Jeff Currey

The first time any parent sees their child is a life-changing and joyous experience: Their dream comes true. Yet for thousands of LGBTQ parents in Connecticut, their dreams of parenthood may also bring a nightmare of bureaucratic red tape and insurmountable legal obstacles.

It’s important that when certain incidents occur within our society, we take, at a bare minimum, a moment to recognize and validate the experiences of our fellow humans. Most recently, we have seen disgusting, disrespectful, and deadly acts against members of our Asian community.

Today, the Connecticut Foundation Solutions Indemnity Company (CFSIC) announced that it has broken ground on its first condominium remediation project - the Willington Ridge Condominium Association! This is a 34-unit, 6-building condominium association. As of last Friday, CFSIC has helped put 291 families in their homes over the past two years.

Last year, I worked on legislation to update Connecticut's Parentage Act, but due to the pandemic, we were unable to see this across the finish line. I am pleased to share this bill was up for a public hearing today in the Judiciary Committee. The proposal for House Bill (H.B.) 6321 expands access to legal parentage for the many parent-child relationships that exist.

As many begin to settle in for the night, using new and creative ways to celebrate the season, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday. I hope all of you get the opportunity to relax and enjoy your favorite holiday traditions and festivities. We all deserve at least that after the year we’ve had.

This week there was a beacon of hope when the COVID-19 vaccine landed in our state. My friend Sarah, who is the Director of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the iCare Health Network, received a dose of the vaccine today. Because she works in a skilled nursing facility, she was prioritized to receive the vaccine. The process was similar to receiving a flu shot and she urges everyone who can receive the vaccine to do so.

Winter Storm Gail has the potential of bringing strong winds, coastal flooding and 8-12 inches of snow beginning Wednesday night into Thursday.

The Manchester legislative delegation is holding virtual office hours on Tuesday, December 15 at 6 p.m. This is an opportunity to share your ideas for legislation, thoughts on state issues and questions for the upcoming 2021 legislative session. I hope to hear from you!