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The legislative session has come to an end, and it has been an honor serving you in the 16th District. It is such a privilege to work alongside all my legislative colleagues, staffers, advocates, lobbyists, and the general public to make our great state that much better.
I am filled with gratitude to everyone who has called and emailed me, filled out my surveys, or attended my coffee hours to share your ideas and priorities with me. You have all helped me learn and grow in this job as your State Representative. Please keep coming forward with ideas so my colleagues and I can be more informed and do a better job representing you. I can’t wait to return to the Capitol next year to continue the work I have begun.
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I’m so excited to share that I was able to secure additional funding from the State to renovate Latimer Lane Elementary School. Please keep reading to learn more about that key investment.
My colleagues and I passed a statewide spending plan about 24 hours ahead of our final deadline. I'll break down how it supports Simsbury.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- Funding for School Renovation
- Bipartisan Statewide Spending Plan Passes
- Honoring Our Veterans
- What Bears Do in May
- Expect Delays for Water Main Replacement
- First Big Event at Performing Arts Center
- Simsbury Teen Photo Challenge Winners
- Community Events
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| Funding for School Renovation |
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I'm proud to announce that I secured $530,000 in additional state funding for renovations at Latimer Lane Elementary School. The Latimer Lane renovations include a new addition, a new art room, a library media center, renovated classrooms, new spaces for music teachers and students to practice and perform, and much more.
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I cannot begin to tell you how thrilled I am to bring this funding home. Simsbury has long been a community of educational excellence, and we know that investing in education is investing in our future. This additional funding from the State will soften the impact of increased costs that all residents are feeling in these inflationary times, while ensuring that Latimer Lane Elementary will continue to be a nurturing environment where students can thrive.
Students will grow in a modern and dynamic learning environment that fosters creativity, collaboration, and academic excellence. This is a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible educational experience for our children.
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| Bipartisan Statewide Spending Plan Passes |
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I'm proud to say we passed a bipartisan spending stabilization plan that will ensure our two-year state budget's historic tax cuts are protected, and we invest in the priorities that matter to you.
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Remember, the two-year budget includes:
- The Largest Income Tax Cut in State History
- Investments in Public Education
- New supports for the IDD community
- Expansion of Debt-Free Community College
- A Strong and Vibrant Safety Net of Programs
We used remaining federal American Rescue Plan Act funds to provide support to some important priorities such as:
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All that and we are putting more than a billion dollars into the state's Rainy Day Fund and paying down pension debt.
I am proud to report that Connecticut is set up to succeed financially in the present as well as the future.
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It was a pleasure to be a part of this month’s send-off for veterans, including heroes from Simsbury, who took part in Honor Flight Connecticut. 50 veterans departed from Bradley International Airport and landed in Washington, D.C. for a day of honor at the country’s national memorials.
Legislatively this year, I was proud to support our veterans by co-sponsoring HB 5491, which will provide our permanently and totally disabled veterans with a property tax exemption. It is a very small way of saying thank you for your service!
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| Courtesy: Bearwise |
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According to Bearwise, mom and cubs stay near the den in May. Cubs follow their moms and start learning and mimicking some behaviors. If you see a cub or two on their own, keep in mind that mom is most likely looking for food and left the cubs in what she perceived to be a safe area. Please walk away and do not touch the cubs.
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| Expect Delays for Water Main Replacement |
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Drivers can expect delays in town starting on Monday as Aquarion Water Company replaces a water main. Work will take place on Red Stone Drive, Andrew Drive, Harriet Lane, Top View Drive, Hilltop Drive, and Butternut Lane through October. There will be slowdowns in that area from 7:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M., Monday through Friday.
The project, which will replace approximately 12,450 feet of water main, is part of an ongoing program to improve Aquarion’s water distribution system. CLICK HERE to find out when construction may affect homes.
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| First Big Event at Performing Arts Center |
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The Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center unveiled its 2024 calendar. There will be concerts, festivals, athletics events, fireworks, food trucks, and so much more including a Taylor Swift sing along event and a Disney tribute band.
The 2024 season kicks off Saturday with the Sound Bites: Food and Music Festival. The event will showcase the best Connecticut, regional food trucks, and local food vendors have to offer paired with the exceptional live musical. There will even be a bounce house section for the kids and vendors to complete this family friendly day!
CLICK HERE to get ticket and see what else is in store this summer for you and your family.
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| Simsbury Teen Photo Challenge Winners |
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Simsbury Public Library is currently displaying the winning images for the 2024 Teen Photo Challenge through the month of May. You'll find the pictures in the lower level near the children’s library. Congratulations to all the winners!
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| Emily Singer received Best in Show for "Social Phobia." |
| Sally Chen received First Place for "Tears." |
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Golfers and sponsors are invited to sign up for a fun-filled day of golf to support the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company's annual fundraiser. CLICK HERE to register by Sunday, May 19!
Proceeds help fund firefighting and rescue equipment, events for firefighters and their families, SVFC and SVFCA scholarships, The CT Burns Care Foundation Children’s Burn Camp, Simsbury Social Services, Simsbury Food Closet, and Keep Simsbury Warm.
The golf tournament will take place on Thursday, June 13 at Blue Fox Run Golf Course in Avon.
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The Simsbury Duck Race will take place Friday, May 24th from 4 P.M. -7 P.M. at Paine's Boat House. This is a free community event featuring several rubber duck races on the river, carnival and field games, inflatables, a DJ, contests for best decorated ducks, food, vendors, and more. Funds go directly toward resources for local elementary students.
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