Dear Friend, 

It's been another busy week in eastern Connecticut during the August recess. I'm here with an update on my work alongside Norwich community members, a casework success in Putnam, and more.  As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.

Working with the Norwich Police Department to Enhance Public Safety

On Wednesday, I had an informative meeting with Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley and his team of officers on some of the challenges to public safety they're facing – namely gun violence and drug trafficking – and ways my work in Congress can help address them.

During his visit to the Norwich Police Department, Emergency Dispatcher Andrea Gabor and Lt. John Perry updated Rep. Courtney on the enchantments new, federally funded dispatch and records management systems will make to their emergency response.

Last year, we worked together to secure $700,000 in federal Community Project funding for the department to replace their aging Computer Aided Dispatch and Records Management systems. The new, cutting-edge systems will enable the Department to sync up with the statewide Enhanced 911 system to better target dispatching emergencies. It will also benefit Norwich Fire Services. 

Detective Anthony Gomes and Chief Daley briefed Rep. Courtney of the continued use of ghost guns in violent crimes.

Ghost guns continue to be the weapon of choice for violent criminals. Chief Daley described the challenges they face with these untraceable firearms being brought into Connecticut from other states by bad actors. In Congress, I've worked to advanced legislation which would strengthen crack downs on ghost guns, and I strongly support taking further action on the federal level to get them off our streets.

Building strong, collaborative relationships between communities and law enforcement is the critical component to improving public safety. Thanks to Chief Daley and the Norwich Police Department for updating me on their work. In Congress and here in eastern Connecticut, I'll continue to support the efforts of our local law enforcement officers.

Breaking Ground on New Projects in Norwich 

I recently joined groundbreakings for two exciting projects in Norwich, made possible by determined local leadership, strong partnerships, and federal funding. 

Last week, Rep. Courtney joined City Council Members Swarnjit Singh and Stacey Gould, President of Mattern Construction Eric Mattern, State Representatives Kevin Ryan, Darrell Wilson, and Doug Dubitsky, State Sen. Cathy Osten, President of the Norwich Community Development Corporation Kevin Brown, Connecticut DECD Deputy Commissioner Rob Hotaling, Norwich Mayor Peter Nystrom, and more at the groundbreaking for the redevelopment of the Norwich YMCA building

Last week, I met with Kevin Brown, President of the Norwich Community Development Corporation, Mayor Peter Nystrom, and more local leaders at the former YMCA building on Main Street. This is a keystone property in downtown Norwich, and now, it’s set to be redeveloped into a new office and retail complex – thanks in large part to a $400,000 federal investment from the American Rescue Plan.

The YMCA was once a vibrant community center and is home to many great memories. The building has been abandoned for several years, and with this redevelopment, it will be transformed into a center for new economic opportunity. Click here to read more in the Day.

On Thursday, Rep. Courtney joined the Mohegan Tribe Language Department’s Allyson Corbin, Mohegan Tribe Council of Elders Vice Chairwoman Beth Regan, Senator Richard Blumenthal, Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Connecticut DECT Director of Arts, Preservation and Museums Elizabeth Shapiro, State Sen. Cathy Osten, Mayor Peter Nystrom, the Uncas Leap Steering Committee’s Deanna Rhodes,Regan Miner, and Joseph Smith,and Mohegan Tribe drummers Chris Harris of the Council of Elders and David Eichelberg of the Cultural and Community Programs Department

Yesterday, I again met with Kevin Brown, Mayor Nystrom, and leadership from the Mohegan Tribe to celebrate the start of construction on the Uncas Leap Heritage Park. Planning for the park has been in the works since 2010. Thanks to commitment from many individuals, organizations, and the use of $2.8 million dollars in Norwich’s American Rescue Plan funding, residents and visitors will have a new public space to learn about the Uncas Leap's rich history, take in the beautiful natural landscape, and enjoy entertainment at an intimate performing arts venue. Work on the park is expected to be completed in summer 2024. Click here to watch coverage of the groundbreaking from News 8.

I look forward to seeing construction progress on both projects and joining Norwich leaders for future groundbreakings in the Rose City.

Meeting with Norwich Community Members Delivering Support to Those in Need

Last week, I made two visits to programs working to meet the needs of Norwich community members and discuss ways Congress should support their efforts. First, I visited Martin House – a residential facility which supports people who have experienced homelessness. They face capacity challenges, and we discussed federal funding opportunities for them to expand and assist more people in the transition back to stable housing. 

Last week, Rep. Courtney visited Martin House to discuss federal funding opportunities with Executive Director Jon Maderia, Program Director Constance Graves, Housing Director Lori Goefert, and Development Coordinator Cara Hatfield

While rates of homelessness may be higher in other states, the best way we can ensure everyone in eastern Connecticut has a place to call home is by building more affordable housing. Thanks to Martin House for updating me on their hugely important work for Norwich. 

Last week, Rep. Courtney visited the St. Vincent de Paul Place food pantry in Norwich with Connecticut Foodshare

I’m pushing for food assistance programs to received continued, steady funding in the 2023 Farm Bill, and last week, I visited St. Vincent de Paul Place to see their work as a food pantry up close. The pantry serves as a distribution site for the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) – a Department of Agriculture program. This in an indispensable resource for many eastern Connecticut families, and it needs to be fully funded in the farm bill.

During his tour, St. Vincent de Paul Place’s CEO Jillian Corbin and Food Pantry Manager Brian Burke (left) showed Rep. Courtney CT Foodshare CEO Jason Jakubowski (right) a new refrigerator and freezer the pantry acquired with American Rescue Plan funding.

Thanks to Connecticut Foodshare’s Chief of Staff Jennie Hirsch, CEO Jason Jakubowski, and Norwich Network Representative Beth Boehm, and St. Vincent de Paul Place’s CEO Jillian Corbin, Food Pantry Manager Brian Burke for giving me a tour of their distribution program. The pantry was able to add a new refrigerator and freezer using federal American Rescue Plan Resources. 

Casework Success: Child Care in Putnam

Last Friday, I visited Country Kids Childcare in Putnam. They provide a vital service for working families in northeastern Connecticut, and earlier this year, my office worked with owners Michelle Morin and Michelle Yargeau to recover Employee Retention Tax Credit resources for the center.

Last week, Rep. Courtney visited Country Kids Childcare to meet with owners Michelle Morin and Michelle Yargeau, the Women’s Business Development Council's Linda Fecteau, and parents who rely on child care services

Child care provides parents with peace of mind knowing that their children are in a safe, nurturing environment. During my visit, I heard from parents about difficulties they face affording child care and finding a program that meets their needs. When we look at ways to support our region's growing workforce, the top of the list must include directing resources to child care centers, their hardworking staff, and families.

During his visit, Rep. Courtney heard about the challenges of child care system, and the need for more resources to support centers, staff, parents, and employers.

My Norwich office helps small businesses access support through federal programs like the Employee Retention Tax Credit. For assistance, give us a call at (860) 886-0139.

Keeping Kids Active & Engaged During Summer

I hope you're having a great summer! I recently visited the Colchester Day Camp to catch up with town Recreation Director Tiffany Quinn and her staff on a Summer Enrichment Grant the town received to fund the camp program this season. The grant program is fueled by the American Rescue Plan, and it's providing over 100 kids in Colchester with a place to active and engaged during the summer break. The new accessible "jungle gym" at the camp was also funded the Rescue Plan! 

Last week, Rep. Courtney met with Colchester Recreation Director Tiffany Quinn and staff at the Colchester Day Camp to discuss a Summer Enrichment Program grant the town received and accessibility upgrades made to the camp's playground using American Rescue Plan funding

Towns in eastern Connecticut have deployed American Rescue Plan to enhance outdoor recreation. It's an effective way to use these federal resources to build healthier, thriving communities.

During my visit to the Colchester Day Camp, staff showed me some of the upgrades made to pickle ball and basketball courts with Rescue Plan funds, and how they're benefiting kids of the camp and the wider community. We had a pretty nice volley going!

Colchester used federal American Rescue Plan funding to upgrade town pickle ball and basketball courts.

Extended Deadline: File PACT Act Claims Now for Backdated Benefits

An urgent update on the Honoring Our PACT Act: veterans and survivors now have until Monday, August 14th, at 11:59PM to file PACT Act claims or an intent to file and receive backdated benefits.

This week, the Department of Veterans Affairs extended the original deadline to receive backdated benefits, and it's important that veterans take advantage and file claims as soon as possible at VA.gov/PACT.

Click here to file a claim online and learn more about the Honoring Our PACT Act

There is no deadline to file a PACT Act claim, but veterans who file claims after the new August 14th deadline will only receive benefits from the date of filing and not the backdated benefits they could receive if they file before the extended deadline. For questions about eligibility, call my Norwich office at (860) 886-0139 and ask to speak to my Military and Veterans Representative Manny Meneses.

Thank you for taking some time to read my update. If we can be of any assistance, don't hesitate to give my Norwich office a call at (860) 886-0139. Have a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Joe Courtney
Member of Congress

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