Newsletter 6/24/2022

June 24, 2022

Although I am not surprised, I am horrified that in 2022 the Supreme Court would make the radical decision to overrule Roe vs Wade and make women second class citizens.  Women will die senselessly because of this ruling.
 

And this decision follows yesterday’s that override’s states’ laws, allowing for any individual to conceal carry weapons anywhere. As the scourge of gun violence continues to increasingly roil our communities, the Supreme Court just made it that much harder to protect our families and communities be it at church, the grocery store, schools, or even just a concert.
 
I will continue to fight for our rights and our freedom to live safe and self-determined lives. I hope you will join me in this fight.

 
 
World Refugee Day 
Monday was World Refugee Day. In college, I worked for the International Rescue Committee, an organization founded by Albert Einstein in 1933. During my time there, I had the life-altering opportunity to work directly with people who have suffered unimaginable traumas and hardships before coming to our country. Those who came to the IRC represented the very few who were fortunate enough to come to America as refugees. I helped these individuals secure their proper work visas, locate their family members, and navigate the endlessly complex US immigration system.

I have never forgotten the bravery and resilience of these individuals who overcame the worst the world has to offer and nonetheless were eager and hopeful to rebuild their lives here. I remember thinking what a privilege it is to be in a country that can offer this new shot at life, freedom, and security to these people.

As the world is experiencing a record-high 100 million refugees, I am so proud to share that my colleague, State Representative Kate Farrar, and I were successfully able to include $1 million in the state budget to provide financial assistance to refugee resettlement agencies- such as Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services, Jewish Family Services of Greater Hartford, and Jewish Family Services of Greenwich to support the influx of refugee families arrive from Afghanistan and Ukraine.

This funding will ensure that refugees entering CT have the necessary resources to make our state their home.
 
50 Years of Title IX 

Title IX, the law ensuring girls equal access to athletics as boys, just turned 50! As a lifelong athlete and collegiate field hockey player, I personally benefitted tremendously from the expanded access to athletics afforded to me because of Title IX. 

Did you know that as little as four hours of exercise a week can reduce a teenage girl’s risk of breast cancer by up to 60%? (Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 1994) Exercise, particularly weight-bearing exercise, establishes bone mass reducing women's rate of osteoporosis.

Just as important are the mental health benefits that girls receive from participating in sports, such as greater confidence, more positive body image, and lower rates of depression. Title IX is evidence of the beneficial impact good policy can have on lives. 
 
Congratulations to Our Graduates!
I want to wish the most heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to all the Fairfield Ludlowe High School, Andrew Warde High School, Fairfield Prep, Laurelton Hall, and all our graduates! I wish you all the very best in all your future endeavors. Having served on the Board of Education, graduation was always one of my favorite nights of the year.

You all have endured tremendous disruption and hardship over the past 2.5 years and you have shown so much resilience. We are all so proud of you and can't wait to watch what the future holds for you!
 
Beach Talk This Saturday 
Please join me this Saturday, June 25 to enjoy the weather and our beautiful beach and share with me issues that are important to you. I will be at Jennings Beach at J5 and available to discuss any legislative and local issues. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to my office.