State Representative Christine Palm has scheduled listening sessions in Chester, Deep River, Essex, and Haddam in the upcoming weeks to give her constituents a chance to share their concerns and learn what she’s facing in Hartford.

“I want people to bring any questions or concerns they have to the sessions, for face-to-face, frank, and honest discussion,” the freshman legislator said. “I want to hear what is on people’s minds. I ran on the platform that I would be transparent and represent the people in these towns, so I need to know what their concerns are and what matters to them most.”

The next two sessions will be held on Thursday, Feb. 28 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Essex Town Hall, 29 West Avenue, Essex in the auditorium and Friday, March 1, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Chester Meeting House, 4 Liberty Street, Chester. There will also be a listening session held on Thursday, March 7, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Brainerd Memorial Library, 920 Saybrook Road, Haddam. Her Deep River listening session was held prior to press time.

Palm said she also wants to inform people about what’s going on up in Hartford.

“Part of my job is to help people be better informed about how what is happening in Hartford affects them and their towns,” said Palm, who anticipates that some of the most important issues on people’s minds will be the new state budget, gun safety, the environment, tolls, education, and taxes.

“I think what we need to remember is that we are in the early stages of the budget. Right now, ideas are being put out there, Some will make it, some won’t,” said Palm.

“I think some great ideas that are part of the budget talks are paid family leave, and raising the minimum wage,” she added. “I know those are issues that many people in the area care a great deal about.

“These listening sessions are my chance to talk and listen,” Palm said.