Special Education Funding, Reproductive Rights and Community Listening Session

March 6, 2025

 
 
There are so many important issues we are tackling this session. Just a few being heard in the past week were early education, special education funding, and property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. It’s a special treat to work with constituents and advocates on the issues they are passionate about.
 
 
Special Education Funding
I was proud to vote for a bill allocating over $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.

These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive.  My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets.

Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief.  Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.

Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.


 
 
Heart Health
This past February my family acknowledged the memory of my parents. My mother has been gone for 10 years and is greatly missed. My father, who had a sudden heart attack 34 yrs. ago at the young age of 51 also passed in February.

In their honor, I joined my colleagues to raise awareness about heart disease. Last year, we passed a bill that requires certain insurance policies to cover an inexpensive but important diagnostic test, the cardiac calcium scan. Doctor’s don’t typically recommend it but for those with heart disease in their family and other medical conditions, it’s important to ask your doctor if you should have it.


 
 
Reproductive Rights
In Connecticut we are committed to providing access to reproductive healthcare.  At last weeks Reproductive Rights Caucus press conference,  Abortion and Family Planning Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, strengthening Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Protections, and Fiscal Support for Healthcare Vending Machines on Campuses was all discussed. 

By dedicating $5000 per campus to install vending machines selling affordable reproductive healthcare products this will expand student access to reproductive healthcare on public university campuses in Connecticut.

Reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right. The people of Connecticut deserve dignity, privacy, and access to the care they need to live as their true, authentic selves.
 
 
In District Happenings
I attended the Branford Public School’s Community Conversation about the School Facilities Master Plan. There are two more dates for the public to ask questions and weigh in, Tuesday, March 25th and Tuesday, April 29th from 6:00 P.M. - 8 PM.

There is a designated website and click here to take the survey.

Senator Cohen and I were invited to attend Branford High School to recognize International Women’s Day. 2018 was not only the year we were first elected to office but it was also declared the Year of the Woman.

We increased the numbers of women serving in Connecticut’s state legislature by almost 6 points to 33.5%. Today, women represent about 35%.

Issues such as equal rights, child care, maternal health, access to reproductive healthcare, sexual assault and domestic violence are top priorities for many of us.

When women lead everyone wins!


 
Rep. Candelora and I took time to visit with BH Care’s Options social group. We discussed affordable housing solutions, more supervised housing programs for adults with mental health issues, transportation, and funding mental health and addiction services.

I also had the chance to tour the new building on North Branford Road. They have expanded many of their children’s services, including IOP care and I encourage you to utilize their program if anyone in your family is looking for mental health support.
 
 
Stand Up For Science
If you have the opportunity to travel up to Hartford on Friday, March 7th, I will be speaking at the Stand Up for Science Rally at the State Capitol, 210 Capitol Ave, Hartford. The event begins at Noon and speakers start at 1:00 P.M.

You can RSVP, get directions, and find more information here.
 
Community Listening Session
On March 22nd from 11:30 A.M. - 1:30 P.M. I invite you to join me at the Blackstone Library, 758 Main Street, Branford for a Community Listening Session.  

This is a great opportunity to share your concerns and learn more about the work I am doing to address the issues that matter most to our community and state. 

Your voice is important and I want to hear from you!


 
 
Community Events
 

What Matters to You: A Community Conversation

Thursday, March 6 from 6:30 P.M. - 7:30 P.M. at The James Blackstone Memorial Library, 758 Main St, Branford.

Come join a monthly open forum and lively conversation on controversial topics that matter to the community and to you! These monthly conversations are a safe place without judgment to discuss topics that we may often find challenging to openly chat about, or just topics you want to discuss but haven't.

Come with an open mind, willingness to listen, and to learn something new. Discussions are interactive, but organized and lead by local Branford resident and attorney Rachel Mirsky.
Registration is required to attend this IN-PERSON event.
 
Click Here to Register
 

As a member on the Prevention Council of Branford I’m sharing this Anti-Vaping billboard contest for Walsh Intermediate School. Students are invited to create an original design or drawing educating youth about the dangers of vaping. The deadline is April 21st and winners will receive a $50-$250 Amazon gift card.  

Submit your artwork electronically to kmitchell@branford-ct.gov.