July 1, 2021: After a quick return to the Capitol for a special session, we are officially in the interim. I look forward to spending a summer visiting the wonderful farms, businesses, parks and trails of the 12th arrondissement and hearing from YOU about the legislation you would like to see in the next session. The best legislation comes from our constituents and I look forward to continuing our collaborative process in 2022.

In addition, I would like to warmly congratulate the students, teachers, staff and parents of all of our wonderful schools here in the district. This year has been difficult, to put it mildly. I am so impressed with the resilience, adaptability and commitment to education displayed by all. Hope you are enjoying your well deserved summer vacation.

I will continue to keep you updated via my e-news, on my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/SenatorCohenCT and if you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] “> Cohen @ SenateDems.ct.gov Stay safe Be well.

Happy July 4th!

As many cities resume the typical 4th of July celebrations, I wish you all a very Happy Independence Day! Let us remember the sacrifices of our ancestors and their revolutionary spirit. Enjoy your long weekend and celebrate in safety!

Changes to job search and expiration of federal programs

CT’s Department of Labor reminds residents that starting July 1, anyone filing for weekly certification will be required to report their job search activity online. Plus, a reminder that federal unemployment programs established during the pandemic will expire on September 4.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance, Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation, Mixed Unemployment Compensation, and Federal Pandemic Compensation (the weekly supplement of 300 $) should not be reauthorized. Connecticut state unemployment and extended benefit programs are still available. To avoid denial of benefits, claimants must make weekly job search efforts that include employer contact, job training, and other activities.

For more information you can click here.

Connecticut summer at the museum

From today until Labor Day weekend, Connecticut children 18 and under, along with an accompanying adult, can visit Connecticut museums for free throughout the L program. summer at the museum! It’s part of a statewide effort to provide enriching and learning experiences for students and families this summer. Local museums offering free entry to local families through this program: Dudley Farm, Guilford; Guilford Conservation Society, Guilford; Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford; Hyland House Museum, Guilford.

That’s not all. Bridgeport’s Beardsley Zoo, Hartford’s Connecticut Science Center, Old State House and Mark Twain House, New Britain Youth Museum, Windsor Locks’ New England Air Museum, Gillette Castle State Park in East Haddam, Mystic Aquarium, Norwalk’s Maritime Aquarium and EverWonder Children’s Museum in Newtown are among the 90 or so museums offering free admission to the museum during the summer. For a full list, please follow this link.

Affordable summer enrichment programs available to students

Hundreds of summer enrichment programs for Connecticut students are now available. These programs, many of which are supported by elementary and secondary emergency relief funding from the American Rescue Plan and provided by cities, school districts and community partners, include summer camps and educational experiences designed to help children socialize, learn and prepare for next school year. Please visit [this link] for more information.

Some programs available in the district are: Killam Point Day Camp in Branford; Haddam-Killingworth Recreation Department Summer Camp, Higganum; Madison Arts Barn Summer Program, Madison

The new legislation comes into force on July 1

Fight against climate change: To fight against climate change and adapt to expected changes, municipalities will now be authorized to establish municipal stormwater boards. The new law also allows Connecticut Green Bank to develop green infrastructure support programs, increasing its bond limit from $ 100 million to $ 250 million.

Plastic bag ban: July 1 begins the second part of the plastic bag ban adopted in Budget 2019. Previously, under state law, grocers and other retail businesses were required to charge a 10-cent charge on plastic bags, although many retailers have already chosen not to use plastic bags. Starting today, plastic bags will be banned statewide. I am delighted to see this legislation come to fruition and look forward to continuing to reduce our dependence on single-use plastics. So today, don’t forget to bring your own reusable bags! You are doing the environment and our wildlife a big favor.

Ice Cream Truck Safety: Thanks to the passage of what is known as ‘Tristan’s Law’, in honor of a young boy from Wallingford who was struck and killed by a vehicle after purchasing ice cream. ice cream, ice cream trucks are now required to employ a number of safety protocols. Trucks must now be fitted with signal lights, stop lights, front crossing arms and convex mirrors to promote child safety. This law also prohibits trucks from selling on high-speed roads, near schools that are in session, or when their view of the road is obstructed.

Crisis Pregnancy Centers: This bill prohibits limited-service pregnancy centers from making misleading statements about the services they provide at their centers. Some pregnancy centers have been criticized for misleading patients into believing they are offering termination services, ultimately delaying time-sensitive reproductive care for vulnerable pregnant women.

Black and Latino Studies: To promote mutual understanding and educate students about diverse cultures, all Connecticut school boards will include Black and Latino Studies in their curriculum.

CEP Child Care: The Citizen’s Election Program, a publicly funded campaign fundraising program, will now allow applicants to use these funds for child care expenses. Our government works best when everyone has their place at the table, and this bill will allow single parents and working parents to run for office.