Seniors Legislation, Green Tips, and more

May 31, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! Whether you're hiking scenic trails, lounging on beautiful beaches, or enjoying local festivals, there's no shortage of activities to make your summer unforgettable. Get out and explore all that our state has to offer:

⛰️110 state parks

32 state forests

🏖️100+ miles of shoreline

3,000+ lakes, ponds and reservoirs

Don’t forget - through the Passport to the Parks program, drivers that have a Connecticut-registered vehicle do not have to pay a fee to park at any state park and forest. Learn more at ctparks.com.

I also want to wish you a happy Pride Month, which starts tomorrow. Looking across the country, it is heartbreaking to see anti-LGBTQ+ bills and hateful rhetoric gain traction. These sentiments are backwards-looking and brings us all down.

This Pride Month, I am reaffirming my commitment to the LGBTQ+ community as a steadfast ally who will speak out against this hatred. When lives and rights are under attack, it is our job to stand together with our community.

As the late Harvey Milk said, 

“It takes no compromise to give people their rights...it takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.”

For more information and resources, you can visit this page from the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation.

Click here to see Pride celebrations across the state!

 

In this week's eblast you can read about legislation passed for seniors, green tips for the week, and more.

You can click the links below to navigate between sections.
 
DOT Noise Barrier Informational Meeting Recording
A couple of weeks ago I told you about the Connecticut Department of Transportation's virtual informational meeting regarding 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.

You can watch the full recording of that meeting here.

The meeting featured subject matter experts who discussed their conclusions and recommendations, and I hope you'll check it out.

You can read the full report here.

And to reach out to the DOT with additional questions or concerns, click here.
 
Senior Center Visit, Aging Legislation
Thank you to the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities for hosting the Fairfield delegation for our discussion on senior mental health. Hearing directly from constituents about the issues they face is how we craft meaningful and effective policy in Hartford.
This session the legislature put in place several policies that will help our seniors:
  • Public Act No. 24-39. This bill:
    • Requires the Department of Social Services to create a home care provider registry for those receiving Medicaid home- and community-based services, making it easier to find providers that meet your criteria
    • Requires home care workers to wear an ID badge with their name and picture during appointments, ensuring a safe and secure appointment
    • Creates a presumptive Medicaid eligibility system, expediting the process to receive care
    • Requires the Department of Public Health to create a Center of Excellence Program to recognize nursing homes that provide exceptional care that is person-centered and evidence-based
    • Establishes a nursing home online dashboard on industry-leading practices and information on the quality of care for those in need of a nursing home
  • Public Act No. 24-141. This bill:
    • Prohibits nursing homes from placing newly admitted residents in rooms with more than two beds
    • Allows DPH to take disciplinary action against nursing homes that do not comply with corrective action plans

These are great bills that will help our seniors, and I'm looking forward to expanding on this important work in next year's session.
Call for woodcarvers!

There are so many great activities to participate in at the Bigelow Center, including woodcarving for all levels of experience, book clubs, exercise classes, and more. The group that meets weekly to carve is looking for more people to join them. You don't need any prior experience. If you're interested in becoming a member, click here.
 
A Busy Night in Fairfield!
Yesterday was a perfect example of the very best parts of representing you. Thank you for this honor.

Thank you Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and First Selectman Bill Gerber for organizing two services: one to recognize 21 veterans of the Korean War and one for 110 veterans of the Vietnam War.

It was so powerful to recognize their service, remember and pay tribute to their sacrifices, and thank them. Particularly for our Vietnam veterans, so many of which were never thanked. It was a privilege to give them the honor and gratitude they earned and deserve. Their service and sacrifices to our country are the fabric of our democracy and our freedom. Thank you to all who served. 
After this, we participated in the town wide forum to discuss UI’s proposal for monopoles through our community and Bridgeport and the legislation we passed to reform the Siting Council. The turnout was amazing and we are so lucky to live in a community with so many engaged, informed, and passionate residents.
 
Screening of Childhood 2.0 Film
Next Tuesday, June 4 at 6pm at the Fairfield Public Library's Rotary Room, there will be a screening and discussion of the documentary "Childhood 2.0." The film gives insight through parent, child, and industry-leading expert lenses on how the digital landscape has changed with specific eye-opening examples of what children across our country are experiencing, often alone, including cyberbullying, online predators, and more.

If you can, I encourage you to register and see this important film!
 
FPS Green Team Tips of the Week
This week there are two tips from the Fairfield Public Schools Green Team!

The first is simple: go outside and connect with nature! Connecticut is one of the most beautiful states in the country, with so many different aspects to explore outdoors. From going on a nature walk, to bird watching, to just getting your hands dirty, take the time to enjoy Connecticut's great outdoors!
The second tip is to join the Pollinator Pathway! The Pollinator Pathway seeks to establish pollinator-friendly habitats and food sources for animals that pollinate including bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and more.

I'm proud to say that Fairfield is part of the Pollinator Pathway, and you can be, too! With steps like creating a native plant garden, removing invasive species, and avoiding pesticides, you can enhance the nutrition and habitat for pollinating animals!

You can read more about the Pollinator Pathway and Fairfield's involvement here.
 
Open House Day at the Fairfield Museum
On Saturday, June 8 from 10am-4pm, the Fairfield Museum will participate in Fairfield County's 20th Connecticut Open House Day! Enjoy free admission all day at the Fairfield Museum and the 1750 Ogden House (1520 Bronson Road).

The event will feature tours of life in the 1700s, a beekeeping demonstration, and more. Read more about the event here!
 
Seaport Car Club's Annual Antique and Classic Car Show
The CT Seaport Car Club will host their 8th Annual Antique and Classic Car Show Sunday, June 9 from 9am-3pm at Fairfield Ludlow High School's back parking lot (785 Unquowa Rd, Fairfield).

The event will feature amazing show cars, food, vendors, live music, and more.

Proceeds will benefit Operation Hope's efforts to end hunger and homelessness, one person at a time. I hope you'll check out this great event!
 
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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