Dominique Johnson

 

 

 

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday!
 

February 16th is Presidents’ Day. May we remember the lessons of history and strive for a better tomorrow.

Please read below for information on Connecticut's student loan reimbursement program, a free composting class, and more!

Following Along This Session 

It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.

Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:  

• The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language. 
• You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website. 
• Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates. 
• Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change. 
• Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.

Together, we can ensure all voices are heard. 

 Addressing Youth Social Media Addiction Through Legislation

Last month, I joined Governor Lamont, Attorney General Tong, and several other Connecticut officials for a press conference about proposed legislation that would enact protections in state law to combat youth social media addiction. The legislation would:

• Limit the exposure to harmful and addictive algorithms and notifications for minors, giving parents the option to opt in beyond an hour a day
• Establish a series of default settings pertaining to account privacy, time of use, and notifications
• Require social media companies to annually report to the state the number of minors on their platform, the number of minors with parental consent to use addictive algorithms, and the average amount of time per day a minor spends on the platform, broken down by both age and time of day

Our youngest children are being exposed to vitriolic hate online, and it is having a negative effect on their mental health. These guardrails will ensure that our children are better protected online.

Click the link below to see my remarks. 

Student Loan Reimbursement 

The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program has opened a new grant round and is now accepting applications for student loan payments that were made during the 2025 calendar year! Please visit the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website to check if you are eligible and to access the application. 

Residential Parking Listening Sessions

The City of Norwalk will host three listening sessions regarding a new Residential Parking Program that Park Norwalk is developing. Please see the flyer below for more information. 

Love PAW-tion #9 Brunch

The Pet Animal Welfare Society of Connecticut (PAWS) will hold a Valentine's Brunch Fundraiser tomorrow, February 14 at Gabriele's of Westport from 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Click here to learn more. 

Upcoming Composting 101 Class

On Saturday, February 21, Master Gardener Neisha Oliver will hold a Composting 101 class from 11:00 AM to Noon.

The class, which is free and open to the public, will be held at Odeen's restaurant at Oak Hills Park, 165 Fillow Street in Norwalk. Light refreshments will be served. Please email comopostnorwalkct@gmail.com for more info.

Career Coach Sessions

The Career Coach will be at the Westport Library on February 19 & March 19. The 2-hour workshop will provide helpful tips and tools for individuals who are looking for a job.

Click here to reserve your spot. 

Cribari Memorial Bridge CTDOT Public Hearing

The Connecticut Department of Transportation will hold a public hearing about the Cribari Memorial Bridge on Thursday, March 19 at Westport Town Hall. Click here to learn more about the project. 

Upcoming Library Events

The Norwalk Public Library will hold several events over the next few weeks. If you want more information, click on the corresponding flyer or visit the Norwalk Public Library website. 

Westport Public Library also has a robust lineup of programming. Please visit their website to learn more. 

ICYMI

Norwalk Recreation & Parks are looking for camp counselors for this summer. If you have a lot of energy and enjoy working with kids, this position is for you. Click here to apply for a position. 

AARP CT is inviting eligible local nonprofit organizations and government entities to apply for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge grant program. This initiative funds quick-action projects that make communities more livable by enhancing public spaces, transportation, housing, digital connectivity, and more. 

This year, AARP will award over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports the efforts of cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas to become great places to live, especially for residents age 50 and older. All project application must be consistent with AARP's mission to serve the needs of people 50 and over and meet other eligibility criteria. The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis.

This application cycle, AARP has three different grant opportunities:

Flagship grants support projects that improve public places; transportation; housing; digital connections; and disaster resilience. Awards range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000.

Capacity-building microgrants are paired with expert support, webinars, and cohort learning for projects to improve walkability and bikeability; implement safe, accessible home modifications; and disaster preparedness training. Awards are $2,500.

Demonstration grants fund projects that encourage replication of exemplary local efforts. This year’s focus is on improving pedestrian safety, with funding support from Toyota Motor North America; expanding high-speed internet access and adoption, with funding support from Microsoft; and housing choice design competitions. Awards typically range from $10,000-$20,000, not to exceed $25,000.
 
Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on March 4.  For more information, please click here.

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Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with any questions and concerns you may have - I can be reached at Dominique.Johnson@cga.ct.gov, or through my office phone - 860-240-8585.


Sincerely,

Dominique Johnson
State Representative

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