2024 Rare Disease Day is Wednesday, February 28, 2024. 

Inspired by a constituent whose young son is battling a rare and fatal muscle disease, State Representative Tracy Marra (R-141) proposed legislation to add Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) to the disorders detected through the Connecticut Newborn Screening Program, which provides standard screening for serious genetic disorders to all newborns born in the state.

Duchenne is the most common pediatric muscular dystrophy, causing progressive muscle…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

In a press release, the Connecticut DOT announced it is hosting a virtual meeting to provide information about the proposed project to rehabilitate Bridge Nos. 00058 & 03563, which carries I-95 and the Exit 15 Off-Ramp to Route 7 Northbound, respectively.

CT DOT Virtual Public Information Meeting: Rehabilitation of Norwalk Bridges – March 7, 2024 7:00 p.m.

The rehabilitation will repair the concrete decks, steel superstructures, and concrete substructures. The Maintenance…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Making sure every child has access to the best possible materials for their educational success is vital. It’s even more important for families and children with learning or reading disabilities, including dyslexia.

Right now, the state’s Office of Dyslexia and Reading Disabilities (ODRD) is asking for public comment on their proposed strategic priorities, and related actions and outcomes.

If you, your family, or your friends have thoughts or ideas regarding these critical…

New name. Same great opportunity.

The Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC) announced that applications for the Ignite grant, formerly known as the Equity Match Grant, are now being accepted!

The deadline to apply is March 14, 2024. The application is also offered in Spanish.

According to the WBDC, the “ignite grant provides a groundbreaking opportunity for Connecticut women-owned businesses. Since 2020, WBDC has provided grants totaling more than $2.5M to 276 women-owned businesses in every…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2024 legislative session begins on Wednesday, Feb. 7th, and with the truncated timeline of the “short session” there will surely be a lot to keep track of.

If you want to follow along with legislative business, many meetings, hearings, and news conferences will be livestreamed through the Connecticut Public Affairs Network.

You can track legislation and find out information about the legislature’s committees by visiting the Connecticut General Assembly’s website.

And…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The cold winter weather combined with rising inflation and higher costs for groceries is exacerbating the issue of food insecurity and hunger right here in our community, and across our state.

Many Connecticut residents are struggling to make ends meet, pay bills, and afford costly medications and food. They can use our help.

A small donation can make a HUGE difference and many pantries or soup kitchens make it easier than ever to provide a positive impact right from your…

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The state’s non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) has issued its annual report on important issues that the General Assembly may face during the 2024 legislative session that begins on February 7th.

You can view or download the report by clicking here.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) announced that preparations for upgrades to the Metro-North Railroad Bridge (New Haven Mainline) over Osborne Avenue in Norwalk will begin on Monday, January 15, 2024.

The preparation work consists of installing a girder support system to prepare for significant upgrades to the bridge later this year, which includes a new superstructure and rehabilitation of the substructure.

The project is administered by the Bureau of Engineering and Construction,…

Dear Friends,

Even though temperatures are dropping and the snow is coming, there are still plenty of reasons to explore Connecticut State Parks. Connecticut is home to 142 beautiful state parks and forests, and now it’s even easier to access important information before you head out for a hike or other activities.

CTParks.com is the new official website for Connecticut State Parks and provides an easy way to learn about and access state parks and other recreation areas, including more than 2,500…

Caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other cognitive issues can be difficult, and frightening if contact is lost with them, even temporarily. For many older individuals with cognitive issues or disorientation, wandering is a very dangerous and potentially life-threatening concern.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, wandering can happen at any time of the day or night and individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia have a 6 in 10 chance of wandering.

Fortunately, Connecticut’s…