|
|
|
|
Memorial Day
Monday is Memorial Day, a time for reflection, remembrance, and gratitude.
Let's take time to honor the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation and the values we hold dear. We also recognize the families who carry the weight of that sacrifice every day.
As a community, let us come together to remember their service, support one another, and recommit ourselves to the ideals of courage, service, and patriotism that define our country.
|
|
|
Memorial Day events in the area:
- Memorial Day Community Observance, Sunday, May 24, at 7:30 p.m. at New London Parade Plaza. The candlelight ceremony will honor military personnel including Cal Robertson, a Norwich native who served in the U.S. Navy and became involved in peace activism.
- North Stonington Memorial Day Parade and Memorial Ceremony, Monday, May 25 at 10 a.m.
- Waterford Memorial Day Ceremony, Friday, May 22, at 6 p.m. at Waterford Veterans Memorial Green
- Norwich Memorial Day Parade, Monday, May 25, starting at noon
|
|
|
United States Coast Guard Academy Graduation
Congratulations to the graduates of the United States Coast Guard Academy on an incredible accomplishment. Your hard work, discipline, and dedication brought you to this milestone, and we are proud to see you reach this moment.
A special shout out to Laila Adawadkar, Daniel Fredericks, and Edward Massell for the amazing work they did during internship season at the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building. Your professionalism, leadership, and commitment did not go unnoticed, and the future is bright for each of you.
Wishing all of you continued success as you begin this next chapter of service and leadership.
Gooooooo Bears!
|
|
|
Absentee Voting for All Bill Signed Into Law
A new law provides all eligible voters in Connecticut with the option of casting a vote via absentee ballots.
Public Act 26-42 removes certain restrictions that previously limited absentee ballots to voters who could not appear in person on Election Day for a narrow set of reasons. With this change, any eligible voter who prefers to vote absentee may now do so.
The voters of Connecticut demanded Absentee Voting For All after they overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment in 2024. The new law takes effect immediately.
The right to vote is the foundation of our democracy. Expanding access to absentee ballots strengthens participation, increases flexibility, and ensures every voter has a convenient and secure option to make their voice heard.
To vote by absentee ballot, eligible voters must complete an absentee ballot application and submit it to their town clerk. Applications can also be submitted online through the Office of the Secretary of the State’s secure portal. For more information on applying for an absentee ballot, visit myvote.ct.gov.
|
|
|
2026 OLR Major Public Acts Report
I wanted to share the 2026 Legislative Session Major Public Acts document with you. The document, composed by the Office of Legislative Research (OLR) with assistance from the Office of Fiscal Analysis (OFA), briefly describes the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in the 2026 regular session. You can click HERE to read the full OLR report, or click the graphic below.
If you're interested in more information on bills that passed and didn't pass this legislative session, please click HERE.
|
|
|
Early Childhood Business Grants
The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) and Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC) are accepting applications for the OEC-WBDC Program Operations Grants now through Monday, May 25 at 7pm.
OEC and WBDC are offering grants of up to $50,000 to qualified Connecticut early childhood businesses to support operations and preserve child care access. The Operations Grant provides short-term funding to support OEC-licensed early childhood education programs. The grants are designed to help programs maintain their existing early childhood slots.
Grants will be awarded to eligible programs serving high and medium-needs families, as defined by OEC. This funding is intended to support operational expenses, including staffing, materials, facility costs, and other business needs that ensure ongoing services to families and communities.
This is a ONE-TIME funding opportunity. Click here for more information on eligibility requirements and how to apply.
|
|
|
Foodshare Allocation Information
As of October 2025, the State of Connecticut allocated $3 million in emergency funding to Connecticut Foodshare to address the loss of federal SNAP benefits. These funds were designed for the nonprofit to purchase food for distribution through its network of partners and mobile pantries following federal funding cuts. [1, 2, 3]
How to Find Allocation Information (As of May 2026):
- Connecticut Foodshare Financials: View their annual reports and 990 forms for official records on funding sources and expenditures.
- OpenCheckbook CT: Search for "CONNECTICUT FOODSHARE INC" to see state-level expenditures and payments to the organization, which showed roughly $5.44M in 2022.
- CT.gov Press Releases: Check the Governor's official press releases for recent emergency funding announcements, such as the $3 million declared in October 2025.
- Connecticut Public Radio: News outlets like CT Public and WFSB frequently report on changes in state funding for food insecurity. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
In addition to state funding, Connecticut Foodshare also utilized $1 million from its own capital reserves for emergency response in October 2025. [1]
|
|
|
"Let Your Voice Be Heard" Event
I had the great opportunity to attend "Let Your Voice Be Heard" gathering at the City Hall Steps City of New London, Connecticut. Thank you to Mary Harris Rose, Councilor Peck and everyone that helped and participated. A great event Bringing people together, lifting each other up, and reminding one another that no voice should ever go unheard.
|
|
|
Haitian Flag Raising
I had the great opportunity to say a few words at the Haitian Flag Raising recently.
Haiti’s history is one that changed the world forever. Haiti became the first free Black republic in the world and the first nation born from a successful slave revolution.
That courage and determination continue to inspire people across the globe today. The Haitian people have always shown the world what it means to stand strong through adversity while continuing to move forward with dignity, pride, and faith.
We also celebrated the incredible Haitian brothers and sisters who help make New London and the State of Connecticut the amazing places they are.
Our Haitian community has contributed so much to our neighborhoods, schools, churches, businesses, hospitals, public service, culture, and everyday life.
You bring love, hard work, compassion, faith, family values, and strength into this community every single day. You are teachers, healthcare workers, entrepreneurs, parents, mentors, leaders, public servants, and role models. You are an important part of the heartbeat of this city.
|
|
|
Upcoming Community Events
|
|
If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact me at my Capitol office at 860-240-8512 or email me at Anthony.Nolan@cga.ct.gov. Don't forget to "Like" my official Facebook page and follow me on Twitter for news and legislative updates.
Sincerely,
Anthony Nolan
State Representative |
|
|
|
|
|
|
