Celebrating Black History Month

February 17, 2023
WHAT'S YOUR REP BEEN UP TO?
My colleagues and I am immersed in committee meetings, public hearings, and discussions with subject matter stakeholders and experts. We are in the process of crafting new bills that will hopefully turn into meaningful laws. I will continue to prioritize the concerns of the 41st district this legislative session.
 
I was honored to participate in Mystic's Black History Month program on Saturday. Throughout the event, we had some thought-provoking discussions about Black History. It was amazing to listen and learn with so many friends and neighbors. 
I also had the opportunity to meet Morgan Tuck, the former UConn basketball star, 4x NCAA champion, WNBA athlete, and current Assistant General Manager for the Connecticut Sun! 
 
BLACK HISTORY MONTH
We know that teaching our kids more about diversity in the classroom is critical to providing students with a better understanding of who we are as a society and where we are going.
As some other states, like Florida, try to ignore history, Connecticut is empowering it. That's why we were the first state in the nation to require all high schools in the state to offer courses on African-American, Black, Puerto Rican, and Latino studies.
 
TEEN DATING VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH
February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a time to spotlight the dangers and warning signs of dating violence to help protect our youth.  

Data shows 26% of high school students in Connecticut have experienced verbally or emotionally abusive relationships, 9% have experienced physical abuse, and 11% have experienced sexual abuse. At the same time, 82% of parents nationwide are unaware that teen dating violence is an issue.  

We must continue educating parents, guardians, community leaders, and friends on understanding what constitutes dating violence and what we can do to protect our young people against this kind of abuse. 58% of parents cannot correctly identify all the warning signs of dating violence. Please click here to learn more about dating violence early warnings.  

Healthy relationships are built on trust, independence, honesty, and kindness. Teaching our youth to value and seek out healthy relationships is of paramount importance not only to their physical and emotional well-being, but also to their development. See here for ten signs of a healthy relationship. 

All adolescents can experience dating violence. However, young women and trans and gender non-conforming youth are at a disproportionality higher risk of experiencing this kind of abuse. Click here for more information and resources on dating violence in LGBTQ+ relationships. 
If you believe your teen or one of their friends is in danger – help is available. Individuals and families can contact CT Safe Connect from anywhere 24 hours a day, 365 days per year, to receive a thorough assessment of needs, emotional support, safety planning and options. Contact them by calling or texting (888) 774-2900, send a confidential email to safeconnect@ctcadv.org or use their web chat. All services are confidential, safe, free, and voluntary.     

Find more information and useful resources on this issue below. 

Interval House offers a large range of resources on teen dating violence. Resources are available in both English and Spanish.

CT.gov has a large range of resources covering teen dating violence and domestic abuse, as well as relevant legislation.

Click here to read President Joe Biden's proclamation on Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
 
CONNECTICUT MEDAL OF SCIENCE NOMINATION
I encourage you to nominate anyone who is deserving for the Connecticut Medal of Science. It's the highest honor for scientific achievement that is key to growing our economy and social well-being.

For this competition, science spans the physical and biological disciplines as well as mathematics, engineering and the social and behavioral sciences. Send your nomination RIGHT HERE.
CLICK HERE TO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT THE NOMINATION GUIDELINES
 
FREE TAX FILING SERVICES
Trained volunteers at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites offer free tax filing assistance from through mid-April. As long as your annual income is below $60,000, the service is free of charge. You can meet a volunteer at St. Mark's Episcopal Church on Pearl Street in Mystic.
CLICK HERE FOR TO REGISTER AND FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT YOU NEED AT YOUR APPOINTMENT
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS