Legislative Update March 28

March 28, 2024

*|MC_PREVIEW_TEXT|*

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope you and your family are enjoying the warm spring weather and brighter days.

The legislative session is in full swing, and I have been hard at work. I have attended dozens of hours of public hearings, committee meetings, and in-session debates, and there is a term that I believe best summarizes my takeaways from the past few weeks: Personal Courage.

As both a lawmaker and veteran, I have seen so many examples of the limitless courage that our people possess. Personal courage is not just a trait exhibited on the battlefield; it's a fundamental quality that shapes our character and influences the trajectory of our communities.

It is what empowers us to speak out against injustice, to advocate for important causes, and work toward a better future. It is what enables us to bridge divides, foster understanding, and create a more fair society.

I have been so inspired by the examples of courage I have seen these past few weeks, and I would ask each of us to cultivate personal courage in our daily lives!

As always, I write this communication with our community foremost in mind. In this newsletter, I have included information on the events I have attended, legislation I have supported, and resources I hope will be useful to you and your family.

Session Day Recap: Advancing the Rights of PCAs in Connecticut

Personal Care Assistants (PCAs) play an essential role in our community by providing vital services to some of our most vulnerable populations. I believe it's crucial to ensure that these individuals receive fair wages and have access to affordable benefits. This is not just about acknowledging their hard work, but also about recognizing their invaluable contributions to our society.

I'm pleased to share that a significant milestone has been reached in this regard. A three-year agreement between the Personal Care Assistant Workforce Council and SEIU District 1199 New England has been passed by the Connecticut General Assembly this week. If approved by the federal government, this contract will bring about historic wage increases for 12,000 PCAs and the 8,000 consumers of Connecticut's Medicaid self-directed programs. This development represents a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to support and uplift our PCAs and the individuals they serve.

Click Here to Read More

Veterans Corner: Advocating for Property Tax Relief

I had the opportunity to testify before the Finance, Revenue and Bonding Committee in support of HB 5491. This important piece of legislation aims to create a property tax exemption specifically designed for veterans who have a service-connected permanent and total disability rating, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. This is vital in providing much-needed relief and support to individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country.

Many veterans who are older or unable to work and live on a fixed income face substantial financial burdens. As lawmakers, it's our responsibility to alleviate these difficulties by exempting property taxes for this specific group of individuals. Owning property is already challenging for veterans, but we have the ability to provide them with the comfortable lives they deserve in their own homes. If other states can offer this sense of security, we certainly have the capacity to do the same.

Veterans Coffee Hour Recap

Representative Blumenthal and I hosted a Veterans Coffee Hour last week. As an individual who is serving in uniform, it was a profound honor to connect with veterans in our community.

The conversations that took place were both insightful and inspiring, highlighting the shared experiences that bind us together. We discussed the challenges faced by veterans returning to civilian life and the various ways we can further support one another through policy and community programs.

It was a privilege to engage with everyone who participated in our gathering. Serving our veteran community within the legislature is an honor I hold dear, and I'm eager to continue working hand-in-hand with you as we strive for meaningful progress.

Protecting and Prioritizing Seniors

The Aging Committee has approved HB 5001, an omnibus bill that would enhance support and assistance for our beloved seniors. The proposal is a top priority for the House, and I'm pleased to be a co-sponsor of this bill and see it advancing through the legislative process.

Issues impacting seniors are often ignored. Our elderly residents need support and access to resources that will provide them with the best quality of life possible. HB 5001 does this by:

Requiring additional training of home care workers
Creating a more efficient process for accessing Medicaid
Expanding the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman

Click here to read an article that explores additional details of the bill.

As this priority bill moves through the legislative process, I urge you to show your support as we move forward. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youngest community members.

Achievement College Scholarship Program

100 Black Men of Stamford, Inc. invites you to apply for the Achievement College Scholarship Program. Secure up to $5,000 for your academic year and reapply each year of college. Simply submit the application form, essay, recommendation, service confirmation, and transcript by May 15, 2024.

To apply, scan the QR code or click on the graphic above. Questions? Email Scholarship@100BMOS.com and take the first step towards your educational goals!

If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to email me directly or contact my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,