There is less than a week to go in the legislative session, and we have been able to pass a number of priority bills in the House which I share below.
As always, please feel free to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns.
The topics covered are as follows:
Legislative Updates
Today in CT History
Community Resources
CT Foodshare
Manchester Community Events
East Hartford Community Events
Legislative Updates
Connecticut is committed to mitigating the climate crisis. The first step is acknowledging there is a crisis.
This week, I joined my Democratic colleagues and voted to pass one of our top legislative priorities this session, HB 5004, also referred to as the 2024 Connecticut Climate Protection Act. Protecting the environment and working to combat the effects of climate change should be a shared priority because the act of doing nothing is far-reaching and touches every aspect of life on Earth.
This bill:
Updates the state's Global Warming Solutions Act to make our greenhouse gas emissions targets more in line with other states in the region;
Creates incentives for businesses and municipalities that engage in clean economy sectors or engage in environmentally sustainable projects;
Plans for transition to clean economy, workforce training and long-term policy implementation; and
Supports and expands nature-based solutions, such as preserving marshlands and forests
We can make a difference in the quality of life for future generations of Connecticut residents. The time to start making necessary changes is now.
The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
Veterans put their lives on the line for our country and, as a small way to say “thank you for your service,” the House of Representatives unanimously passed a bill that would support Veterans who have been disabled during service.
HB 5491establishes a property tax exemption for Veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. The exemption will be used for a home that is a primary residence, but if a qualified Veteran does not own a home, the exemption will apply to a single motor vehicle that they own.
In CT, we have 1,209 Veterans who are totally and permanently disabled as a result of their service. These brave men and women have spent their lives fighting to protect our freedoms. It is our turn to support them when they come home with disabilities to ensure they live with dignity and without fear of losing their home.
The bill will now go to the Senate for consideration. This year’s session ends on May 8.
HB 5003 - Ensures that children and families have increased access to all available nutrition programs in the state.
HB 5279 - Expands eligibility for families of firefighters and police officers who die in the line of duty to receive benefits.
HB 5399 - Protects victims of sexual assault by improving the training and responsibilities of first responders and the Office of Victim Services.
SB 396 - Implements task force recommendations for the elderly nutrition program.
HB 5422 - Strengthens the response to hate and bias crimes.
“The road to glory in a patriot army and a free country is thus opened to all.” So said George Washington when he created the Badge of Military Merit, which he first awarded today in 1783, to two brave enlisted Connecticut soldiers at the Continental Army headquarters in Newburgh, New York.
Prior to this, awards for military distinction had been granted almost exclusively by Congress to military officers: Washington, for forcing the British to evacuate Boston; Horacio Gates’s victory at Saratoga; Nathaniel Greene’s victories in the Southern campaign. The only non-officers awarded medals were the three enlisted men who had captured the spy John Andre, which exposed the British plan to take over West Point and execute Washington, with the help of the traitor Benedict Arnold.
But the final years of the Revolutionary War, which would formally end in September 1783, had been particularly grueling for American soldiers. A frustrating lack of progress regarding peace talks followed the 1781 American victory at Yorktown. Continuous shortages of food, pay, and supplies led to several mutinies and near mutinies among Continental Army soldiers in the months leading up to the summer of 1783. Congress had banned the practice of granting commissions or promotions as a reward for merit, so Washington decided that a formal award honoring enlisted men’s bravery and exceptional service would serve as a much-needed boost in morale. Such an award had no European precedent. Washington authorized its creation, however, writing that he was “ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of Military merit.”
An original Badge of Military Merit, the precursor to today’s Purple Heart.
The original Badge of Military Merit, as described in Washington’s General Orders, was a heart-shaped badge of purple cloth; only one surviving example still exists. The “purple heart” was intended to be sewn onto the left breast of a recipient’s uniform, so others could easily see the merit badge at a glance.
On May 3rd, 1783, Washington awarded the badge to Elijah Churchill of Enfield and William Brown of Stamford. Churchill was a sergeant in the Second Regiment of Dragoons, and was recognized for his bravery in two daring raids in New York: one on Long Island behind enemy lines, and the other in the contested “neutral ground” near Tarrytown. Brown is believed to have earned the badge for valor exhibited during the Battle of Yorktown. A third Connecticut man, Daniel Bissell of East Windsor, was the only other known recipient of the Badge of Military Merit; he received his award on June 10, 1783 for his role in successful intelligence-gathering. It is unknown if there were any other recipients of the award during the course of the war; the “Book of Merit” that recorded the full list of recipients has since been lost to time.
The Badge of Military Merit was revived in 1932, the year of Washington’s 200th birthday, by General Douglas MacArthur, who wanted to honor Washington’s memory. The new medal — a heart-shaped medal featuring a profile of George Washington amid a purple enameled backdrop — was designed as a tribute to both the original Revolutionary War badge and Washington himself. Over the course of the 20th century, the criteria for earning a Purple Heart has dramatically changed. Considered to be one of the highest honors in the United States military, it is now awarded by the President of the United States to any active service member wounded or killed in action.
Below is the list of locations in Manchester that are open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call 860-646-1280.
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
Squire Village, 48 Spencer Street, 06040 (1st parking lot off Imperial Drive #78)
Faith Tabernacle – Manchester 110 Utopia Rd, Manchester, CT 06042
New River Community Church -314 Woodbridge St, Manchester, CT 06042
East Hartford
Below is the list of locations in East Hartford that are open to the public; Bring a sturdy grocery bag! This program is made possible by Foodshare and Winn Residential - Resident Service Program. For more information call (860) 291-7295 or (860) 291-7248
Hockanum Park- 75 Hamilton Park
Mayberry Village –St. Isaac Jogues Church Parking Lot (41 Home Terrace East Hartford)
Summerfield Townhouse (66 Plain Drive East Hartford, CT)
Veterans Terrace -102 Columbus St, East Hartford, CT 06108
Get mobile pantry updates in your area by texting the word Foodshare to 85511.
Free Drop-off Day
The Public Works – Sanitation Department is excited to host another Free Drop-off Day at the Transfer Station! This event provides the residents of Manchester an opportunity to clean out their unwanted household waste at no cost. Join us on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at 311 Olcott Street.
On Saturday, May 4, at 8:00 a.m., the Manchester Land Conservation Trust will host a free walk to view and hear birds at our 177.5-acre property in the southwestern area of Manchester, with bird experts Paul DesJardins and David Funke, members of the Hartford Audubon Society. All are welcome, whether experienced or new birdwatchers. Bring binoculars, if you have them. Park at 330 Bush Hill Road, Manchester. We’ll stroll at a slow pace for about a half mile, which will take about an hour, but all are welcome to stay longer to explore four-plus miles of trails at the property. No dogs, please. Rain or shine, but extreme weather cancels.
CERT Basic Training Class
Region 3, CRCOG will be hosting a CERT basic training class for anyone interested in becoming a trained CERT member.
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may occur where they live. CERT trains volunteers in basic disaster response skills, such as: Fire safety. Light search and rescue. Team organization.
This is a great opportunity to aid your community in a way that you may not have thought about.
Please contact your local team leader or Emergency Management Director for signup or email Koplowitz.s@gmail.com(put CERT class in the memo line); Be sure to include your email and contact phone number. Classes start April 27th.
The Town of East Hartford invites residents, businesses, and community members to join Mayor Martin’s team for a Community Cleanup Day. This annual cleanup day celebrates pride in East Hartford and brings together members of the community to roll up their sleeves and help invest in our town. The Community Cleanup Day will take place on Saturday, May 18 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Volunteers should gather at Alumni Park (1021 Main Street) where they will be checked in and assigned cleanup tasks for the day. Examples of cleanup tasks include but are not limited to park cleanup, mulching flowerbeds, weeding, and planting.
At the end of the cleanup day, lunch will be provided for all volunteers at Alumni Park.
Of the annual cleanup, Mayor Martin said, “This annual event is a great opportunity to connect with residents while investing in our community. It’s always a great time to dig in the dirt, clean up, and beautify our town because there’s a real sense of accomplishment at the end of the day. This is also a great opportunity to students needing community service hours, so we really encourage everyone to come out.”
All volunteers who sign up will be issued additional details closer to the event. Registration closes Friday, May 10th. Be sure to fill out the participation waiver in addition to the primary registration form. There is no scheduled rain date for this event.
The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with the East Hartford Veterans Commission are excited to announce that the third annual East Hartford’s Memorial Day parade and series of events will take place Monday, May 27, 2024 at 10 AM.
The event will consist of three parts, including a parade, program at the Fallen Star Memorial and celebration of East Hartford. The parade will begin promptly at 10 AM, proceeding from 9 Riverside Drive to the Fallen Star Memorial located at Goodwin University.
“It was the Town's priority to bring back the Memorial Day parade 3 years ago and it has now become a tradition that the community looks forward to every year," said Mayor Connor Martin. "I have a lot of respect for our Veterans and the Memorial Day Parade is a small gesture in which we honor their service and sacrifice."
PARTICIPANTS:
Those who would like to march in the Memorial Day Parade are asked to register by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
To make the event possible, the town would like to extend sponsorship opportunities to local businesses and organizations. Those who wish to sponsor the event or offer in-kind services, please fill out the electronic form below by Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
East Hartford is also accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate in the Memorial Day event. Vendors will have to set up and disassemble their own tables, tents and chairs. Vendors who wish to participate are asked to register Wednesday, May 1, 2024.
The parade will be followed by a program at the Fallen Star Memorial and a family-friendly celebration of East Hartford with food trucks, music and activities.
The Town of East Hartford in collaboration with East Hartford Parks and Recreation, the East Hartford Black Caucus, the Commission on Culture and Fine Arts, and the East Hartford Public Library, invites you to attend the town’s third annual Juneteenth Celebration. Juneteenth, officially known as Juneteenth National Independence Day, is also known as Jubilee Day, Emancipation Day, Freedom Day, and Black Independence Day is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African-Americans.
The event will take place on Saturday, June 15th from 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, at Alumni Park. Admission is FREE.
A family-friendly stage lineup will honor Juneteenth through a diverse array of performances. Enjoy music, dance, spoken word, and historical interpretation! Bring a chair or a picnic blanket and stay all afternoon.
The Juneteenth Fest is the perfect family-friendly, community event that offers fun activities for children and adults alike. Among many activities, there will be a variety of vendors, food, entertainment, bounce house, face painting, powerful storytelling and so much more.
In case of inclement weather, this event will be held inside at Community Cultural Center (50 Chapman Place).
VENDORS AND PARTICIPANTS:
East Hartford is accepting applications from vendors who wish to participate in the Juneteenth celebration. Vendors who wish to participate must submit the applicable form to East Hartford Parks and Recreation.
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.
