Connecticut Oyster Trail this week! The trail maps out dozens of oyster farms and culinary destinations, including some near our district like La Plage and H&H Seafood!
I also wanted to give a shoutout to Fairfield's very own Shellfish Commission. The Shellfish Commission protects shellfish habitats and works to increase shellfishing opportunities in Fairfield by designating suitable places for the planting or cultivating of oysters, clams, and mussels.

In 2022, we celebrated the passage of the Shellfish Restoration Plan that protects, preserves, and restores Connecticut's oyster beds across the Long Island Sound - the largest oyster and clam farm in New England! This plan helps to clean the water, maintain a rich ecosystem, and protect our coastline from erosion. The Fairfield Shellfish Commission has been a tireless advocate and committed partner in this venture.
Oysters are a classic delicacy in Connecticut, and with the Connecticut Oyster Trail, we're going to put ourselves back on the culinary map. I hope you'll check out some of the great restaurants offering this local cuisine this summer!
 
Fairfield CARES Community Meeting
Fairfield CARES's Annual Community Meeting will be Monday, May 20 from 7-8:30pm at 755 Melville Ave, Fairfield.

This year's speaker is Michelle Icard, an internationally-recognized, author, speaker, and educator, author of "8 Setbacks That Can Make a Child a Success" and "Fourteen Talks by Age Fourteen." Icard brings relief and practical solutions to schools and community organizations around the world seeking to ease the uncertainty of adolescent development for both kids and parents.

The community meeting this year looks to be an insightful and engaging event, and I hope you'll check it out! You can read more about the event and register for it here.
 
Blue Star Museums Program
The Fairfield Museum is offering free admission to all active duty, National Guard, and Reserve military personnel and their families this summer as part of the 2024 Blue Star Museums program! The program begins tomorrow, May 18 and runs through Labor Day, Monday, September 2.

This is one small token of our gratitude to military personnel and their families, and I hope you'll take advantage of this opportunity if you're eligible.

Find the list of participating museums here.
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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