Weekly Legislative Update 03/21

March 21, 2025



 

View this email in your browser

Dear Neighbor,

I hope this message finds you and your family doing well and enjoying the first few days of spring! I had another busy week attending events around the Capitol and finishing reviewing bills with my colleagues in our committees. As committee meetings and public hearings wrap up, I continue to talk with my colleagues, advocacy groups, and residents about the issues we need to address this session. 
 

Honoring the heart and soul of Connecticut - our farmers. Your dedication fuels not just our state’s economy, but the spirit of resilience, sustainability, and community. 🚜💚
 
Here are some fantastic local resources and programs to help you connect with our agricultural community:
 
🌽 Farmers Markets - Find fresh, locally grown produce near you. (shorturl.at/cgG8P)
 
🥕 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) - Directly support local farms by subscribing to a CSA. (shorturl.at/LnYOR)
 
🍎 CT Grown Trail - Explore farms, wineries, and more across Connecticut. (shorturl.at/Nfmev)
 
🧀 Connecticut Farm Bureau - A voice for Connecticut agriculture. (cfba.org)
 
🍯 Buy CT Grown - Discover and buy local products from Connecticut farms.  (buyctgrown.com)
 
Let’s continue to strengthen our local food systems and support the hardworking individuals who make it all possible! #AgWeek #CTAg #CTGrown #NoFarmsNoFood 
 

Hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol in a powerful show of unity, urging the federal government to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid, that would disproportionately hurt low-income children, families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. The rally was part of a nationwide day of action and brought together a broad coalition of voices including members of our federal delegation, state legislators, healthcare workers, advocates, Medicaid recipients and many other members of the community, all standing in solidarity to protect this vital program.  

Passionate speakers underscored the irreplaceable role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare access to the American people. They shared personal stories and compelling data, highlighting that Medicaid provides critical health insurance to more than 70 million people including seniors, working families, and children enrolled in the HUSKY program.

Without Medicaid, millions could lose access to life-saving treatments, preventative care, and essential services that support health, well-being, and economic stability. Cuts to Medicaid would not only jeopardize individuals but place greater strain on hospital, healthcare providers, and the broader community. Medicaid is not just a safety net – it’s a lifeline for millions, and protecting it is a moral and economic duty. 
 

The Transportation Security Administration issued an important message recently that will affect anyone who travels on domestic commercial flights.
 
Beginning on May 7, anyone who wishes to travel on a domestic commercial flight must have a REAL ID or other acceptable form of documentation.
 
What is a REAL ID?
 
A REAL ID is a state-issued ID that meets minimum security standards to access federal facilities and board domestic flights. The program was implemented following a 9/11 commission recommendation on making air travel and federal facilities more secure.

When will I need a REAL ID? 

  • Starting May 7, you will need a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification to board domestic flights or access certain federal facilities (such as nuclear power plants, military bases and other federal buildings).

How do I get a REAL ID? 

  • You can visit your local DMV to learn more and apply for a REAL ID, or at the CT information portal here.
  • In Connecticut, you'll need:
    • a U.S. passport or U.S. birth certificate;
    • a Social Security card; and
    • two pieces of mail from two different sources dated within 90 days to prove that you live in Connecticut.
    • For all new applications for a driver's license, as well as out-of-state transfers to Connecticut licenses, you will automatically be issued a REAL ID.

How do I know if I already have a REAL ID? 

  • Check your driver's license or ID to see if it has a gold star in the upper right corner, like the accompanying graphic. If you do, then you have a verified REAL ID.

What other forms of ID are acceptable?

  • A U.S. passport.
  • State-issued Enhanced Driver's Licenses and identification cards are also acceptable, though Connecticut does not issue them.

For more information, visit the following:
Department of Homeland Security website
CT Department of Motor Vehicles website
CT Information Portal website
 
 

As always, please feel free to contact me at 800-842-8267 or by email at Andre.Baker@cga.ct.gov. And for news and legislative updates, please visit my official Facebook page.

Sincerely,

Andre Baker

Facebook
Facebook

Website
Website

Email
Email

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences