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Happy Friday!
I want to bring to your attention an upcoming public hearing that you may be interested in.
In the next few weeks, the General Law Committee will be holding a public hearing on HB 5428, An Act Concerning Mobile Manufactured Home Parks. This bill, which I sponsored, would provide protections for residents living in manufactured home parks.
This bill comes as a direct result from conversations I've had with constituents in our district. If you're interested in testifying via written testimony, phone, or in person, you can click here for more information.
I will be sure to keep you updated when more information about the public hearing is released!
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There are many other public hearings next week - 19 in fact! Below, you can see a list of all the upcoming public hearings.
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In the rest of this week's eblast, you can read about supporting mental health in Connecticut, business development grants, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
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The House will be in session Monday, Feb. 24 at 5pm! Follow along live and stay up-to-date with the resources below.
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| This week, I stood with doctors, mental health counselors, the Attorney General, and my fellow lawmakers to call for accountability from insurance companies that are illegally creating barriers for mental health care.
We gathered to support the passage of SB 10, An Act Concerning Health Insurance and Patient Protection, which guarantees mental health coverage parity in Connecticut.
The bill would require insurers to issue more reports and gives the state new power to fine them, should they be found denying people the funds for mental healthcare services they desperately need. |
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| For too long, doctors and psychiatrists have been dealing with barriers from insurance companies when it comes to reimbursements for care. This has led to mountains of administrative work which contributes to doctor burnout, less time to see patients, doctors refusing to accept new patients, and doctors being underpaid for their services. Mental health professionals can avoid these headaches by only accepting patients who can pay out of pocket, but that would leave thousands across the state who cannot afford treatment on their own without care.
There are already laws on the books that should prevent insurers from giving doctors the run-around and denying care to patients. However, they fail to give us the tools to enforce those laws. This new bill, written with the support of the Attorney General and Comptroller, will help ensure that mental healthcare is treated as critical healthcare by insurers. |
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| The Women's Business Development Council's Ignite & Child Care Business Grant Programs will be open for a couple more weeks!
The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses and offers grants of up to $10k.
You can find more info on the Ignite Grant Program here.
The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund provides grants of up to $25k to qualified licensed & aspiring child care businesses.
You can find more info on the Child Care Business opportunity Fund here.
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| Last call to donate to the "Coldest Night Walk," which raises money to support and serve people and families experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness in our community!
Proceeds will go to two groups: The Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness and the Community Renewal Team. These are two amazing groups making a real difference in our state.
If you can, please donate to our cause, or you can even sign up to join our team!
You can read more about this great cause here. |
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Mark your calendars! The 2025 PARC Spring Dance will take place Saturday, April 26 from 7-11pm at Testa's (26 South Center St., Southington).
PARC, Inc. is a non-profit that has provided family-centered services to people with developmental disabilities for over 60 years.
Tickets are $65 per person, or $35 for PARC members or students. The event will feature a buffet, music, and dancing with an amazing DJ.
To purchase tickets, call PARC at 860-747-0316 or online at www.parcdisabilitiesct.org.
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Sincerely,
Rebecca Martinez
State Representative |
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