Maryam Khan

Last week, the 2023 Legislative Session adjourned for the year. Before adjourning, the week was packed with a lot of hard work and negotiations to the last minute. We were able to pass a balanced, bipartisan budget that maintains our commitment to promoting fiscal responsibility and stability to continue strengthening our economy, while delivering on key investments that support the children, families and seniors. 

I will be working on a document highlighting what we have accomplished this session, look out for a mailer in the near future. 

Now that the Legislative Session is adjourned and the school year has come to a close, I plan to hold conversations in the district on various topics to hear what is important to you. Please fill this out so I can invite you to the appropriate conversation– https://forms.gle/Ezr6HF8WDUhu9cTU6

For those that reached out regarding your input on bills– thank you for reaching out. I tried to respond to all emails I received, if I did not get to yours in the last few days, I apologize. I hope you will participate in the Civic Chats this summer to give me your input or let me know your thoughts another way. Please continue to stay engaged this summer, stay safe and go outside. I’ll be sending newsletters periodically to share local events. I hope to see you at some of them. Happy summer!

Below is an update on bills we passed last week at the Capitol, information on important issues, and spotlights on events in the district. Below are some helpful links to click on to jump between sections.

• The Bill Bulletin
• The Community Calendar
• The District Diary
• The Bonus Bytes

There's a major victory in the budget implementer for residents of Hartford’s North End who have been plagued by flooded basements and sewage backups. Language included in the bill to implement the state budget will improve the sewer and water infrastructure in Hartford and will create the Hartford Sewerage System Repair and Improvement Fund. 

The legislation:

• Creates a grant program for property owners to receive funds because of flooding issues since 2021
• Allows the State Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to use Clean Water Fund dollars to improve water and sewer infrastructure in Hartford and requires monthly reports from the Metropolitan District Commission (MDC) on the progress of the improvements
• Requires the city of Hartford and the MDC to report on the progress of long term projects planned to improve the city’s sewer and water infrastructure

• SB 7: Secures energy predictability, affordability, and transparency for rate payers. This bill empowers PURA to look out for the rate payers in our state.
• HB 6664: Connecticut takes a big step towards sustainable waste management with the passage of H.B. 6664. This bill establishes a funding mechanism through the CT Green Bank for new waste disposal and food scrap diversion facilities.
• SB 972: Requires police officer training on strategies including crisis intervention and develops recommendations on how police officers and social workers can collaborate to help people with mental illness who are in crisis.
• SB 1162: This bill continues in the realm of getting communities together for roundtable and stakeholder meetings to deal with the growing issue of gun violence, particularly in our urban centers. SB 1162 establishes criteria for communities to have these meetings to collect accurate data about the community gun violence.
• SB 2: We’re continuing our focus on the mental, physical, and emotional wellness of children. SB 2 is part of a series of bills the General Assembly has passed over the last several years that focus on helping children meet all aspects of their needs.
• HB 6580: The affidavit residential property sellers must sign attesting to the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors is a complex document. HB 6580 simplifies the affidavit so sellers can be confident in the safety and compliance of the property.
• HB 6718: Prescription drugs that fall into the wrong hands can cause personal damage and or death. HB 6718 will direct pharmacies to affix warning labels on containers or packaging if the substance poses a danger to children and should be kept out of reach.

• SB 1088: Senior citizens are often the target of scammers and financial predators. This bill allows for qualified financial institutions to put a hold on suspicious transactions to protect seniors in cases where fraud is suspected and investigate further.
• SB 988: People who own mobile manufactured homes often don’t own the land under their homes. SB 988 would require mobile manufactured home park owners to give the park’s residents notice and an opportunity to purchase the park before completing a sale of the park.
• HB 6805: This bill expands the ability to install solar panels on condominiums and cooperatives and ensures swimming pools continue to be required to have fences around them and not just pool covers or alarms.
• HB 6741: Healthcare providers have some of the most important jobs in the country. This bill requires the Department of Public Health to take actions to discourage aggressive or violent behavior toward our healthcare providers.
• HB 6669: Is a sweeping measure that protect patients and prohibits unnecessary health care costs by promoting more equitable access. It establishes a drug discount card program, lowers prescription drug costs, allows for negotiating discounts with drug manufacturers, and centralizes drug purchasing.
• HB 6835: Makes changes to public health and vital record statutes to ensure that those working in healthcare are properly trained, licensed, and certified.
• HB 6567: Free speech is a fundamental right. That’s why H.B. 6567 requires the UConn Board of Trustees and the Board of Regents for Higher Education to develop policies protecting freedom of expression on campus while also ensuring a safe and respectful environment for all.
• SB 968: Requires all licensed security officers to undergo state and national criminal history records checks during license renewal.

• S.B. 1: Promotes transparency in school districts and helps foster equitable educational experiences for school communities by reevaluating disciplinary measures, conducting opt-in social climate surveys, and setting guidelines for training and documentation with local school boards.
• SB 984: This bill streamlines the state hiring process to make it easier for state agencies to hire qualified candidates and ensure that adequate staffing levels are achieved and maintained.
• HB 5314: Say goodbye to sneaky subscription charges! H.B. 5314 requires businesses to obtain your consent before charging your card for automatic renewals or continuous services. Plus, this bill makes it easier for you to opt out with toll-free phone numbers, email addresses, and online options.
• HB 5003: To protect students and provide a healthy and safe learning environment, HB 5003 seeks to update state laws around school climate and bullying. Additionally, this comprehensive bill aims to help recruit a more diverse teaching corps and improve transparency involving local school budgets.
• HB 6942: This bill authorizes state bonds for state capital projects and grant programs, including housing development and rehabilitation programs, school air quality improvement, school construction grants, economic development, and municipal aid programs.

• On Friday, June 16, from 8 am - 3 pm, the University of Hartford will host the National Safer Communities Summit, meant to discuss gun violence in America and discuss implementing the first major federal gun safety legislation in nearly 30 years. The event will feature Governor Ned Lamont, Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal, and even a keynote address from President Biden. Despite the progress Connecticut and our country has made on gun violence, our work is far from over.

• Sunday, June 18, 1 - 5 pm - 3rd Annual Juneteenth Celebration

Wrong Way Detection Systems may consist of radar, video, or thermal cameras that will be installed along off-ramps as the primary detection for wrong-way vehicles. The system will alert drivers that they are driving the wrong way by flashing red circular lights on the wrong-way signs. Connecticut State Police and CTDOT will be alerted if a driver continues the wrong way.

 

The design plans will likely be finalized at the end of the month. Click here to read more about the project.

Sincerely,

Maryam Khan