Government Shutdown Resources, and more

October 24, 2025



 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!

It has been a very busy couple of weeks around our state, and I'm excited to share what I've been up to with you.

This week, I joined literacy leaders and educators at the Hartford Public Library for a Read to Grow event with keynote speaker, Kareem Weaver. We discussed the importance of early literacy and adopting science-based literacy instruction. Reading is an essential skill that forms the foundation of all other learning and future opportunities for our young people. It is our responsibility to make sure we're teaching this skill in the most effective way possible, and I was happy to participate in this conversation. 

Last week, I joined the Innovation Cohort of education leaders across the state working in partnership with the Columbia Law School Center for Public Research and Leadership (CPRL) to think boldly and creatively about how we can make meaningful change in our schools to benefit children. It was an energizing and inspiring conversation and made me hopeful about the future.
 

I recently attended the Targeted Violence and Terrorism Prevention Symposium with the Senior Director of External Affairs and Engagement and Hate Crimes Initiative Coordinator, Michael Bloom, where they specifically discussed school safety and digital safety to help prevent our young people from being radicalized on the internet. There is a lot more work ahead in this space, and I'm so grateful for all the experts and leaders taking it on.
 

Finally, it was a joy to be with Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants and an absolutely packed crowd this week to honor the role immigrants play in our community. It was powerful to be united in this way, in support of the promise America represents for people in hardship across the globe and in support of the work CIRI, in partnership with many members of our community, does to rebuild lives and to provide hope and a path to brighter futures here in CT. 

In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about government shutdown resources, drug takeback day, and more. You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 

General Election Voting Information 

We are in the early voting period for the 2025 municipal elections!! You can vote early now through Nov. 2nd 10am - 6pm at the Fairfield University Bookstore on the Post Rd with extended hours on Oct. 28 & 30 from 8am - 8:00pm. 

If you prefer to vote on election day, I will see you on November 4th!! Click here to check if you are eligible to vote.
Then, click here to access the Connecticut Online Voter Registration System (CVRS) to register online.

Same Day Registration (SDR) is also available during the early voting period.
 

Community Food Drive 

I hope you'll join me and Reps. Keitt and McCarthy Vahey for a community food drive on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 10am-2pm at First Church Congregational (148 Beach Rd., Fairfield).

We were recently notified that due to the government shutdown, SNAP benefits (food assistance) will expire November 1 for the 360,000 Connecticut residents relying on them. With rising grocery prices, the demand on our food pantries has already increased and this additional pressure is expected to be significant.

This food drive will help families in our community at a time at a time when they are struggling and just before Thanksgiving. I hope you'll consider donating whatever you can. Every bit matters.
 

Government Shutdown Resources 

As the federal government shutdown continues, many Connecticut residents are facing uncertainty. United Way of Connecticut’s 211 has published a new resource to help. Click here to take a look at the resource that outlines the current status of federal programs and provides direct links to state and community resources for those affected.

211 is not directly impacted by the federal government shutdown and continues to operate 24/7/365. It’s never been more important to connect residents with trained contact specialists who provide personalized, confidential assistance for basic needs. In many cases, a single call results in multiple new referrals and supports, drawn from their up-to-date database of more than 40,000 community resources.
 

National Drug Take Back Day 

A reminder that Saturday, October 25th is National DEA Drug Take-Back Day from 10am-2pm. This is an opportunity to drop off expired, unwanted or unused controlled substances that you may have in your home.  

Officials will collect pills, tablets, capsules, and other solid forms of prescription drug. Liquids (including intravenous solutions), syringes, and illegal drugs will not be accepted.

Click here to find the closest site to you and for more info.
 

Halloween Season in Fairfield!
Halloween Drive-In Movie: Coco
Friday, Oct. 24, 7pm
Read more here
Halloween on the Green
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield)
Sunday Oct. 26, noon-4pm
Read more here
Lantern Tours
Oak Lawn Cemetery & Arboretum (1530 Bronson Rd., Fairfield)
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am or noon
Read more here
Haunted Candy House Workshop
Fairfield Museum (370 Beach Rd., Fairfield)
Saturday, Oct. 26, 10am, noon, 2pm
Read more 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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