UPDATE FROM THOSE WHO KNOW AND ACT
Three recent events and two webinars add up to five fountains of information.
On the 22nd, I participated in a DEEP (Department of Energy and Environmental Protection) webinar announcing 10 million dollars available to CT municipalities and non-profits, among others, in climate resilience grants for planning and design preparatory to application for federal funds.
On the 24th, I attended the Electric Car Show at the East Hampton High School and sponsored by the the town's Clean Energy Task Force. Dozens of electric vehicles proved that we are on our way to driving electric, with an electric Mustang, a wheel-driven Tesla, and a economy model by Hyundai.
On the 26th, I listened to Congressman Joe Courtney at the Southeastern CT Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Norwich list the recent accomplishments of the Biden Administration: legislation to boost US microchip production, cap Medicare expenses, increase veterans' toxic exposure benefit eligibility, spur Navy workforce development, forgive student debt, decarbonize the economy, and measures to address the opioid crisis and fentanyl coming across the border.
On the 27th, I attended the presentation of the Seniors Survey to the East Hampton Town Council. The town Commission on Aging (COA) made recommendations to the Council in three categories, based on survey responses: Transportation, Wellbeing, Affordable Housing. There was some discussion as to whether seniors already had enough services in spite of the Survey's finding that nearly a quarter surveyed said they had unmet needs, and 39 percent expressed feelings of loneliness, for which the COA recommended increased social opportunities for seniors.
On the 28, I participated in a webinar with the non-profit organization HES (Health Equity Solutions) learning about their legislative agenda for the coming General Assembly session, focused on achieving economic justice in the health domain, including passing paid sick days legislation and protecting Paid Family and Medical Leave.
