New Laws, Funding For Massaro Farm, and Holiday Fireworks

June 30, 2023


 
I hope this finds you well as we enter into this holiday weekend! I wish you all a safe, happy, and sparkling Fourth of July!

Before you continue to read more information and updates about new laws effective July 1st, community events and celebrations throughout the district I want to take a moment to address a serious situation that occurred this week.

On Wednesday June 28th, while at an Eid-al-Adha prayer service, my friend and colleague Rep. Maryam Khan was attacked by a man who first accosted her with hate speech and then physically. I am horrified and sickened by this act and worried for my friend and her family. 

I also know that these acts do not just occur out of the blue. They are usually the result of escalating behavior that often starts with small comments and then grows to acts of violence, which is why it is all of our responsibility to call out and question when someone demeans or discriminates others who are different. 

We are so fortunate to live in a country that protects our individual rights to live, worship, and love how we choose. As we celebrate those freedoms this weekend, we must all remember that "Democracy is not a Spectator Sport" (Marion Wright Edelman). It requires us all to protect it. 

I will be keeping Rep. Khan and her family in my thoughts and wish her a smooth recovery. 

Click on any of the links below to jump to that section of the email.

 
Funding For Massaro Community Farm
Massaro Community Farm in Woodbridge is receiving $49,402 in state funding to improve its education infrastructure. This farm will spend the money on:
  • The creation of a 100’x 125’ livestock education area
  • Livestock water access and hand-washing stations, materials, and supplies for agricultural programming
  • Support for the Summer Youth Employment program
Learn More About the Funding

Massaro Community Farm is a nonprofit, certified organic farm on 57 acres of land deeded to the Town of Woodbridge in 2007 by the Massaro Family, who had farmed the land since 1916.

 

New Laws Effective July 1st

A number of new laws, that my colleagues and I worked on during the 2023 legislative session to implement meaningful change in our state, will take effect in Connecticut on July 1.
EARLY VOTING
 
Connecticut was one the few states in the country that did not allow early voting that provides voters with options to accommodate busy and hectic schedules. Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, seven days of early voting for most primaries, and four days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries.  
 
VOTING RIGHTS ACT
 
Our state has some of the most restrictive voting laws in the country. This new law prohibits intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court.
 
DEBT-FREE COMMUNITY COLLEGE ELIGIBILITY CHANGES
 
The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college. Awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months, thus allowing returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
 
BABY BONDS
 
Under the law, $3,200 would be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program. Those investments would grow over time and recipients could access that money between the ages of 18-30.
 
ENDOMETRIOSIS DATA AND BIOREPOSITORY PROGRAM
 
Endometriosis is an underdiagnosed condition when endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.
 
MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
 
Certain public agencies will start providing free menstrual products including public colleges and universities, homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid.
All New Laws Starting on July 1
Your calls, emails, and testimony at public hearings during this year's legislative session had a direct influence on these new laws. Thank you for your input, and please continue expressing your views and making your voice heard during our legislative process.
 
Broadband Connectivity Investment
Connecticut is receiving $144 million in federal funding to support ongoing efforts in deploying affordable, reliable high-speed internet service across the state. This investment is vital to closing our connectivity and opportunity gap in our increasingly digital world.

Thank you to the Biden Administration, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and our federal delegation for securing this funding.

Learn More About Broadband Connectivity Investment
 
In The News
CT Examiner: "Bill Makes It Illegal To Request Sexually-Charged Images From Minors"
 
Upcoming Holiday Fireworks
There's no better way to enjoy a warm summer evening than by gathering with friends and family to watch fireworks! Below is a list of nearby displays:
 
Spotlighting Local Excellence
The Orange Volunteer Fire Department recently awarded scholarships to three graduating seniors from Amity High School. The Lubocki Family Scholarship Program, established in the name of Eugene, Patricia, and Cynthia Lubocki, seeks to award scholarships to qualified high school graduates for post high school education. Congratulations to the recipients and good luck!
 
Derby Events Calendar
To see what's going on in Derby, please look at the flier below and click the button to access the community calendar.
Derby Community Calendar
 
Upcoming Events in Hamden
Take a look at the fliers below and click on the button to learn about upcoming events in Hamden:
More Hamden Events
 
Orange Events and Community Calendar
Check out the events that are coming up in Orange, and please click the button below to access the community calendar.
Orange Community Calendar
 
Woodbridge Events and Community Calendar
Check out the event below in Woodbridge, and click the button below to access the community calendar.
Woodbridge Community Calendar