Legislative Update August 22nd

August 22, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor,

After heavy rains and flooding hit Fairfield County and other parts of the state earlier this week, Governor Ned Lamont's request for a federal emergency declaration was approved. Please keep scrolling for more details.

Sales tax-free week will end on Saturday, so you have limited time to save money on back-to-school shopping or even treating yourself or others on most clothing and footwear under $100! There are more updates below including a visit to one of my favorite places in the community recently for a good cause. Enjoy this week's newsletter.

Have a great weekend,

Travis

 
APPROVED: FEDERAL EMERGENCY DECLARATION FOR CT
Governor Ned Lamont's federal emergency declaration for Fairfield County, New Haven County, and Litchfield County in response to the extreme flooding from the historic rainfall that parts of the state received earlier this week has been approved. To read more please click on the image below. 
 
DON'T MISS OUT: SALES TAX-FREE WEEK ENDS SATURDAY
I wanted to remind you that Sales Tax-Free Week ends Saturday! Here's a chance to save money, whether taking the kids back-to-school shopping or treating yourself or your loved ones. Retailers throughout the state offer additional discounts on clothing and footwear during Sales Tax-Free Week, providing consumers with even more ways to stretch their spending power.

Most clothing and footwear items priced less than $100 are exempt from Connecticut's 6.35% sales tax. The exemption applies to each eligible item costing less than $100, regardless of how many of those items are sold to a customer in the same transaction. It applies to purchases made in-store, online, mail-order, and over the phone. For a list of exempt and taxable items, please click HERE. Shop smart – and locally whenever possible to support small businesses.
 
ALSO REMEMBER: AUGUST IS BLACK BUSINESS MONTH
August is Black Business Month and it is going fast! This is the perfect time to recognize and support Black-owned businesses. Please consider shopping at these businesses, whether retail, restaurants, or services. Share your experiences on social media, use hashtags like #BlackBusinessMonth, and leave positive reviews to boost visibility. For a list of Black-owned businesses in Norwalk, please click HERE.
 
SMART WEEK STARTS MONDAY
The first annual SMART Week, a campaign to spread the word about the importance of secure gun storage to prevent gun violence, begins Monday, August 26-30. To read more about the campaign goals, please click the image below. 
 
OUT IN THE COMMUNITY
I was proud to support the Open Doors Backpack Drive recently to help collect school supplies donations for children living in its emergency shelter.
 
WBDC ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS
The Women's Business Development Council's Ignite Grant, for established woman-owned companies, is accepting applications through September 24th. The Child Care Business Opportunity Grant application period closes on September 9th. Other childcare business opportunity fund grants are accepted on a rolling basis. You can apply for the Ignite Grant HERE. You can apply for the Child Care Business Opportunity Fund Grant HERE.

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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