Summer is here - big time! We're in the midst of our second heat wave already. As you may have heard, the governor has issued an extreme hot weather protocol through Friday night.
Let's be mindful to stay hydrated and ensure our family, friends, and the most vulnerable among us are doing the same. I have also included some hot weather safety tips and resources you may find useful in beating the heat.
This week's newsletter is chock-full of news, updates, and more. Lastly, I can't say enough how proud I am to represent you. I appreciate your support.
Newsletter topics include:
Beat the Heat: Safety Tips & Resources
Assault on Middle, Low-Income Families Continues
Christel Truglia: Great State Rep., Beautiful Person
New Legislation Signed Into Law
Major Public Acts From The 2025 Legislative Session
Our Community Health Centers
CT State Library Suggested Summer Reading List
50 Things To Do In CT This Summer
Community Events, Notices & Announcements
Have a great weekend!
As always, if I can be of assistance to you and your family, please don't hesitate to reach out to me at Corey.Paris@cga.ct.gov or call 860-240-8585.
Please see some helpful safety tips and resources to help you beat the heat when extreme hot weather protocol is in effect, or any other time it's just hot.
The soon-to-be-depleted U.S. Department of Education is alerting borrowers that their lives are about to be disrupted, and likely not for the better, when student loan interest resumes accruing for those enrolled in the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan on August 1st. Millions across the country, hundreds of thousands in Connecticut, will be responsible for their monthly payments, which include both accrued interest and principal, in just two weeks, thanks to the Trump Administration's continued attack on middle-and low-income Americans, or anyone not included in the top 1%.
No one is arguing that student loans shouldn’t be repaid. They should be. The Trump Administration's singular focus on depriving a certain block of people who already have little to no extra money is beyond cruel. It's brutal, especially when you think about the lowering of credit scores and what that could mean for people and families already struggling to make ends meet.
And the timing couldn't be worse as the Administration looks to slash over 1,000 employees from the DOE.
We encourage borrowers enrolled in SAVE to log onto studentaid.gov and review other current Income-Driven Repayment plans that may help.
Stamford suffered a great loss with the passing of Christel Truglia, who held the honor of representing Stamford's 145th district for 20 years. I proudly represent the district now and was blessed to be on the receiving end of her kindness many times. She was a great mentor. Click on the Patch story below to read more of my thoughts and many others' about a great state rep, and just a beautiful person.
New legislation signed by Governor Lamont recently prioritizes patients and holds insurance companies accountable. Here’s a closer look at what SB10 does:
Caps excessive premium hikes. Allows the Connecticut Insurance Department to limit rate increases for insurers with a track record of increasing costs.
Enforces mental health parity with real consequences. Insurers must treat mental health like physical health, and those who don’t comply can face fines up to $625,000 and must publicly report how they’re doing.
Ends harmful “step therapy” delays. Patients with MS, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression will no longer be forced to try cheaper meds first while their condition worsens, and trial periods are also cut from 60 to 30 days.
The Office of Legislative Research, along with the Office of Fiscal Analysis, has compiled brief descriptions of the most significant, far-reaching, and publicly debated acts adopted by the General Assembly in its 2025 regular session.
We’re putting our values into action. Connecticut is committed to keeping care accessible and affordable for all. With community health centers in every corner of the state, quality care is always within reach. You can find a center near you HERE.
Our libraries have a lot of books, and through resource sharing, we have access to even more books! For the first time, the CT State Library is offering a Suggested Summer Reading List for all grade levels. As an avid reader myself, I appreciate our libraries for their steadfast commitment to our children, our future, especially in the summer.
The Suggested Summer Reading list has been compiled around this year's theme, Level Up at Your Library, an all-ages summer reading program.
The suggested list is just that, suggested! The list has been created with accessibility in mind, and its guidance matches the age breakdowns and number of titles as the Department of Education reading challenge lists.
On Sunday, July 27, the Back to School Shop is holding its 11th annual event, where hundreds of elementary school children will receive brand new clothes, sneakers, coats, backpacks, and school supplies. Volunteers make sure every child has an amazing experience - but the work doesn't stop when the kids leave! Volunteers are needed to help break down the pop-up shop.
As a breakdown volunteer, you'll play a crucial role in taking inventory of remaining items, packing clothes and school supplies into bins and boxes, and staging items for loading onto a truck for transport to the storage area.
Calling all LGBT+ artists! Consider submitting your art to Stamford Pride’s First Annual LGBTQIA+ History Month Art Show! Click HERE for the submission form (the link will take you to the Stamford Public Schools LinkTree page), and please read the guidelines for important information. The submission deadline is Thursday, July 31. Artists under 18 will need a parent/guardian's permission to submit.
The Stamford Museum & Nature Center's Sunday Farm Market is back and better than ever – and as always, admission is free! Check it out each Sunday this summer and pick up some great products and produce to support local agriculture. Our favorite vendors have returned, along with some new friends.
More information, including who you'll see as vendors in 2025, can be found HERE.
Please note: The market may move to the Farmhouse & Plaza during inclement weather and for fall festivals. The market may also close at 1 p.m. in inclement weather. Market admission is still free; simply let the gate staff know that you are here for the market!
A message from Stamford's Cradle to Career: Ready to lead, inspire, and make a difference? If you're a high school student with a passion for leadership and civic engagement, the Youth Leadership Summer Program 2025 is your launchpad!
This exclusive opportunity is open to just 15 motivated students who want to dive into how executive boards operate, develop real-world advocacy skills, and connect with elected officials. With 4–6 interactive workshops running through July and August, you’ll gain hands-on experience and earn a certification that sets you apart.
Don’t just watch change happen - be the one who leads it.
Use the QR code on the flier, click HERE or on the flier itself, to sign up now and stay tuned for updates!
