Legislative Update July 25th

July 25, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

This week's newsletter is filled with information, news, resources, and updates I hope you will find useful. From a pilot program underway offering rides to residents to anywhere in the district for $2 to the unveiling of a new playground at Flax Hill Park, there's something here for everyone to catch up on. Keep scrolling and have a great weekend!

Travis
 
THE 2024 OLR BILL TRACKING REPORT IS HERE
The 2024 Office of Legislative Research (OLR) Bill Tracking report identifies bills considered during the regular legislative session and June Special Session whose content or concepts were incorporated into other legislation, under different bill numbers, that the legislature passed. During these two sessions, the content or concepts originating in at least 122 bills were incorporated into other legislation and enacted in 33 public acts. Click on the image below to view the report and track down the bill concepts you may be wondering about.
 
 
IN CT: UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FALLS, RECORD JOB GAINS
Now this is good news! Click on the image below for more details.
 
ON-DEMAND MICOTRANSIT PROGRAM UP AND RUNNING
Microtransit services have begun in various communities throughout Connecticut, including Norwalk. These services are part of a pilot program in which nine transit districts and municipalities were awarded funding through the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to develop and pilot an on-demand microtransit service.

This program is like having a Lyft or Uber pick you up from home or wherever you are in SoNo and drop you off within the district for only $2. I believe this is an awesome program and would be a reliable transit service for residents. 
To take advantage of the program, please download and log into the Wheels 2U application. You’ll be prompted to create an account using your current (or new) credentials, add your payment info again, and then book your next ride. You can schedule and request rides within Norwalk 7 days a week - Monday - Wednesday: 7 am - 7 pm; Thursday- Friday: 7 am-11 pm; Saturdays: 1 pm-12 am; Sundays: 1-9 pm. 

Routes include anywhere within Norwalk and also connect with the following services: 

NTD fixed route buses, Metro-North Train Stations, and CTtransit Route 341.
 
COVID-19 HOUSING RELIEF ASSISTANCE PROGRAM AVAILABLE
Interested applicants can reach out to the Alliance for Community Empowerment at (203) 838-8100 or Person to Person at (203) 939-1650. 
 
FLAX HILL PARK GETS A NEW PLAYGROUND
The construction of a new playground at Flax Hill Park was completed in two months and culminated with a ground-breaking ceremony on Wednesday. The previous playground was over 20 years old. The new one, which included a state grant of more than $4 million, includes aluminum, posts, a climbing panel, spinners for children to stand and spin on, and state-of-the-art wood fiber surfacing. Please click on the image below for News 12's detailed story about the playground.
 
 
REMINDER: FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
REMINDER: FREE MEALS FOR CHILDREN UNDER 18
CT Summer Meals sites provide healthy meals to ALL CT children 18 and under! No paperwork or proof of immigration status is needed - no questions asked. For a list of Norwalk Public Schools meals distribution sites, please click HERE.
 
CT VETERANS HALL OF FAME ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
Are you looking to pay homage to distinguished veterans from Connecticut who have continued making positive impacts after leaving military service? You can nominate them for the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame Class of 2024! Download the nomination package by clicking on the image below.
 
ARTIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) and its Artist Fellowship program, which, provides recognition and funding support for Connecticut artists to pursue new work and advance their artistic careers, are now accepting applications.

All artistic disciplines are eligible! 

Connecticut artists must be the primary creators of original works of art.

Grants are awarded in three designations and grant amounts:

  • Artistic Excellence grants: $5,000
  • Artist Fellowship grants: $3,000
  • Emerging Recognition grants: $1,000 

The deadline to apply is on or before September 20. Some eligibility restrictions apply, so please review the program webpage before applying HERE.

 
REMEMBERING CONGRESSWOMAN SHEILA JACKSON LEE

Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee today. Her passion for justice, equality, and serving the community was truly inspiring. As we reflect on her life and work, let us carry forward her spirit of service and continue striving for the ideals she championed. She made a huge impact and will be greatly missed. Let's honor her by continuing to fight for what’s right. Rest in peace, Congresswoman Lee. Your legacy will live on in our hearts and actions. #LegacyOfService

As always, feel free to call me at 1-800-842-8267 or email me at Travis.Simms@cga.ct.gov if you have any questions or concerns. Also, please like my official Facebook Page for regular updates.

Sincerely,

Travis Simms
State Representative
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