Upcoming Events & How to Follow the Legislative Session

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January 24, 2023
This week, the work of the General Assembly is in full swing. In addition to committee votes, press conferences, and meetings with constituents and stakeholders, we will hold our first Session since opening day. Below is information on how you can connect with me to discuss your legislative priorities, how to follow Session updates, energy assistance information, and other helpful updates:

You can click on any of the links above to jump to that section of the email. I hope that you find these resources helpful.
 
Pints & Policy
I hope you will join Reps. Leeper, Keitt, and myself at Old Post Tavern tonight at 7PM for a Pints & Policy discussion. This is a wonderful opportunity for you to express your concerns, ask legislative and community-related questions, or just meet your delegation members. I am looking forward to chatting with all of you.

Please click the image below to RSVP for the event.
 
Affordable and Fair Housing Workshop
Last week, together with the Partnership for Strong Communities, Open Communities Alliance, and the Connecticut Fair Housing Center I led a discussion on Connecticut's tight housing supply, high rents, and rising home prices. During the presentation, we discussed a number of topics:
  • What is Affordable Housing?
  • Who Needs Affordable Housing in Connecticut?
  • Affordable Housing Development and Preservation Finance Resources
  • Connecticut Zoning Enabling Act (Section 8-2)
  • Affordable Housing Land Use Appeals Procedure (Section 8-30g)
  • Municipal Affordable Housing Plans (Section 8-30j)
  • Racial and Economic Segregation in Housing
  • Obligations Under Fair Housing
  • Tenant Protections

This was a vital conversation geared towards sharing information with legislators and all of you. If you were not able to listen in on the discussion, I encourage you to click the button, or video icon below to watch the recorded version.
Watch the Discussion
 
Anniversary of Roe v. Wade
Sunday,  January 22, 2023, marked 50 years since Roe v. Wade guaranteed the fundamental healthcare privacy rights that extended to the right to a safe and legal abortion. This year will be the first year without its federal protections, putting the onus back on the sates to limit extremist restrictions on reproductive healthcare and abortion.
 
I am thankful that our legislative predecessors in Connecticut codified these reproductive rights so many years ago and for our current colleagues who work to assure these rights remain intact.
 
In an article published in the CT Mirror on Friday, I was interviewed regarding two proposed bills that would limit privacy for individuals seeking reproductive care in the state. As Co-Chair of the Public Health Committee and a member of the Reproductive Rights Caucus, I stand firm in my support for CT residents and their right to choose and will ensure Connecticut is a safe haven for those who seek care.
 
Utility Bill Assistance
On Wednesday, January 25th, from 4PM - 7PM at the East Side Senior Center (268 Putnam St., Bridgeport, CT), representatives from United Illuminating (UI) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG) will be available to discuss the energy assistance program that you may qualify for.
 
Follow Session
We are nearly a month into the 2023 Session and this week, we will hold what we refer to in Hartford as a Session Day for the first time since January 4. This is when the full assembly gathers to vote on items that have been approved by legislative committees. This week we will be voting on nominees for Judicial and Executive branch positions.

Throughout the month, Committees have held a number of meetings - some have even hosted public hearings. In Public Health, the Committee I am proud to Co-Chair, we plan to host our first public hearing next Wednesday, January 31 at 11AM. While the agenda for that planned hearing is not yet finalized, this poses a great opportunity to remind you how to stay up-to-date on the happenings in Hartford.

How to Follow Session:
  • Check the Daily Bulletin - The Bulletin provides daily updates on meetings, press conferences, and other legislative events happening
  • Visit the CGA Website - The CGA Website offers an array of resources including the calendar, legislator contacts, and additional Session items
  • Watch on CT-N - Every Session will be live-streamed and recorded on CT-N, so you can tune in online if you aren't able to join us in person
  • Committee YouTube Pages - Each Committee will live-stream all of their public meetings (hearings, task-force, working groups, etc.) through their own YouTube account, which is great backup in case CT-N does not cover a specific meeting - they can be found on the CGA Website
  • Sign-Up for My Updates - You can get updates on any number of legislative and community topics directly from me by signing up for my email list, just click the image below

These are just some of the easiest ways you can stay up-to-date and follow the Session as it progresses. If for any reason you need additional assistance, please always feel free to reach out to me and my team.
 
Souper Bowl Food Drive
There are many community groups that work to support fellow members of the community. The annual Assumption Parish Souper Bowl of Caring Community Food Drive benefiting local food pantries is scheduled for February 11 from 3PM - 5PM and February 12 from 8AM - 1PM. The Parish is asking for your help to drop off some of the requested items shared below:

Requested Items:
  • Canned veggies
  • Canned fruits
  • Canned meats
  • Canned soups
  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Sauce
  • Non-perishable items
  • Paper towels
  • Shampoo
  • Can openers
  • Additional household items

Donations will benefit local Food Pantries including Operation Hope Fairfield. For more information, or to volunteer, please contact Lara Linsenmeyer at (203) 536-0949.