Weekly Meetings 2.3

February 4, 2022
Women’s Business Development Council Webinar
Earlier this week, I co-hosted a webinar on advancing women-lead businesses with the Women’s Business Development Council (WBDC). I was joined by WBDC Program Manger Wendy Vincent, as well as a few House colleagues from the other side of the aisle. 
CABE Area 3 Virtual Legislative Breakfast
I watched the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education's presentation of their legislative agenda. 

CT Trolley Museum Meeting and Visit
I visited the CT Trolley Museum, located in East Windsor. It was great to walk around and admire the museum's diverse selection of locomotives throughout history.  

Meeting with Tolland County Farm Bureau
Earlier this week, I met with the Tolland County Farm Bureau. Dr. Indrajeet Chaubey, the Dean of the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources at UCONN, shared a video, which can be accessed here. 
Storm Preparedness
In anticipation of last week's winter storm, I shared some resources from the American Red Cross on how to prepare. 

From Eversource

Committee Meetings 

Over the past week, I met with my colleagues to discuss the legislative priorities of several committees, including:
  • Insurance
  • Labor
  • Energy and Technology

I also sent  letters to the chairs of the following committees to advocate for legislation in the upcoming session:

  • Energy and Technology 
  • Environment 
  • Finance, Revenue and Bonding
  • Public Health 
  • Planning and Development 
  • Appropriations
  • Human Services
  • Children’s

The Energy and Technology Committee held a forum on Electric Grid Resiliency. Click here to watch. 

My work on the E and T committee has been one of the most robust learning opportunities I have had since finishing my doctorate. It's challenging, rewarding, and such very important work.

What I have learned is that it takes legislators significant time, energy, and effort to become competent on this committee. I have no plan on leaving. This year, I have invested heavily in relationship building and studying to better understand the work and scope of this committee. If you have questions, comments or concerns about work under the purview of the E and T committee, I am always willing to listen, learn and ask!

Miscellaneous
  • Called State Representative Tammy Exum to discuss  children's mental health legislation this session
  • Called with Ellington PD Trooper Hill regarding exciting local news to get a narcotics dog.
  • Met with colleagues about food as medicine state plan
  • Met with colleagues regarding COVID policy
  • Spoke with Ellington Residents about launching Girls on the Run Program!
 
Here are some things I am always working on to benefit the district: 
  • Worked on citations for several constituents
  • Email and phone calls to follow up on local issues
  • Keep in touch with municipal CEOs to collaborate!
  • Sharing funding announcements with local orgs who might not see things I get
  • Stay in touch with local PDs
    Stay in touch with local school admin
  • Meeting with constituents about local issues and asks
  • Planning / organizing outreach events and office hours to keep open and transparent office
 
Other Events  

Identity Theft Awareness Week

Many of us access our online accounts - credit cards, investments, insurance, or checking and savings accounts - nearly every day. In our digital world, bits of our personal information are everywhere. Here are some tips to reduce your risk for identity theft!

Upcoming Events Session 2022 Starts Next Week! The House of Representatives will be ringing in the first day of the 2022 legislative session on Wednesday, February 9th at 10 AM. You can watch live at CT-N.

COVID-19 “Off Ramp” Discussion



On February 15, I will host a COVID-19 "Off-Ramp" conversation. I will be joined by a diverse group of experts representing and advocating holistic child wellbeing.  Together, we we will use empirical, evidence based standards to develop an unmasking strategy for our schools and towns. I will share more details about this event in the coming days!