Local Updates and Weekly Happenings

June 14, 2023


 
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Hey Neighbors,

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
 
Session Recap Video
The 2023 Legislative Session was unlike any other. Take a look back at the ups, downs, smiles and several moments of bipartisanship. It was an honor to serve you. 
Year in Review 2023
 
Budget Breakdown
Sustainable, Responsible, Record Tax Cuts, and much more...
We passed a new two-year state budget!
 
Hartford Sewerage System Repair and Improvement Fund

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
 
Bills Passed Monday, June 5
The House passed a number of great bills in the final days of session. You can read about them all below, and watch this great session recap video!
  • 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.
Bills Passed Tuesday, June 6
  • 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.
Bills Passed Wednesday, June 7
  • 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.
The Community Calendar
 
Hartford
  • 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.

 

 
Windsor
Saturday, June 17, at 10 am - Sunday, June 18, at 4 pm - Strawberry Festival
Friday, June 16, 5 - 7:30 pm - Black History Jeopardy
Saturday, June 17, noon - 4 pm - Tobacco Worker Reunion
Saturday, June 17, 5 - 7 pm - Performing Arts & Spoken Word
Sunday, June 18, 10 - 11:30 am - Juneteenth Sunday Celebration
Monday, June 19, 2 - 5 pm - Juneteenth Celebration on the Town Green
 
South Windsor
Saturday, June 17, 9 am - noon - Farmers Market
 
The District Diary
 
Jubilee Juneteenth Celebration
2023 Jubilee Juneteenth Celebration with the Hartford Sigmas:
 
Celebration with Helen Nixon
I joined Ms. Helen Nixon to congratulate her on her 85th birthday and for the renaming of Sunset street to “Helen B.Robertson Nixon Way”. Ms. Nixon is a living legend in the Windsor and Hartford community, a shining example of service and what it means to one for the people.
 
Wrong Way Detection Systems
The Connecticut Department of Transportation recently announced a project that will help keep our roads safer. The department has begun designing Wrong Way Detection Systems, which will be installed at 42 limited access highway off-ramps, including two in Hartford, one in South Windsor, and five in Windsor.

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.

 
Bonus Bytes
 
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Board Vacancy
Connecticut's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection this week reissued a notice that they are looking to fill a spot on their Energy Efficiency Board. The board member should represent an environmental group knowledgeable in energy conservative program collaboratives. If you think you or someone you know are a good fit for this position, I highly encourage you to apply! Applications close June 27, and you can read more about the position here.
PTSD Awareness Month
Do you have 30 seconds? Help spread the word about warning signs and symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in honor of #PTSDAwarenessMonth. 

CT Crisis Services: 
For adults in distress who are 18 years of age or older
Available 24/7, 365 days a year
Call 1-800-HOPE-135 (1-800.467.3135) or 2-1-1

CT Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Trauma Initiative: shorturl.at/CNQ07
What is PTSD?
 
Summer Food Service Program
During the school year, nutritious meals are available through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP). These programs end when school ends for the summer.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) helps fill the hunger gap by providing nutritious meals and snacks for children ages 18 and younger.

Find no-cost meals for all kids, all summer: endhungerct.org/services/summer-meals/
 
CT Interstate Fire Crew in Nova Scotia
Thank you to the CT’s Interstate Fire Crew, coordinated by DEEP’s Forestry Division, for their heroic actions in battling the wildfires in Nova Scotia. Stay safe! #CTHeroes

Learn more about the Connecticut Interstate Fire Crew here: shorturl.at/cnHK6
 
If you have any issues, concerns, or feedback, I would love to hear from you! Please feel free to contact me at 860-240-8585 if you ever need anything or by email at maryam.khan@cga.ct.gov.

Sincerely,

Maryam Khan

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