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Dear Neighbor,
I attended a press conference today highlighting how potentially devastating federal cuts to Medicaid will have on the state. (Link is to an Inside Investigator article.)
These cuts -- which will be catastrophic to our most vulnerable population's collective health and the direct care workforce that serves them -- are largely to offset massive tax breaks the Trump administration is proposing for the ultrawealthy billionaire class.
Programs like mental health services, addiction services, child health programs and school based health services, nursing home care, group home services for the developmentally disabled, people with autism and adult day care for Medicaid patients and more will be cut to the bone. These programs are proven to bolster the economy and keep our communities healthier and more independent, yet they're being discarded and slashed with no evidence of sustainable savings and with no forethought of the lasting impact on the country.
Please join me in speaking up and fighting these deleterious proposals that would impact every community across the state and the country! |
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On Thursday, I sat in on three committee meetings, including the Labor and Public Employee Committee, where SB 1370 was discussed. If passed, the law would require that workers performing off-site fabrication for a public works project be paid prevailing wage rates.
In addition, a group from the DOT showed up in support of "AN ACT EXPANDING COMPENSATION TO DEPENDENTS FOR A DEATH RESULTING FROM AN ACCIDENT" in honor of Andrew DiDomenico, the young DOT worker killed on the job last year.
His family received no benefits because he was not yet married.
The bill would allow surviving family members of an employee to receive compensation for a work-related death when that employee does not have dependents. |
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I also sat on the Energy and Technology Committee meeting that had numerous bills raised to address energy capital improvements and grid upgrades.
Finally, on at the Human Services Committee hearing, we heard testimony on proposals around elderly nutrition and bills that, contrary to our federal counterparts, would strengthen and expand Medicaid, increasing reimbursement rates to providers and our nonprofit service providers to keep competitive. |
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| Today, we heard testimony from many AARP members about our priority Elder Justice special unit addressing targets of elder fraud and scams, as well as proposed tax credit/deduction for family caregivers caring for elderly or disabled persons, and other bipartisan proposals. |
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The House voted in support of veterans by passing legislation that provides tax relief for those who are permanently and totally disabled due to their military service.
This bill recognizes the sacrifices made by these veterans and aims to ease their financial burden by reducing property tax obligations, allowing them to keep more of their hard-earned income for essential needs.
I am proud to support this bill and provide our veterans with the resources and assistance they need. |
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House Democrats sent a clear message that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations.
We treat people with respect and dignity and we legislate that way, too. We provided funding to Planned Parenthood for sexual and reproductive healthcare as well as sex education.
We helped organizations that assist immigrants, refugees and other displaced people through a range of services including support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ communities. |
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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
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As always, please feel free to contact my office at 800-842-8267 or by email at anne.hughes@cga.ct.gov. And "Like" and follow my Facebook page for regular legislative updates.
Peace,
Anne Hughes
State Representative |
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