With the legislative session underway, I’m pleased to introduce my new intern, Jibreel, a senior at UConn and a substitute teacher in West Hartford Public Schools. He is also a former high school student of my colleague, State Representative Kevin Brown.
As House Democratic Chair of the Internship Committee, it’s especially rewarding to help collegiate leaders gain firsthand experience in how state government works, and to benefit from their energy and contributions throughout the session.
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It's easier than ever to follow along and get involved. There are several resources you can utilize that will help you stay updated on the legislative process as it unfolds in Hartford.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
- The Office of Legislative Research (OLR) provides nonpartisan and unbiased research to members of the General Assembly and its staff. Part of OLR's duties include writing bill analyses, which are summaries of bills in plain language.
- You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, press conferences, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
- Click here to register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change.
- Click here for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
Together, we can ensure all voices are heard.
Also, there are two training opportunities from our Commission on Women, Children, Seniors, Equity, and Opportunity to learn more.
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In between committee meetings this week, I was able to attend the 50th Anniversary of 211 in Connecticut in recognition of National 211 Day. For five decades, 211 has served as a vital lifeline for residents seeking help and guidance during times of need. Operated by the United Way, 211 handles more than 1 million requests each year for assistance with food, housing, utility support, healthcare access, and crisis intervention.
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Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 211 provides free and confidential support, connecting individuals and families to essential health and human services in communities across the state. Trained specialists assess each caller’s needs and link them to local resources, ensuring that help is accessible, compassionate, and responsive. Contact 211 anytime here.
Also, I hosted the 2nd Annual CT Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Day at the Capitol with schools across the state including from Newington.
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FBLA is the largest business career and technical student organization in the nation, and here in Connecticut we are fortunate to have more than 90 active chapters.
I had the opportunity to meet inspiring high school students who are teaching middle schoolers the importance of financial literacy, organizing meaningful career exploration and budgeting activities for their peers, and representing Connecticut at competitive business events across the country. Their leadership, initiative, and commitment to learning were truly impressive.
It is vital that we continue to support these students as they build real-world skills and prepare for future careers. FBLA Day was a wonderful opportunity to showcase their talents, highlight the impact of career and technical education, and connect students with legislators from across the state. I’m grateful to everyone who helped make this day such a success.
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As a member of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, I want to share that our first hearing is next Tuesday. We are holding a public hearing for SB 8, legislation to address federal cuts to student loan programs and HB 5159 a bill I've been working on to support our local press organizations with a journalism fellowship program for recent graduates. You can tune-in to listen on CT-N, and sign-up to testify before Monday at 3:00 p.m. at this link: cga.ct.gov/hed/
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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In Connecticut, we protect access to abortion as essential reproductive healthcare. The Abortion Hotline offers confidential information and legal resources for Connecticut residents seeking an abortion, for patients traveling to Connecticut for care, and for organizations that support these patients. Know your rights and learn more here.
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Access Health CT is committed to reducing health disparities across Connecticut. To support this mission, a free Broker Academy training program is being offered to empower community members and organizations to drive positive change. Participants will receive comprehensive training, have their exam fees covered, and be paired with a mentor, ensuring support at every step of the journey.
Minimum requirements to apply:
- 18 years or older
- High school diploma or GED
- 1-3 recommendation letters Community service experience
- Preference will be given to applicants who reside or work in underserved areas
Click here for more information and to sign up for notifications.
For questions, email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov
Click here to sign up for a virtual Broker Academy Info Session, multiple dates available.
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Black History Month is a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember that Black history is American history.
In Connecticut, we have a rich history of Black Americans shaping our communities. I encourage you to explore the following resources to learn more about Black History in Connecticut and to attend local events taking place over the next month:
The State of Connecticut published a piece about why we celebrate Black History Month, resources to learn more about this history, and events.
The Connecticut Tourism Office detailed the various landmarks and museums you can visit to explore Black History in Connecticut, along with events throughout the month.
Black History is something to be celebrated by all Connecticut residents, and I hope you'll look through these wonderful resources.
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Celebrate our nation's 250th anniversary with the Flags of America Showcase. This family-friendly event is held on Sunday, February 15 from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium. Admission is free.
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Come out on Monday, February 23, at 10:30 a.m. to the Newington Senior Center (120 Cedar Street) for the 81st Iwo Jima Flag-Raising Remembrance. This meaningful ceremony provides an opportunity for our community to come together in reflection and gratitude. Everyone is welcome to attend and pay tribute to these American heroes.
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