MURPHY INTRODUCES LEGISLATION TO EXPAND ACCESS TO SUMMER ENRICHMENT PROGRAMMING FOR ALL KIDS

45 Percent of Children Nationwide Lack Summer Learning Opportunities, Citing Cost As Biggest Barrier

WASHINGTON–U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), a member of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, on Friday introduced the Summer for All Act, legislation to provide high-quality summer enrichment opportunities to kids and families who otherwise would not have access to these programs. The bill would establish two new grant programs to provide long-term, direct funding that would help community-based organizations provide free summer camp and other activities to underserved kids and support states in the planning and implementation of initiatives to address summer programming gaps in sustainable ways.

In 2021, Murphy secured a dedicated set-aside in the education funding in the American Rescue Plan for summer enrichment programs. With that funding, states across the country, including Connecticut, expanded camps for hundreds of thousands of kids and provided programs for families, like free admission to museums, for the past three summers. After this summer, that funding states have relied on will run out.

A new survey released by Gallup this week, which shows that an estimated 24 million children in the U.S. did not participate in any structured programming last summer, highlights the inequities in who can access summer learning. While most surveyed families with a household annual income of $100,000 or more report their child did participate in summer programs in 2023, only 38 percent of kids from families with less than $50,000 in annual income were able to attend summer camps or other summer enrichment activities. Gallup’s survey shows that cost is the greatest barrier for parents who want their child to engage in summer programming but had to forgo or limit their participation last summer, finding that 32 percent of all K-12 parents in the U.S. couldn’t send their child to a summer program because it was unaffordable.

“The summer months give kids a chance to reset and prepare for back-to-school, and a big part of that comes from camps and other summer programs where kids can spend time with their friends, have fun, and continue to learn. Unfortunately, a lot of kids don’t get those experiences because there aren’t enough slots or their family can’t afford it. Back in 2021, I led an effort to make sure the American Rescue Plan included funding to give more kids the opportunity for a fun summer after a really tough school year. Thanks to those federal dollars, Connecticut’s summer enrichment program has helped thousands of kids and families, but the money is running out. We shouldn’t abandon such a successful and important initiative, and that’s why I’m introducing this legislation to make summer funding a federal priority and ensure every kid has a fun summer – not just the kids whose families can afford it,” said Murphy.

The Summer for All Actwouldauthorize $4 billion over four years and $1 billion each fiscal year after to fund two new competitive grant programs managed by the Department of Health and Human Services to expand access to high-quality summer enrichment opportunities. The bill also authorizes the Secretary to reserve up to 5 percent of funds to conduct data collection and analysis to understand gaps in summer enrichment opportunities for youth and how to improve access to and the quality of summer programs overall.

  • Summer Enrichment Expansion Grant: Helps community-based organizations expand the programs they offer in the summer, with a priority for programs that:
    • Provide programming and transportation free of charge to low-income participants
    • Expand access to underserved and rural communities
    • Partner with local schools to identify and enroll at-risk students, including those who were chronically absent the previous school year
    • Integrate healthy nutrition as part of their programming, as well as incorporate activities that support the physical and mental health of participants
    • Provide safe, healthy, and supportive environments, and help participants develop relationship-building skills as well as their social and emotional skills
  • Summer Programming State Grant: Supports states in addressing gaps in summer programming in sustainable ways, along with providing innovative summer programming opportunities for kids and their families, with priority for states that:
    • Organize state-level teams, comprised of a diverse group of stakeholders, to determine the biggest gaps in summer enrichment programming within their state and develop a sustainable plan to leverage grant funding to address those gaps
    • Utilize funding for innovative programming that goes beyond providing expanded slots at established summer programs (i.e. making museums free for families throughout the summer)
    • Build partnerships between local schools, municipalities, and community-based organizations to maximize the impact of existing summer programs among at-risk students

This legislation is endorsed by After-School All-Stars (ASAS), American Alliance of Museums, American Camp Association, American Library Association, Breakthrough Collaborative, Cathleen Stone Island Outward Bound School, Coalition for Service Learning, Connecticut Network for Children and Youth, Every Hour Counts, Girls Inc., Girlstart, Horizons National, Maryland Out of School Time Network, MENTOR, National Afterschool Association, National Parents Union, National Recreation and Parks Association, National Summer Learning Association (NSLA), National Youth Leadership Council, Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), and Youth Service America.

“While it’s encouraging that 30 million youth participated in fun and engaging summer opportunities, we must strive for more,” said Aaron Dworkin, CEO of the National Summer Learning Association. “Our mission is to bridge the gap, ensuring all low-income young people have access to high-quality summer programs in community centers, parks, camps, schools, and beyond. Senator Chris Murphy’s Summer for All Act is a pivotal step forward, championing children by removing barriers and transforming summer into a season of enrichment for every child.”

“We’ve known for more than a hundred years that summer learning at camp is a transformative experience that fosters character and social-emotional skills development, resulting in a stronger sense of self,” said Tom Rosenberg, president and CEO of the American Camp Association. “Summer learning is crucial for setting our kids up to thrive in the classroom and beyond. Today, we must work together to ensure all children have access to summer learning experiences. The Summer for All Act will greatly expand our ability to provide more kids with summer learning, laying the foundation for capable and confident future generations.”

“Horizons National, which advances educational equity by building long-term partnerships with students, families, communities, and schools to create experiences outside of school that inspire the joy of learning, is honored to endorse Senator Murphy’s Summer for All Act. It is heartbreaking to see the waiting lists for our programs every year and the Gallup data makes it clear that millions of parents are struggling to afford summer learning programs for their children. This legislation is a vital step to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and grow during the crucial summer months,” said Lorna Smith, CEO of Horizons National.

“Ensuring all children have access to high-quality summer enrichment opportunities is essential for closing the equity gap and providing vital support to families who need it most. This legislation will empower schools, municipalities, and community-based organizations to offer enriching summer experiences, fostering growth and development for underserved kids across the country,” said Gina Warner, CEO of the National Afterschool Association.

“One of the biggest sources of inequity in U. S. education outcomes is the ‘opportunity gap’ between children who can experience enriching, engaging experiences during the summer, and those that are isolated, bored and disengaged. The Summer for All Act will provide essential funding so that children can make friends, have fun, and continue learning all summer long in a safe and supportive setting. Thank you Senator Murphy for leading the way with this very important legislation,” said Michelle Doucette Cunningham, Executive Director of the Connecticut Network for Children and Youth.

Westport Domestic Violence Task Force Announces Annual

Back-to-School Supply Drive

(Westport, CT) – From Sunday, July 28, 2024, through Sunday, August 4th, the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force (WDVTF) will be collecting back-to-school supplies for residents of the two Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) safe houses that serve our area and DVCC’s community clients. This year, our community partners, the Westport Rotary Club and Positive Directions, are joining in this effort.

The Domestic Violence Crisis Center (DVCC) supports individuals on their journey to safety. DVCC advocates for individuals who are experiencing abuse in personal relationships. The DVCC’s role is to help those experiencing any level of domestic violence and assist them in building a safer environment for the well-being of themselves and their families. Their services include housing and financial advocacy, legal advocacy, trauma-informed individual and group counseling, and emergency safe housing. All victim services are free and confidential, and all services offered are multicultural/multilingual.

The DVCC safe house and community clients need the following items to ensure the children are prepared for the new school year:

  • New & Unused Backpacks
  • Notebooks
  • Pens/Pencils/Highlighters/Crayons
  • Lunch Boxes
  • 3×3 Sticky note pads
  • 3 Ring binders
  • Graphing Calculators
  • Gift cards (Staples, Target, Walmart, Amazon, etc.)

Donations can be left in the collection bins at the following locations between July 29th and August 4th:

  • Westport Police Department, 50 Jesup Road, Westport
  • Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West, Westport

The WDVTF would like to extend our gratitude to the Westport Rotary Club and Positive Directions for their assistance with the supply drive. We would also like to thank the Westport community for its generosity and support, year after year.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, help can be reached via the 24-hour hotline, 1-888-774-2900, and additional information can be found on the DVCC website, www.dvccct.org.

For more information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force membership and initiatives, please check out our Facebook page: Westport Domestic Violence Task Force.

Norwalk News: Arrest Made In Child Sexual Abuse Case

On the morning of July 25, 2024, members of the U.S. Marshals Service, along with the Norwalk Police Patrol Division, arrested Jeffrey Farr at his residence on a full extradition warrant. Farr was wanted in San Diego, California, for two felony counts of lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of fourteen, with the victim being a family member. He was booked and charged as a fugitive from justice at Norwalk Police Headquarters. Jeffrey Farr, 70, of 104 East Rocks Road, was arrested on July 25, 2024. He faces charges of fugitive from justice and is being held on a $400,000 bond. His court appearance is scheduled for July 25, 2024.

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Westport News: Arrest made in ATM Heist

On February 22, 2024, Westport Police responded to a burglary at Wheel’s, 786 Post Road East, where the front door was found propped open and an ATM machine was missing. Following a detailed investigation involving surveillance footage, law enforcement collaboration, search warrants, and digital forensic evidence, Ethan Nieves, 22, of New Britain, CT, was identified as a suspect. On July 17, 2024, Nieves was arrested at Stamford Superior Court and charged with third-degree burglary, conspiracy to commit third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief, conspiracy to commit first-degree criminal mischief, third-degree larceny, and conspiracy to commit third-degree larceny. He was held on a $100,000 bond for his arraignment.

GOVERNOR LAMONT ANNOUNCES CONNECTICUT’S PARTICIPATION IN THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY’S BETTER CLIMATE CHALLENGE

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today announced that the State of Connecticut has joined the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Climate Challenge, becoming one of more than 50 organizations across the United States that are stepping up to the challenge and driving real-world action toward a low-carbon future. In joining the challenge, the state is committing to reduce portfolio-wide greenhouse gas emissions by at least 50% within ten years and work with DOE to share successful solutions and decarbonization strategies.

As Connecticut undertakes this challenge, DOE will support its efforts with technical assistance, peer-to-peer learning opportunities, and a platform for the organization to demonstrate its commitment to being part of the solution to climate change.

To reach its emissions goal, Connecticut is conducting a decarbonization study required by Governor Lamont’s Executive Order No. 21-3 to plan for the retrofit of existing heating and cooling equipment. This will enable facilities to operate without carbon emitting fuels. In addition, the state is developing an electric vehicle (EV) fleet rollout to build out EV infrastructure on state properties for the transition of state fleet gas powered vehicles to electric vehicles, while working to install solar on state properties.

“Connecticut is already well on its way to meeting the goals outlined in the Better Climate Challenge,” Governor Lamont said. “Our efforts to decarbonize our state buildings and electrify our vehicle fleet are important steps toward a more sustainable future. By joining the challenge, we are sending a strong signal that our administration will continue to do everything in our power to reduce our carbon footprint and save money for taxpayers.”

“Better Climate Challenge partners like Connecticut are committing to decarbonize across their portfolio of buildings, plants, and fleets and share effective strategies to transition our economy to clean energy,” U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said. “Their leadership and innovation are crucial in our collective fight against climate change while strengthening the U.S. economy.”

“The Connecticut Department of Administrative Services is at the center of the state’s decarbonization efforts, but this work requires real cross-agency collaboration,” Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Commissioner Michelle Gilman said. “Working with our GreenerGov CT partners – especially DEEP and OPM – we can make a real impact on behalf of residents. The state’s participation in the Better Climate Challenge is an important step toward the realization of our ambitious climate goals.”

“Government has a responsibility to protect our environmental resources and our economy,” Connecticut Office of Policy and Management (OPM) Secretary Jeffrey Beckham said. “Joining the Better Climate Challenge, in support of our Executive Order No. 21-3 goals, helps us achieve both. Working across state government we can reduce our carbon footprint and operating costs, saving taxpayers money in the short and long term. If we do not act today to mitigate the impacts of climate change, our children and grandchildren pay the rising costs.”

“This DOE partnership is a great example of the State of Connecticut continuing to lead by example,” Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Commissioner Katie Dykes said. “DEEP has worked with our GreenerGov CT co-chairs to implement Governor Lamont’s very first executive order, related to the sustainability of state facilities. Every day, our interagency team of DEEP, DAS, and OPM works to implement robust and cutting-edge projects like DEEP’s recently opened Western District Headquarters, the first net-zero state executive branch building. Reducing emissions from our building sector, which contributes 13% to the state’s total emissions, is critically important to achieving our greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals in our effort to mitigate the climate crisis.”

In 2019, Governor Lamont issued Executive Order No. 1 to expand the state’s existing Lead By Example program, setting new goals for reducing the environmental footprint of state facilities. These targets include reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45% by 2030, water consumption by 10% by 2030, and waste consumption by 25% by 2030 across all Executive Branch buildings, including higher education. It also allows buildings operated by the Judicial Branch and the Legislative Branch to participate in this initiative.

In 2021, Executive Order No. 21-3 was signed to implement interim targets to meet the 45% GHG emissions reduction goal.

For more information on the Better Climate Challenge, visit betterbuildingssolutioncenter.energy.gov/climate-challenge.

Traffic Advisory for Saturday, July 27

The Westport Police Department advises all residents and motorists that the CT Challenge Bicycle Ride
will be starting in Fairfield before entering Westport this Saturday, July 27. The shorter rides will enter
town in the area of Beachside Avenue while the longer routes enter town on Long Lots Road.
This event uses a staggered start, but the majority of riders will be on the road between the hours of 7:00
AM and 9:00 AM. The route for this ride takes participants on multiple roads across the east side of
Westport and surrounding towns.
The police department asks that motorists use caution and be mindful of riders as they travel through
town.

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