Our Committee Work this Week

committee
March 3, 2023
The Public Health Committee held its third public hearing this week where we discussed two vital bills dealing with end of life care. The Education Committee also met this week to discuss a number of proposals including certification processes for Charter Schools. Below, you will find more detailed information on our Committee work, my exciting day at two of our local schools, and information on how you can help commemorate the upcoming 250-year celebration of independence:

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.
 
Read Across America
I had such a wonderful time reading to these awesome kindergartners at Bradley Elementary School in Derby today as a part of Read Across America. Thank you so much for having me - I will come back any time!
I also joined K-3 students at Ridge Hill Elementary in Hamden for a CEA hosted Read Across America celebration! UCONN Alumni and CT Sun star, Morgan Tuck, read to the kids and then did some fun activities to get their wiggles out.
 
All the kids at both schools were amazing listeners and the dedication of the educators was so clearly on display. Thank you for all you do for our children and families.
 
Celebrating 250 Years of Independence
The America 250 | CT Commission is looking for your input and feedback as we approach the 250th Anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.

The Commission hopes that your input will help create a commemoration that is relevant, inclusive, and engaging, where Connecticut residents of all ages and backgrounds see themselves in history, appreciate its relevance, and understand how the diverse people of the past all contributed to the American story.

If you would like to share your family's personal story and history, please register to participate in any of the four upcoming info sessions by clicking the buttons below. The earliest one is today at 8:30AM.
Session 1: Today from 8:30AM - 10:00AM
Session 2: March 6 from 4:30PM - 6:00PM
Session 3: March 9 from 9:30AM - 11:00AM
Session 4: March 15 from 3:00PM - 4:30PM
 
Committee Work
Monday, the Public Health Committee heard testimony from over 100 members of the public on two vital bills that deal with autonomy and end of life care:

For over 10 hours we listened to heartfelt, impassioned stories from the public on the importance of these two pieces of legislation. I want to encourage you to listen to at least some of the testimony by watching below. If you would prefer to read the testimony submitted, please click the button below.

The Public Health Committee will hold its next public hearing on Monday, March 3. Please visit the committees webpage below to look at the agenda, and/or submit testimony on bills to be heard.
Read Testimony on SB 1075
Read Testimony on SB 1076
Public Health Committee
 
 
On Wednesday, the Education Committee also held a public hearing where over 140 people and agencies testified in support or opposition of the bills on the agenda.

The hearing lasted nearly 12 hours and was informative listening to different perspectives on the legislation before us. If you would like to learn more about the bills and testimony, please click the buttons below.

As always, please feel free to watch any portions - or all - of the hearing below:
Education Committee Hearing Testimony
 
 
Endometriosis Awareness
March is Endometriosis Awareness Month, a time to recognize the importance for more research to ensure effective prevention, early diagnosis, and improved management of the disease. In Connecticut alone, endometriosis affects 1 in 10 people. At the state level, we are continuing our efforts to raise awareness. Connecticut's Endometriosis Working Group recently shared some of their 2023 priorities:
  • Establishment of Connecticut’s Endometriosis Biorepository
  • School Nurse Training
  • Fertility Preservation
  • Fertility Specialist Training and Screening
  • Education for Students
  • Menstrual Equity
  • Access to Medical Care

In addition to the working group's priorities, on February 22, the Public Health Committee heard testimony on HB 6672 An Act Concerning Endometriosis. The bill would require school nurses to receive training on diagnosing and treating endometriosis, and how systemic racism, explicit and implicit bias, racial disparities and experiences of transgender and gender diverse youth affect the diagnosis and treatment of endometriosis. The bill would also establish an endometriosis data and biorepository program.
 
In the News
 
TEAM Community Needs Survey
TEAM, Inc. is working on there annual Community Needs Assessment and wants to hear from you!

Residents of Derby, Orange and Woodbridge are asked to take this short survey, which will clarify what resources we need in the community to better provide for residents like you. If you are willing, please click or scan the QR code below to take the survey.