Eleni Kavros DeGraw

Reporting Tool for CT Entities Impacted by Recent Fed Actions, Black Maternal Health

View this email in your browser Dear Neighbor, Some weeks are busier than others, and as you’ll see from the e-news, we have had a lot going on.   April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and I had the honor of attending the “Take Back the Night” event last week at Central Connecticut State University. It was an incredibly powerful and moving night as woman after woman stood up to share their story. Especially difficult this year hearing these stories and knowing that the funding for the Violence Against Women Act has been frozen, dollars that come to our state to support programs that prevent violence like what these women shared.   Speaking of federal funding, the Governor has just launched a tool for businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities impacted by recent funding losses to report the details of their organization, so as we continue our way through budget season, we have an up-to-date understanding of these losses. It’s Black Maternal Health Week, and while there is more information below, it’s important to know that infants born to Black mothers are four times more likely to die than their white counterparts before their first birthday. They are also twice as likely to have little to no prenatal care. See what we are doing to address this below.   Huge shoutout to Chuck Joseph and his entire team for their recent big win for raising over $16,000 for Hunger Action Month. Two of their associates are featured on a special Cheerios box that you can buy at Shop Rites across the country. Way to go!   Check out all the additional upcoming events in this week’s update. Wishing you a Happy Easter, a good rest of Passover, and a great week ahead, Eleni   Reporting Tool Launched for Entities in CT Impacted by Recent Federal Actions Businesses, nonprofits, and municipalities in Connecticut impacted by recent actions from the federal government are encouraged to report that information to the state so that it can be compiled into a central database and provide state policymakers with a better understanding of how these directives are affecting various groups, geographical regions, and sectors of the economy. A reporting tool was launched today to help facilitate reporting. Please click on the image below for more details. Taking on a Barrage of Illegal Orders Lawmakers and advocates, including representatives from the Connecticut Bar Association and the ACLU of Connecticut, attended a news conference recently to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding Connecticut's immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities. I am also in full support of their pledge to protect our judicial branch from the harmful onslaught of illegal executive orders from the White House that undermine the Constitution and the rule of law. State Rep. Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport) We will not allow the President to ignore the orders of our courts. We are committed to defending a valid, independent, and coequal judiciary here in Connecticut. What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a crisis within our judicial branch, and I will continue to stand strong with my colleagues in its defense. Black Maternal Health Week  My colleague, State Representative Kai Belton, Chair of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, is at the forefront of efforts to tackle the stark disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women. Hear how we're taking action this session with HB 7214 - An Act Concerning Maternal Health. I am spending this Black Maternal Health Week reflecting on the voices of Black mothers and families in our communities who deserve better care, support, and outcomes. We have more work to do in Connecticut to ensure equity in maternal health, and I’m committed to being part of that change.  Capitol Region's Bicycle and Pedestrian Network Public Meeting on April 29 The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is in the process of developing a Priority Pathways Plan: A Bicycle and Pedestrian Network for the greater Hartford region (spanning across 38 municipalities). A *virtual* public meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 29th, at 6:30 pm for the community to learn about the plan and understand the benefits of developing a bicycle and pedestrian network. There will also be an opportunity for individuals to share what is important to them as the network is developed. Who: The Capitol Region Council of Governments. What: the first public meeting on the Priority Pathways Plan: A Bicycle and Pedestrian Network. Where: Virtual, register HERE. When: April 29, 2025, at 6:30 pm. Why: First public meeting of the Priority Pathways Plan. The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is developing a bicycle and pedestrian network and implementation plan for the 38 municipalities in the region. This virtual public meeting will introduce community members to the plan, explore the benefits of developing a bicycle and pedestrian network, and seek initial feedback from the community. Cheerio! ShopRite Canton Combatting Food Insecurity Congrats to the Joseph family and the ShopRite associates for their big win during last September’s Hunger Action Month. The top 47 fundraising ShopRite stores select associates to be featured on special edition Cheerios boxes, sold exclusively at ShopRite and unveiled during in-store celebrations. Each winning store also receives prize money to donate to local food pantries selected by respective store teams. Shop Rite of Canton raised more than $16,000, which will be divided up locally between Gifts of Love CT, Connecticut Foodshare, and others. Way to go team! Food Insecurity Awareness Day @ The Capitol Take Back the Night 2025 Last week, I attended the Take Back the Night event at CCSU. Events like this one started in the 1970s as a response to increased violence against women. Many college campuses in the United States hold presentations, rallies, and/or walks in April as it is Sexual Assault Awareness Month.   The event started with a few speakers from campus, mainly to reiterate to students that they are the ones in the driver’s seat when it comes to when to report, how to report, or if they want to report at all. The estimated number of women assaulted throughout their lifetime is one in five, but as a woman, I believe that number is probably much closer to one in two because of how rampant sexual violence against women is. Men can also be victims, and the presenters made it clear that support was available for them as well. After the speakers, there was an open mic for anyone who felt comfortable coming forward to share their stories. It was, as you can imagine, very difficult to bear witness to and important that as a group we did so. When the survivors finished their stories, there was a march around the campus.   I was truly impressed with the amount of resources and professionals prepared to handle survivors with the utmost care and respect for the trauma they experienced. I’m grateful that CCSU takes this issue as seriously as they do and that they have for many years. Cancer Screening For Firefighters Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.   I am happy to announce that, effective May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut is expanding the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means More than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.   Early detection is key to achieving successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep individuals healthy and at ease. Please note: Any firefighter enrolled on the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan who is seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area. Support Canton Flower Bridge Please consider donating to this wonderful floral display. To donate, please click HERE. It's National Librarian Day! I want to send a shout-out to the many incredible librarians of Connecticut! From guiding us to our next great read to preserving knowledge for future generations, you all make our communities smarter, more connected, and foster spaces where curiosity thrives. Thank you for your dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to intellectual freedom! April is Arab American Heritage Month Let's recognize and celebrate the cultures and history of our Arab American friends! Raising Autism Awareness @ The Capitol April 28th Breaking the Silence on Menopause: Real Talk @ The LOB May 3rd Senior Day @ The Capitol May 8th Game On: Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is May 12th The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together to support Connecticut Foodshare!  Don’t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic. Grab your ticket HERE. I hope to see you there. Sincerely, Eleni Kavros DeGraw State Representative Website Email Facebook Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences