Newsletter 5/13/2022

endofsession
May 16, 2022

I hope you had a wonderful week and that you're enjoying the warm weather!

In this e-newsletter, you'll find information on:

  • Legislative Spotlight: Reproductive Freedom Defense Act
  • Fairfield Delegation Legislative Wrap-Up
  • Year in Review Video
  • Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
 
Legislative Spotlight
Early last week, the Supreme Court's draft opinion leaked suggesting that they are poised to overturn Roe v. Wade, the half-century-old judgment that protects the right to an abortion. Although expected, this opinion questions the future of reproductive healthcare and women's bodily autonomy in the United States. The logic of the opinion also leaves a chilling effect on the future protections of same-sex marriage, other LGBTQ rights, and even access to contraception.

Roe V. Wade was codified into the Connecticut Constitution in 1990, but now with its fate looming, the legislature has provided a safeguard protecting a person's right to choose. However, if Roe is struck down, nearly half of the other states are positioned to ban or restrict access to abortion, with some states enacting laws to ban or burden such care even outside of their borders.
I am proud to share that during the 2022 Legislative Session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed the Reproductive Freedom Defense Act which legally protects medical providers and patients traveling to Connecticut seeking abortion care. No other state should be able to pass laws that regulate life and freedoms here in CT. Our legislation also allows for advanced practitioners for whom abortion care is part of their scope of practice to perform abortions. On Tuesday, Governor Lamont signed this legislation into law, putting Connecticut at the forefront of protecting reproductive rights.
The budget bill we passed also provides protection for out-of-state residents and in-state providers who receive or provide gender affirming healthcare services. While human rights and body autonomy are under attack across the country, Connecticut stands firm in keeping our state a safe place for all.
 
Fairfield Delegation Legislative Wrap Up
I hope you can join the Fairfield Delegation for an end-of-session conversation tomorrow from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. This is a great opportunity to come learn about the work we accomplished in the legislative session and ask questions. 

The Office of Legislative Research just released their 2022 Major Acts Report. This document provides a great overview of the work we accomplished at the Capitol this year. I encourage you to take a look before attending tomorrow's event! 
 
Year In Review Video 
This video is a great summary of all that we accomplished in this year's legislative session. Click below to watch:
 
Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month
Did you know that the Asian-Pacific American population in our state grew by 27.1% during the past decade, from 134,091 residents in 2010 to 170,459 in 2020? 

Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month is celebrated annually in May to highlight the history, heritage and contributions of Asian-Pacific American communities. This is a great time to teach your kids about these cultures and the important role they play in our nation’s history. Connecticut Children's put together a list of 8 Ways to celebrate Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month that you can find here.