Klarides-Ditria outlines new laws effective Oct. 1

I just wanted you to know that several new laws will take effect Tuesday, Oct. 1, that could have an impact on you, your business, or our community. I highlighted some of them below. 

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

AN ACT SUPPORTING CONNECTICUT SENIORS AND THE IMPROVEMENT OF NURSING AND HOME-BASED CARE. - Public Act No. 24-39 (Sec. 1-5, 7-9, 15-19, 21-23) AN ACT PROMOTING NURSING HOME RESIDENT QUALITY OF LIFE. - Public Act No. 24-141 (Sec. 8-9) AN ACT ESTABLISHING A PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTION FOR VETERANS WHO HAVE A SERVICE-CONNECTED PERMANENT AND TOTAL DISABILITY RATING. - Public Act No. 24-46 (Sec. 1) AN ACT CONCERNING THE USE OF POLICE BODY-WORN RECORDING EQUIPMENT. - Public Act No. 24-15 (Sec. 1) AN ACT CONCERNING AUTHORITY TO DECLARE THAT A FIREFIGHTER, POLICE OFFICER OR EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICE PERSONNEL DIED IN THE LINE OF DUTY. - Public Act No. 24-16 AN ACT REQUIRING RESTITUTION WHEN A POLICE ANIMAL OR DOG IN A VOLUNTEER CANINE SEARCH AND RESCUE TEAM IS INJURED OR KILLED. - Public Act No. 24-65 AN ACT CONCERNING DOG RACING. - Public Act No. 24-1

Sincerely,

Klarides-Ditria urges community to support local food pantries

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 smart phone by using your Venmo, PayPal or CashApp account.   Of course, you can still collect or purchase non-perishable items for drop off, and I encourage you to reach out to the local organization of your choice to find out the best ways to help. Locally: Saint Vincent de Paul – Derby https://svdpvalley.com/ Salvation Army Ansonia Corps https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/southern-new-england/ansonia/ Valley United Way https://valleyunitedway.org/need-help/food-banks/ Town of Beacon Falls https://www.beaconfalls-ct.org/home/news/mobile-food-pantry Saint Michael's Food Pantry NTRYBEACONFALLSSaintMichaelsChurchFoodPantryBeaconFalls_556_2_0 Naugatuck Monthly Mobile Food Pantry https://www.facebook.com/NaugyMobileFoodPantry/ Seymour/Oxford Food Bank https://seymouroxfordfoodbank.com/ The Blessing Pantry https://www.blessingpantry.org/

Sincerely,

FEMA, FCC to conduct nationwide test of emergency alert system Oct. 4

Dear Friends, FEMA and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA) at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Oct. 4. The national test will consist of two portions, testing WEA and EAS capabilities. The WEA portion of the test will be directed to all consumer cell phones. The test message will display in either English or in Spanish, depending on the language settings of the wireless handset. The EAS portion of the test will be sent to radios and televisions. The purpose of the Oct. 4 test is to ensure that the systems continue to be effective means of warning the public about emergencies, particularly those on the national level. In case the Oct. 4 test is postponed due to widespread severe weather or other significant events, the back-up testing date is Oct. 11.  All wireless phones should receive the message only once. The following can be expected from the nationwide WEA test: Beginning at approximately 2:20 p.m. ET, cell towers will broadcast the test for approximately 30 minutes. During this time, WEA-compatible wireless phones that are switched on, within range of an active cell tower, and whose wireless provider participates in WEA, should be capable of receiving the test message.  For consumers, the message that appears on their phones will read: “THIS IS A TEST of the National Wireless Emergency Alert System. No action is needed.” Phones with the main menu set to Spanish will display: “ESTA ES UNA PRUEBA del Sistema Nacional de Alerta de Emergencia. No se necesita acción.”

Sincerely,