Awards/Honors
June 8, 2012 -- Pat received the 2012 Star Award from the Connecticut Society of Eye Physicians for "her commitment and support to improving and preserving the healthcare delivery system in Connecticut."
January 2012 -- Pat was honored by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association as the “Legislator of the Year” for her "appreciation of effective leadership and support of the recreational boating sector and for outstanding service to the people of the state of Connecticut."
June 22, 2011 – For her "unwavering support and tireless promotion of the Soundview Family YMCA," Pat was given the prestigious Soundview Family YMCA Award.
May 26, 2011 - Pat received the Community Partner Award for 2011 from Harbor Health Services of Branford. The organization praised Pat, saying that the award was made "in honor of all you do for the behavioral health community."
September 14, 2010 - The Watershed Partnership honored Pat with an award for supporting legislation and protecting children and the environment from toxic lawn pesticides.
September 7, 2011 - The Second Company, Governor's Foot Guard, a historical state military organization, appointed Pat as an honorary captain on the Branford Green on Sept. 7, 2011.
January 2010 - Pat was honored by the Connecticut Marine Trades Association as the “Legislator of the Year” for understanding the recreational marine industry and working with CMTA to maximize their impact to Connecticut’s environment and economy.
The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (CTLCV) identified Pat as a 2009 “Environmental Champion” for her persistent efforts to protect the environment.
June 2009 - Rep. Widlitz was honored by the Radiological Society of CT for introducing and gaining passage of HB 5635, AAC Ultrasound Procedures for Medical and Diagnostic Purposes. The Connecticut legislation, signed into law by Governor Rell, is the first in the country to target entertainment ultrasound "keepsake" boutiques. The new law requires that obstetrical ultrasounds be used solely for medical and diagnostic purposes with a prescription from a licensed medical professional acting within his/her scope of practice. The FDA opposes the use of "keepsake" ultrasound for pregnant women, but leaves it to the states to regulate. www.cga.ct.gov/2009/ACT/Pa/pdf/2009PA-00125-R00HB-05635-PA.pdf
January 2009 - Pat received the 2008 Legislator of the Year Award from the CT State Alliance of YMCA's at their Annual Meeting and Key Leaders Dinner in Waterbury.
April 2008 - The 2007 "Strong Family Builder Award" was presented to Rep. Widlitz by the Soundview Branch of the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA at their annual dinner at the Grassy Hill Country Club in Orange, CT.
November 2005 - Pat was honored by the Women and Family Life Center in Guilford for her tireless work to improve the quality of life for women and families in her community.
November 2004 - Rep. Widlitz received the "Indoor Air Quality Hero" award from the Connecticut Foundation for Environmentally Safe Schools for her effort "in promoting policies, practices, and resources that protect school occupants from environmental health hazards". Pat authored and introduced CT's indoor air quality legislation for schools that was signed into law in 2003.
October 2004 - Rep. Widlitz received the Greater New Haven Chamber of Commerce "Legislative Leadership Award". Pat successfully led the adoption of "clean cars" legislation with stricter emissions standards to reduce toxic emissions from vehicles and was also recognized for her efforts to achieve the bi-partisan compromise agreement with Cross Sound Cable, Long Island Power Authority and the State of CT that balanced energy needs with environmental concerns.
September 2004 - Pat received the "Environmental Hero" award as a leader on environmental issues and for her success leading the floor debate to achieve passage of the landmark "Clean Cars" legislation. She was also recognized for her tireless work in the 2004 legislative session on issues affecting CT's public water supplies and water quality. Rep. Widlitz received the group's highest rating for her environmental voting record.
June 2004 - Rep. Widlitz received the Connecticut Forest and Park Association's "Conservation Legislator 2004 Award" for her solid leadership of the Environment Committee through the passage of significant environmental legislation and for support of sustainable forestry in CT through her leadership in passage of PA 04-115, An Act Concerning Forest Management.
April 2004 - Pat received the "Legislator Recognition Award" from the CT Audubon Society for her leadership on a host of key environmental issues, ranging from preserving endangered grasslands, combating invasive plant species, protecting the Long Island Sound and restoring the Council on Environmental Quality.
November 2003 - Named the Connecticut Farm Bureau "Legislator of the Year" award.
October 2003 - Received the Connecticut Water Works Association’s "Legislator of the Year" award for her outstanding leadership on issues affecting Connecticut’s public water supplies and water quality.
September 2003 - Awarded the American Lung Association’s "Breathe of Life" award for her efforts to clean the air and protect residents from second hand smoke.
June 21, 2003 - Honored at the annual meeting of the Connecticut Park and Forest Association legislation requiring ATV operators to carry written permission from property owners.
August, 2001 - Representative Widlitz was one of 40 emerging leaders in the nation selected to participate in the prestigious Toll Fellowship Program sponsored by the Council of State Governments. The annual week-long seminar is aimed at developing the next generation of leaders from all three branches of state government. The dynamic program, held in Lexington, KY focused on trends analysis, policy development and institutional changes.
October 28, 2000 the Northeast Cartridge Remanufacturer’s Association (NECRA) presented Rep. Widlitz with the "Small Business Champion Award" for her legislation which changed the state’s purchasing policies regarding spent toner cartridges and other recyclable products. The legislation is lauded as being both environmentally friendly and fiscally responsible.
October 16, 2000 Rep. Widlitz received the Chairman Award from Connecticut United for Research Excellence, Inc. (CURE) for exemplary leadership in science education and her significant impact on K-12 science education. Rep. Widlitz was a primary leader in making plans for the creation of the 40-foot mobile biotechnology laboratory known as the "BioBus" which is traveling throughout Connecticut, providing a learning experience for students and teachers alike. The Chairman’s Award is the highest honor presented by CURE and has been given on only two occasions.
October 3, 1998 Southern Connecticut State University’s Women’s Studies Program presented Rep. Widlitz with the CT Women in Disabilities Advocacy Leadership Award in recognition of the legislation she introduced and worked to pass which allows children with physical disabilities to obtain a special permit to operate a motorized bicycle.
On April 29, 1998 as a result of the resiliency of her campaign to protect CT’s youth from the dangerous effects of inhalant abuse, Rep. Widlitz received an award from DRUGS DON’T WORK, the Governor’s Prevention Partnership. During the 1998 legislative session, she introduced and successfully passed legislation banning the sale of nitrous oxide to minors.
On March 3, 1998 Connecticut Business Times recognized Rep. Widlitz for professional service as a 1998 honoree at the 4th Annual "20 Noteworthy Women" Awards Breakfast. The New Haven Business Times selects 20 women for outstanding accomplishment in their field and for having contributed to the vitality of the Greater New Haven business community.
In October 1997 Connecticut Hospice, Inc. and the John D. Thompson Hospice Institute presented Rep. Widlitz with their Award of Distinction "for her compassionate and relentless protection of those principles on which the highest quality of hospice care was founded in America."
In 1996 Rep. Widlitz was recognized by Mutual Housing of South Central Connecticut for her "commitment, perseverance and tireless energy in ensuring the success of Hubbard Woods Mutual Housing" in Guilford.