Bigg News - 4.17.25

April 17, 2025



Dear Neighbor,

Despite what the snow last weekend wants us to think, spring is upon us. So is the East Hartford and Manchester Interactive Discussion. I will be involved in this discussion along with fellow lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Jason Rojas.

I hope you can stop by CT State Community College in Manchester on Tuesday, April 22nd, for what is sure to be an enlightening event. Please scroll down for more details, as well as the topics in this week's newsletter, which include:

  • Around the Capitol
  • Interactive Budget Discussion Tuesday in Manchester
  • Taking on a Barrage of Illegal Orders
  • No Can-Do
  • It's Black Maternal Health Week
  • Attention: Health Event on May 10th - Please Share!
  • Cancer Screenings for Firefighters
  • April is Arab Heritage Month
  • Autism: Raising Awareness @ The Capitol on April 28th
  • Senior Day @ The Capitol on May 8th
  • Game on: Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is May 12th
  • Car Seat Distribution in Manchester on May 18th
  • Health Resources
  • Resources for our Seniors
  • Resources for Veterans
  • Upcoming Events in East Hartford, Manchester


Happy Easter! 

Patrick 

 
Around the Capitol
 
Interactive Budget Discussion Tuesday in Manchester

I hope you can join me and fellow lawmakers, including House Majority Leader Jason Rojas, for an East Hartford & Manchester Interactive Budget Discussion in the Great Path Academy Common Room at CT State Community College. Please see the flyer below for more details.

 I hope you can attend!
 
Taking on Barrage of Illegal Orders

Lawmakers and advocates, including representatives from the Connecticut Bar Association and the ACLU of Connecticut, recently held a news conference to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding Connecticut's immigrant and LGBTQ+ communities.

I am also in full support of their pledge to protect our judicial branch from the harmful onslaught of illegal executive orders from the White House that undermine the Constitution and the rule of law.
State Rep. Steve Stafstrom (D-Bridgeport)

We will not allow the President to ignore the orders of our courts. We are committed to defending a valid, independent, and coequal judiciary here in Connecticut. What we are witnessing today is nothing short of a crisis within our judicial branch, and I will continue to stand strong with my colleagues in its defense.
 
No Can-Do

Folks, it's simple: Connecticut cannot afford the chaos from Republicans in Washington!
 
It's Black Maternal Health Week

State Representative Kai Belton, Chair of the Black Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, is at the forefront of efforts to tackle the stark disparities in maternal health outcomes for Black women. Hear how we're taking action this session with HB 7214 - An Act Concerning Maternal Health.
 
 
Attention: Health Event on May 10th โ€“ Please Share!

I wanted to make you aware of an important event happening on May 10th, which offers valuable health services, including on-site mobile mammograms.

Many people face challenges when it comes to accessing these essential health services, and this event aims to help. If youโ€™d like to schedule a mammogram, please text your name and age to (860) 839-4570.

Please, feel free to share this information with anyone you think might benefit from this opportunity! Thank you for helping spread the word and support to our community!
 
Cancer Screenings For Firefighters

Due to repeated exposure to smoke, toxic chemicals, and carcinogens in the line of duty, evidence has shown that firefighters have a greater prevalence of cancer than the general population. These heroes have high-risk jobs and keep our communities safe - the last thing they need to worry about is navigating their healthcare.
 
I am pleased to announce that beginning May 1, 2025, the State of Connecticut will expand the benefits it provides to firefighters to include free, enhanced cancer screenings. That means More than 900 firefighters enrolled in the state employee health plan and Partnership Plan will now have free access to a comprehensive, full-body scan once every two years.
 
Early detection is key to achieving successful treatment outcomes, and these regular screenings will help keep individuals healthy and at ease.
 
๏ธPlease note: Any firefighter enrolled in the state employee health plan or Partnership Plan seeking more information can visit carecompass.ct.gov to connect with a representative, schedule an appointment, and find providers in their area.
 
April is Arab American Heritage Month

Let's recognize and celebrate the cultures and history of our Arab American friends!
 
Autism: Raising Awareness @ The Capitol April 28th
 
Senior Day @ The Capitol on May 8th
 
Game on: Fourth Annual CGA Kickball Classic is May 12th

The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together to support Connecticut Foodshare!
 
Donโ€™t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic.
๐Ÿ“… May 12, 2025
โฐ 4:30 PM
๐Ÿ“ Dunkinโ€™ Park in Hartford
๐ŸŽŸ๏ธ $10
Grab your ticket HERE.

This is a fun watch. I would love to see you.
 
Car Seat Distribution in Manchester on May 18th

Need a car seat? You won't want to miss General Love Connections' Car Distribution event at Northwest Park on the Tolland Turnpike in Manchester, on Sunday, May 18th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Online pre-registration is required. Please see the flyer below for more details.
 
Health Resources

Please take advantage of this free program that can save you up to 80% off certain prescriptions at nearly all pharmacies in the state. There's no cost, age restriction, or income restriction to join. To sign up, please click here.

Visit the ArrayRx website and enter your name, email address, birth date, home address, and zip code. After signing up, you will be emailed a digital discount card.

For more information on ArrayRx, including a drug price lookup tool, visit arrayrxcard.com.
 
Resources For Our Seniors

For a list of local and state resources, please check out the links below.

 
Resources For Veterans

Please see several resources available for veterans,

Hotlines

  • Toll-Free 24/7 Referral Services: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387)
  • VA Suicide Prevention Hotline: 988 then Press 1 or Text 838255 

Resources

For more information, visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

 
Upcoming Events in East Hartford, Manchester

Click on the image below for upcoming events in East Hartford. 

Click on the image below for a look at upcoming events in Manchester.

Sincerely,

Patrick Biggins
State Representative

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