New Voting Machines, Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors, and Arthritis Foundation's 75th Anniversary

September 29, 2023


The state is making a big investment in new voting machines. I will let you know how the new technology will ensure safe and fair elections.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Keep scrolling to find out what resources are available to survivors and victims.

And, we celebrated the Arthritis Foundation's 75th anniversary on "Let's Talk About It." You can listen to the entire show below!
 
New Voting Machines

You may notice some changes the next time you go the polls because the state is investing $25 million for new voting machines. The Connecticut State Bond Commission approved the funding last week because the existing machines are beginning to show signs of aging.

It's estimated the state will buy several thousand traditional ballot-counting tabulators and dozens of high-speed tabulators used to count absentee ballots in elections and primaries.

It is vital to give election workers modern equipment to accurately count ballots in a timely manner. This funding will give them the necessary tools to make sure elections run smoothly.

The Office of the Secretary of the State will begin the process of searching for a manufacturer to supply the equipment. Once the new machines are here, the state will provide the equipment to every municipality including Windham, and the existing equipment will be retired.

This is the first time there will be a statewide replacement of all its voting machines in the past 17 years. We switched from machines with a lever to a machine that reads paper ballots in 2006.
 
Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is a public health crisis. Here in Connecticut, we are committed to fighting for survivors and victims by enacting critical change through legislation.

If you're a victim of domestic violence, reach out because there are people who could save your life.

For 24/7 support, call/text (888) 774-2900 or e-mail CTSafeConnect.org.
 
Let's Talk About It: Arthritis Foundation's 75th Anniversary

We celebrated the Arthritis Foundation’s 75th anniversary on my weekly public affairs show, “Let’s Talk About It.” Paula Haney, a longtime volunteer and advocacy chair in Connecticut with the foundation, discussed the most common types of arthritis, how to treat the disease, and a new push to expand legislation to help patients.

I presented Haney a citation in September congratulating the Arthritis Foundation for all its work between medical improvements and physical therapy to help people with arthritis live healthier lives. The Connecticut General Assembly wishes the foundation continued success!

Haney, who also works as a physical therapist, explained that osteoarthritis is the most common type. It is a degenerative joint disease caused mainly by wear and tear. According to Haney, weight fluctuation can also affect osteoarthritis. Other patients suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, which is an autoimmune disease that affects adults and children.

If you have arthritis, there are several ways to treat your condition. It's important to maintain mobility, and Haney recommends walking with a supportive shoe on a trail or track, which is easier on the joints. Make sure you follow a routine to build or maintain muscle strength, and do no jump into heavy resistance stretching that will put strain on muscles and joints.

We also discussed the Arthritis Foundation's advocacy and push to pass new legislation. In 2023, Connecticut became one of the first states to create a law limiting step therapy use. This is a health insurance protocol where insurance companies generally require patients to try less expensive drugs before higher cost drugs that were prescribed by a doctor. The law will take effect on January 1, 2024. CLICK HERE to learn more. More health advocates are urging lawmakers to pass this law on a federal level.

Please click below to listen to the entire show!
Paula Haney talks about the Arthritis Foundation's 75th anniversary.