Home Heating Assistance Vote & Happy Lunar New Year!

February 13, 2024


Tomorrow my fellow representatives and I will return to the House Chambers to continue our work in the legislative session. Please read below to learn how we are trying to support folks who need home heating help.

This past Saturday was the start of the Lunar New Year, marking the Year of the Dragon. Keep scrolling to find out how and where you can take part in the 15-day celebration.

And February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. Did you know that 1 in every 5 Connecticut high school girls says they experienced sexual dating abuse? Below you will find resources for anyone who needs help.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • House To Vote On Home Heating Assistance
  • Happy Lunar New Year!
  • Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
 
House To Vote On Home Heating Assistance

The State House of Representatives plans to vote tomorrow on approving funding for heating assistance to our most vulnerable residents. The goal is to ensure that low-income individuals and families will continue to have heat through the winter and early spring.
 
The funding is provided through a surplus in the current fiscal year (DDS Employment and Day Services) and transferred to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and Operation Fuel.

As your State Representative, I am dedicated to ensuring that all families have basic needs, such as a warm home during the colder months.

For tomorrow and future House sessions, don’t forget these valuable resources:
 
Happy Lunar New Year!
While this is belated, I wish everyone who celebrates a Happy Lunar New Year, which started on Saturday! 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, which is one among the other 11 animals representing the Chinese zodiac calendar.
You can celebrate from now through February 24 by decorating your house red and eating food with friends and family! The 15-day celebration concludes with the Lantern Festival.
 
Click here for a list of ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year around Connecticut!
My wife Jenny and I wish everyone a Happy New Year of the Dragon!
 
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, an effort to shine a light on abusive relationships among adolescents. In Connecticut, 26% of students surveyed reported that someone they were dating or going out with, purposely tried to control them or emotionally hurt them.

Remember dating should never be scary or dangerous.
Help is available if you believe your teen or one of their friends is in danger. The Interval House is a great resource for education and counseling. Their hotline is available 24/7 at (860) 838-8467.
Click Here for More Information
You can also contact CT Safe Connect from anywhere 24 hours a day by calling or texting (888) 774-2900, sending a confidential email to safeconnect@ctcadv.org, or using their web chat. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary.