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Dear Friend,
Joe Courtney here. I want to share an update on recent visits I made to a submarine supplier in Tolland, local fire departments, and more. As always, thanks for starting your weekend here with me.
Visiting a Submarine Supplier in Tolland
I’m often asked how submarine production benefits town’s economies away from the shoreline. The truth is, hundreds of small business manufacturers in every corner of the Second District play critical roles in the submarine supply chain.
Today, I stopped by Shelby Supply Company in Tolland. Owner Tim Briere founded the small business 20 years ago, providing precision machining and metal fabrication services. Now, they are taking on increased work as an Electric Boat supplier on the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs.
Since 2021, Shelby Supply Co. has tripled its workforce and expanded to three facilities. Their talented team is focused on increasing productivity and speeding up production cadence to meet demand.
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| Rep. Courtney and Owner Tim Briere speak with Amanda, a welder who moved back to Connecticut from Texas and is now helping Shelby Supply Co. deliver results for the Virginia and Columbia-class submarine programs. |
Thanks to Tim Briere and his team for briefing me on Shelby Supply Company's recent hiring and expansion. I'm committed to helping our state's small business manufacturers hire the skilled workforce they need to seize work opportunities. I recently helped launch the Hire Hartford Initiative, a jobs and training program designed to increase submarine industrial base hiring in the capitol region.
Urging PURA to Reconsider Sharp Rate Increases
Electric rate increases are hurting many Connecticut residents and businesses. I strongly support action currently underway in the State Capitol, urging PURA to reconsider its sharp rate increase. On Tuesday, my colleagues in the Connecticut Congressional delegation and I sent a letter to PURA to in support of reconsideration to lower energy costs, especially in the historically high-usage summer months.
In Congress, I’ve fought for and secured funding to help Connecticut residents cover high energy costs through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). I’ve also secured new tax credits for homeowners and businesses to help them save money on home improvements that lower energy bills as well as tax credits for the installation of energy efficient heat pumps and weatherization improvements.
I will keep working whenever and wherever possible to lower costs for Connecticut residents.
Celebrating Social Security’s Birthday
Last week marked the 89th anniversary of the Social Security program. Since it was signed into law by FDR, America's seniors have relied on Social Security to retire with dignity. I’m committed to protecting and enhancing benefits, and last week, I stopped by Thrive55+ in Groton to update folks on my work to pass Social Security 2100 in Congress.
Over 167,000 people in Connecticut’s 2nd District rely on Social Security. Social Security 2100 would enhance benefits for the first time in over 50 years and strengthen the program to ensure it’s reliable for decades to come. It’s time for Congress to pass this bill!
Federal Support for Norwich & Groton Fire Departments
This summer, seven fire departments in eastern Connecticut have been awarded federal Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFGs). Earlier this year, I helped pass a bipartisan five-year reauthorization of the program, and following the recent grant awards, I’ve made stops at local fire departments to receive updates on how they are putting the funding to use.
The Norwich Fire Department was just awarded an AFG to purchase a thermal imaging camera and to establish an Officer Development Program. I met with Fire Chief Tracy Montoya and Norwich Director of Safety and Training Jason Erban to discuss how the new equipment and program will support Norwich FD’s emergency response.
The Poquonnock Bridge Fire District has used previous rounds of AFG funding to make much needed equipment and station infrastructure upgrades. Fire Chief Rheaume and his team briefed me on how they will use the recently awarded grant to upgrade their self contained breathing apparatuses (personal masks).
Thanks to the Norwich Fire Department and the Poquonnock Bridge Fire District for welcoming me to discuss their AFG awards. In 2023, the Norwich-New London area was the fastest growing job market in Connecticut, which makes this support for first responders even more critical as they work tirelessly to meet community needs.
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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