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Dear Neighbor,
It’s been a busy time so I’ll give you a quick update and response on matters you have contacted me about recently.
- The Senate just passed SB 9, a partial ban on pesticides. It’s a compromise from my position, and I’m getting details from nonpartisan staff next week.
- The budget we adopted in Appropriations goes over the spending cap so could require cuts- for example the extra $4 million in ECS for New Haven. Many of you have asked for more dollars. Currently our leaders are working with the Governor on a way forward.
- Several items which we feel require more funds may be at risk. These include dollars for nonprofits, local education, and arts. City Hall recently briefed the delegation on the education budget issues we had read about, and I met with students and teachers who shared their experience. That’s under discussion. On nonprofits, one provider had to close a group home – lack of staff because of low pay. We hope to provide some relief.
- I share your concern about immigrants and refugees. Several members are working on a remedy in state law.
- I agree that the arts and theaters are underfunded.
- Today in Appropriations we adopted a measure on maternal health, HB 7214, which I cosponsored.
There’s a lot more, but our Appropriations meeting just concluded and I wanted to reach out before the end of the day.
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