Countdown to Session, Roe v. Wade Anniversary, and more

January 26, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor, 
 
Happy Friday! The 2024 legislative session will begin on Feb. 7th. This is the "short session" where the legislature takes up committee bills and budget adjustments.

Unlike the "long session", during the short session, each individual legislator cannot put forward proposed bills. We do all work through committee leadership to encourage committees to take up proposals we believe to be priorities.

A great deal of that work has been in process for months. Per statutory requirements, this short session will end at midnight on May 8th. Even though this session is two months shorter than the long session, there is still a great deal that gets accomplished and it all moves very quickly.

I hope you will take advantage of the different tools below to stay informed, engaged, and participate in the process. 

 
In this week's eblast, you can read about what to know before our upcoming session begins, the Roe v. Wade anniversary, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
       
      Countdown to Session
      With less than two weeks until session, the countdown begins! Don’t forget these important resources.

      Stay up to date as session begins: housedems.ct.gov

      Calendar of events: cga.ct.gov

      Watch hearings and session live: CT-N.com

      Contact me on specific legislative bills or issues jennifer.leeper@cga.ct.gov
       
      Pre-Session Legislative Town Hall POSTPONED
      Unfortunately, we had to postpone this Town Hall event due to unforeseen circumstances. I will share the updated date/time as soon as possible.
       
      However, if mornings work better for you, the State Delegation will be participating in a pre-session forum hosted by Fairfield Chamber of Commerce the morning of Feb. 1 7:30am-9:30am at Fairfield University Dolan School of Business. I hope you will join us there.
       
      Of course, in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me directly about your top priorities for this upcoming session.
       
      Roe v. Wade's 51st Anniversary
      On this day in 1973, the Supreme Court recognized that the right to liberty in the Constitution, which protects personal privacy, includes the right to decide whether to continue a pregnancy. When women are faced with the heart-wrenching news of an nonviable pregnancy or a dangerous medical condition, there are many people who they may want to be a part of that decision: their loved ones, physicians, and spiritual leaders, but not the government. 

      Watching the unfathomable pain of many women across the country play out publicly because they can no longer access the appropriate healthcare that their doctors advise after the fall of Roe has been both heartbreaking and disturbing. 

      I am proud to be a part of the Reproductive Rights Caucus and I will continue to fight for women to have control over their own bodies and refuse to accept a world where younger generations have fewer rights than those before them.
       
      Poverty Awareness Month
      Why was our Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) increase last session such a big deal in our fight against poverty?

      By changing the rate from 30.5% 40%, we were able to provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit are families with children. Tackling poverty is a public health issue, a crime reduction issue, an educational attainment issue, and addresses many more important factors for living a full, meaningful, and productive life. The vast majority of our systemic struggles are rooted in poverty and I am thrilled we are addressing these challenges at the root.
       
      Lowering Energy Costs Event

      If your energy bills feel overwhelming and your home feels draft, Heat Smart can help.

      The community-based outreach and education program is hosting a Feb. 22 event at noon the Bigelow Senior Center for income-eligible families to learn how to save money on your energy bills. You can learn about a low cost, or in some cases free home energy audit and about thousands of dollars in federal and state incentives.

      This is a great and timely event that can help save money during our frigid winters. You can register for the event here. If you don't have computer access, you can call 203-256-3166. I hope you'll check it out!
       
      I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

      Sincerely,

      Jennifer Leeper
      State Representative
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