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I am honored to have received an "A-" grade from the Connecticut Education Association. Improving access to high-quality public education has an invaluable impact on our children and communities. I am proud of what we achieved during the 2024 legislation session, and I am eager to continue this work in 2025.
Today In CT History
Today in 1900, one of the first electrically powered trolley lines in the United States began service on the three-mile run between Branford and East Haven. It was a relatively short trip that launched major and permanent changes in Connecticut’s urban settlement patterns and lifestyles.
The inaugural run of the Branford Electric Railway was immediately hailed as a more efficient and sanitary way of transporting people along the Connecticut shoreline than the horse-drawn streetcars then the most dominant form of public transportation. With more easily accessible (not to mention less malodorous) transportation options available, former city-dwellers almost instantly began flocking to newly established suburban neighborhoods. There, families could escape the noise and crowds of city life, while still being able to commute to their urban places of employment.
ConnCo car no. 1425, one of the many original trolley cars preserved,
owned, and still operated by the Shore Line Trolley Museum.
The Branford Electric Railway operated along the Connecticut shore for 47 years until newer suburban trends — the advent of the family car, the construction of auto parkways, and the extension of suburban neighborhoods beyond the reach of the trolley line — led to service being officially discontinued in 1947. However, the Branford Electric Railway Association, founded in 1945 and operating today as the Shore Line Trolley Museum, had enough foresight to immediately purchase a section of track and assume operation of the trolley service (albeit on an extremely reduced basis) as soon as the Railway company relinquished it. Their forward-thinking actions ensured that there has never been an official interruption of service on the Branford Electric Railway (with the exception of a Covid 19 related closure), making it the oldest continuously operating trolley line in America. In 1983, the Museum successfully petitioned to have its line of historic track included on the National Register of Historic Places. Today, visitors to theShore Line Trolley Museum, located in East Haven, can ride the rails on one of the historic trolleys used during the original run of the Branford Electric Railway.
Connecticut Grown Celebrates National Farmers Market Week 2024
More than 100 Locations Statewide; Many Accepting SNAP and Farmers Market Nutrition Program Benefits to Increase Food Access
(HARTFORD, CT) – Connecticut Grown, a program of the Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) is celebrating National Farmers Market Week (NFMW) from August 4-10, 2024, to highlight the important role of farmers markets in our food system.
Connecticut has more than 100 farmers markets statewide, many of which accept SNAP (formerly food stamps) and Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) benefits for eligible participants, including Women, Infants, Children (WIC), Seniors, and disabled individuals. FMNP, which runs from June 1 through November 30 annually, is administered by Connecticut Department of Agriculture with both state and federal funds for the purchase of Connecticut Grown fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs (state funds only), and honey (Seniors only).
“Connecticut farmers markets bring together farmers and community members to foster relationships and create a more fair and sustainable food system by offering new and beginning farmers alongside established producers a venue to market their products,” said Agriculture Commissioner Bryan P. Hurlburt. “Farmers can connect directly with customers sharing how CT Grown farm products are grown or cared for and consumers are supporting small, local businesses with their dollars. And there’s truly nothing better than food, fiber, and flowers fresh from the farm.”
National Farmers Market Week began with a proclamation declared by the United States Department of Agriculture 25 years ago and has expanded to become a widely anticipated event and effective tool for farmers market promotion and advocacy. Visitors to Connecticut’s farmers markets will not only find vendors selling a wide array of CT Grown farm products from meat, dairy, and seafood to fresh fruits and vegetables, they will be able to engage in special weekly themed events and connect with other community members.
3 Reasons to Visit a Farmers Market
Stimulate the local economy: studies have shown that farmers who sell products directly to consumers generate twice as much regional impact per dollar of output.
Support conservation, connection, and education: 72% of consumers know “very little” or “nothing” about farming. Markets serve as education sites and bridge urban and rural communities.
Increase access to fresh food: Many Connecticut farmers markets accept SNAP, EBT, or FMNP benefits and offer doubling programs enabling shoppers to further extend their buying power.
A list of all certified farmers markets can be found at www.CTGrown.gov/FMNPor visit www.CTGrown.org to access the interactive map to find a farmers market or farm stand near you.
Connecticut’s agriculture industry generates an impact of $4 billion to the state’s economy and fosters more than 22,000 jobs. There are more than 260 certified farmers or farm stands selling fruits, vegetables, honey, cut herbs, and eggs at authorized locations in nearly 50% of the state’s municipalities.
The Connecticut Department of Agriculture (CT DoAg) mission is to foster a healthy economic, environmental, and social climate for agriculture by developing, promoting, and regulating agricultural businesses; protecting agricultural and aquacultural resources; enforcing laws pertaining to domestic animals; and promoting an understanding among the state's citizens of the diversity of Connecticut agriculture, its cultural heritage, and its contribution to the state's economy. For more information, visit www.CTGrown.gov.
Manchester CT – The Town of Manchester is pleased to announce a significant financial milestone with the forthcoming receipt of $2.2 million in tax credits for the Bowers School project, saving taxpayers millions. This achievement will create a substantial reduction in the debt issuance needed for the project, thanks to strategic collaboration with auditors to leverage the IRA (Inflation Reduction Act) clean energy tax credits.
"We are proud to have saved our town millions of dollars by strategically applying for IRS clean energy tax credits," said Kimberly Lord, Town of Manchester’s Finance Director. "This initiative not only benefits our community financially but also contributes to a sustainable future for generations to come."
The Bowers School project is the first of several initiatives under the Town's plan to utilize tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. Following the success of the Bowers submission, the Town is preparing to submit for tax credits for the Keeney School Project, and New Library Project with expectations of similar financial benefits.
"Securing this cost savings through the IRA clean energy tax credits is a testament to our town's commitment to both financial stewardship and sustainability,” said Town Manager Steve Stephanou. “I commend Director Kim Lord, Facilities Project Manager Chris Till, Clifton Larson Allen (CLA), and the entire Town project team for their diligent efforts in achieving this significant milestone.”
The IRA provides a variety of incentives for clean energy. Many of these tax credits and rebates are aimed at individuals and households to transform their energy use and consumption. For the first time, local governments are positioned to take advantage of these credits directly.
The Town of Manchester launched a new website for potential investors and stakeholders looking to invest in issued bonds by the Town. These bond issuances allow the Town to finance investments in public infrastructure throughout Manchester.
This website offers a transparent and accessible avenue for the community and potential investors to seek information on the Town's financial reporting.
The Manchester Bike Friendly Committee has officially submitted the application to the League of American Bicyclists to potentially be recognized as a Bike Friendly Community!
Through this application, if designated, Manchester will be nationally recognized as one of the few communities awarded the title of being a Bike Friendly Community. As we move into the next phase of this process, we need your help. On our Your Voice Matters Manchester page, we have a survey linked and we need your responses. It is a simple 10-minute survey where all your input matters. We are looking forward to hearing from all of you!
The anonymous results will be compiled by the League and shared with the Town and its leadership. Please send this out to all of your friends and community members, and if you or someone you know would like to become an advocate for the cause please contact Recreation Supervisor Josh Charette (jcharette@manchesterct.gov).
The East Hartford Commission on Culture and Fine Arts is now accepting second-round applications for community grants for fiscal year 2025. Applications received by August 20 will be considered at the CCFA’s September meeting.
The program has two components: program/project grants, and grants for operating support.
East Hartford-based 501(c)3 arts nonprofits are eligible to apply for funds to support their operating budgets. Applicants must have a minimum of two years of consistent engagement in arts and/or cultural programming and/or services.
For artist program/project grants, the proposed activity must be fully planned and directly relate to fine arts and/or culture. Eligible creative endeavors include, but are not limited to, concerts, performances, program series, festivals, workshops, exhibits, readings, after-school programs, and public art.
The Town of East Hartford is excited to announce a new East Hartford Farmers’ Market schedule and location for the 2024 season! Our East Hartford Farmers’ Market will be held Tuesdays from July 9 through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).
“Our farmers’ market is a valuable program that fosters community connection while providing access to fresh, local produce and products made by Connecticut vendors,” said Mayor Connor Martin. “We are looking forward to expanding the market by hosting additional vendors and offering more family-friendly activities such as games and live music at our new location on the Town Green.”
CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:
Market organizers are in the process of recruiting vendors to expand the variety of Connecticutmade foods as well as other vendors to improve the selection for customers.
Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access thevendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.
DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!
The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.
Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program websiteand choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!
For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visitEast Hartford Farmers’ Market website.
8-week Spanish Language
Financial Literacy Workshop
Se ofrecerá un curso de educación financiera en español de 8 semanas en la Biblioteca Raymond en East Hartford a partir del 19 de Septiembre de 2024.
El objetivo de este programa de educación financiera es impulsar la movilidad económica ascendente para las familias latinas a través del empoderamiento de los adultos latinos para maximizar el uso de sus ingresos y activos para generar riqueza y trabajar para lograr sus aspiraciones financieras.
Cada clase tendrá una duración de 2 horas. Entre los temas que se tratarán están:
Presupuestos familiares, gestión del dinero Mantenimiento de registros financieros
Banca y endeudamiento
Gestión de la deuda; creación, mantenimiento y reparación de crédito; robo de identidad Creación de activos, incluida la propiedad de viviendas y automóviles
Programas e impuestos gubernamentales, incluidos EITC, VITA y Baby Bonds
Creación de empresas
Para complementar el plan de estudios con ejemplos de la vida real, habrá conferenciantes invitados profesionales: un contable, un agente inmobiliario, un abogado, un banquero, un agente de seguros y un asesor empresarial. El aprendizaje en el aula estará respaldado por asesoramiento 1:1, que permitirá a los alumnos abordar sus situaciones financieras personales con un profesional en detalle y con privacidad.
An 8-week Spanish language financial literacy course will be offered at Raymond Library in East Hartford beginning September 19th, 2024.
The objective of this financial literacy program is to propel upward economic mobility for Latino families through empowering Latino adults to maximize the use of their incomes and assets to build wealth and work to achieve their financial aspirations.
Each class will be 2 hours long. Among the topics that will be covered are:
Household budgeting, money management
Financial record-keeping
Banking and borrowing
Debt management; credit building, maintenance and repair; identity theft
Asset building, including home ownership and cars
Government programs and taxes, including EITC, VITA and Baby Bonds
Business start-ups
Supplementing the curriculum with real-life examples will be professional guest lecturers: an accountant, a realtor, a lawyer, a banker, an insurance agent, and a business counselor. Classroom learning will be supported by 1:1 counseling, which will allow learners to address their personal financial situations with a professional in detail and with privacy.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
