Equal Pay Day, Federal Funding Cuts, and more

March 28, 2025

Dear Neighbor,

I hope you and your family are doing well! It's been a busy week at the Capitol as my colleagues and I continue to review the bills that are moving through the legislative process. Committees are working through the Joint Favorable (JF) process where legislation is reviewed, amended, and voted on. As we near the end of committee meetings and public hearings, I'm continuing to discuss the issues that matter most this session with my colleagues and community members.

Last week's Medicaid rally at the Capitol was part of a nationwide day of action by members of Congress that brought together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients.

The rally aimed to warn of the consequences should Congress approve drastic reductions to Medicaid funding. Medicaid serves hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people in our state, including children on the Husky program, people with disabilities, and seniors

As you will see in the graphic below, many Bristol residents will be directly affected by these federal funding cuts. Unfortunately, our students are set to lose the most.

Bristol Town Schools receive $20.6 million in federal funding
23,73 residents receive healthcare through Medicaid
11,736 residents benefit from SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

March 25th = how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year. Equal Pay Day is a reminder of the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace.

How Big is the Wage Gap?
The pay gap varies depending on race, industry, and education level, but the national average shows that:

Women in the U.S. earn about 82 cents for every dollar earned by men.
For women of color, the gap is even larger. Black, Latina, and Indigenous women must work even further into the year before reaching pay parity.
- Black women make 59 cents and Latina women make 49 cents for every dollar
Over a 40-year career, this gap can result in hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost wages, affecting lifetime earnings, savings, and retirement security

In Connecticut, we’re making strides with legislation like the Pay Equity and Opportunity Act, which strengthens pay transparency, prohibits salary history inquiries, and ensures fair pay for all workers, regardless of gender. Together, we’re working toward a future where EQUAL WORK means EQUAL PAY for everyone.

Below you will find a list of things to do around the state this Spring!

From exploring the outdoors to waterfront adventures to parks, gardens, museums, and much more. Click the image below to access the 2025 Guide of the Best Things to do in Connecticut this Spring.

If you are ready for an outdoor hiking adventure, join the 2025 Sky's The Limit Hiking Challenge. Click the image below for how to participate and a list of the hiking locations.

For those of you who love to run, click the image below for a list of the 5k Runs in Connecticut this Spring.

Support local farms this Spring and Summer, click the image below to get a list of Farmer's Markets all across the state.

HAPPENING TOMORROW!!

This Saturday, March 29th, the 4th Annual Mum Festival Spring Fling Craft Fair will take place at the Bristol Senior Center from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. The event entry and parking are free and over 40 vendors will be in attendance!