Dear Friends,

The Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) announced Veterans STAND DOWN 2024 will take place on September 20^th from 9:00 – 2:00 p.m. at six regional sites across the state.

While the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many agencies and organizations operate, the DVA continues its commitment to serving Connecticut’s Veterans by providing access to a range of programs and services offered by state and federal agencies, Veterans organizations, and community-based non-profits.…

Lawmakers continue to offer proposals for long-term relief, demand a Special Session at www.SpecialSessionCT.com

Today, House and Senate Republicans announced a petition drive calling for Majority Party Democrats and Governor Lamont to hold a special legislative session to tackle perpetually high electric rates in Connecticut.

The petition, which will be submitted to Connecticut’s Secretary of the State, states that the lawmakers deem it “necessary for the General Assembly to meet in special session”…

Great news for small business owners!

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced that applications for the Ignite Grant (for established woman-owned businesses) and Child Care Business Opportunity Fund Grants (for established and aspiring child care businesses) are now being accepted for the next round of grant awards!

• Ignite Grant applications will be accepted through September 24.
• The application period for Child Care Start-Up and Expansion Grants closes on September 9.
• Other Child…
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Dear friends and neighbors,

It feels like prices keep rising and we are paying more for everything we purchase, including food, clothing, and fuel.

Saving money is more important than ever, and with school only a few weeks away for some students, I want to remind you to take advantage of the upcoming “Tax Free Week,” which runs from Sunday, August 18 through Saturday, August 24.

Now is a great time to save on all of your kids’ back-to-school wear, both in stores and online.

This one-week event eliminates…

For the second consecutive year, Connecticut’s largest business organization recognized State Representative Cindy Harrison (R-69) with a perfect voting score on key bills during the 2024 legislative session that shape Connecticut’s business climate and spur economic growth.

The Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA) ranked all state lawmakers based on their support for the business community’s positions on 12 important policies. The bills all affect job creation, small business growth…

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced it is awarding more than $12 million in grants to 17 towns and cities for projects that will improve transportation accessibility and safety, including $800,000 for Southbury.

According to a press release, the grants are being awarded through CTDOT’s Community Connectivity Grant Program, a state-funded program to provide financial support for local infrastructure initiatives that make conditions safer, more accommodating, and equitable…

I just wanted you to know that at the conclusion of each legislative session, the non-partisan Office of Legislative Research compiles reports on public acts organized by topics. These reports include various topics such as “Acts Affecting Seniors,” “Acts Affecting Criminal Justice and Safety,” “Acts Affecting Business and Jobs,” and much more.

Click here to access the full range of reports.

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I wanted you to know that several new laws took effect on July 1st that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I highlighted some of them below.

An expanded list of those that took effect, along with summaries, can be accessed here.

An Act Concerning Coerced Debt (Public Act: 24-77)

• More than likely one of the most important bills passed this session to protect victims of domestic violence, this new law permits a victim of financial abuse to contact…
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Forty-Five Projects Selected to Receive Grants to Plan, Build, Expand, and Improve Multi-Use Trails

In a press release, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection announced a series of grants totaling $10 million to support the planning, building, expansion, and improvement of 45 multi-use trails located in towns and cities throughout Connecticut are being awarded through Connecticut Recreational Trails Grant Program.

Locally, the Steep Rock Association is slated to receive…