Robin Comey

I hope this email finds you and your family well. There is a lot happening both around town and at the Capitol!

This week is Civic Learning Week. I encourage you to take part in events happening across the state as we work to preserve and strengthen our constitutional democracy.

There is plenty to get to in the email below, so make sure to keep scrolling for more on:

• Around Town
• Early Voting Change Clarification
• Stay Informed and Follow Along
• Civic Learning Week
• Celebrating Women's History Month
• Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
• Community Events

Thank you to the Nepali community for the invitation to join their annual Holi celebration on the Branford Green. Holi, the Festival of Colors, is a Hindu celebration that honors the eternal and divine love between the deities Radha and Krishna and symbolizes the triumph of good over evil.

This past week marked International Women’s Day, and over the weekend I had the opportunity to join in this important time of recognition and advocacy.

I had the absolute honor of meeting the remarkable Auður Magnúsdóttir, who leads the Icelandic Women’s Rights Association. It was a powerful reminder that Iceland has ranked #1 on the Global Gender Gap Index for 14 years in a row. That’s what a true commitment to gender equality looks like.

I also learned so much from the staged musical reading of “She’s Got to Make This Work,” a powerful story about Ella Grasso and her lasting impact on Connecticut and on history. Written by Branford’s own Linda Ross Meyer, this musical beautifully honors Ella Grasso and her legacy.

To cap off this extraordinary weekend, I attended Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s Women’s Power Brunch, featuring the incomparable Senator Elizabeth Warren—a formidable alliance of two legends and a memorable day I will cherish.

This weekend was a reminder that the fight for equality is ongoing—and the women leading that fight are nothing short of exceptional.

Thank you to every woman who has dared to lead, inspire, and light the way.

I joined Fair Haven Community Health Care for a Legislative Breakfast to learn more about the important work they are doing to serve families across our region.

In addition to their New Haven services, they operate Shoreline Family Health Care in Branford and partner with Yale New Haven Hospital to provide school-based health services for Branford Public Schools.

Shoreline Family Health Care is an outstanding resource in Branford, offering comprehensive services including primary care, pediatrics, and behavioral health. They also ensure that care is accessible to everyone by serving uninsured and underinsured individuals and providing treatment regardless of a patient’s ability to pay.

Through a sliding fee scale based on income and family size, as well as assistance with insurance enrollment, they help make healthcare more affordable and accessible. In addition, they operate an on-site pharmacy that offers more affordable medication options and is open to all.

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Branford Voices at the Harrison House for a thoughtful conversation about the exciting work ahead for the Branford Historical Society. As our nation begins commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States, the Society is launching the Narrative Project, an initiative dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the stories that have shaped Branford’s past and continue to define our community today.

It was an engaging discussion about the importance of local history, the power of personal narratives, and how community voices help bring the past to life in meaningful ways. Projects like this ensure that the diverse experiences and memories of Branford residents become part of the historical record for future generations.

Under Senate Bill 298, which we in the legislature passed and the governor signed into law, there is an important update to Connecticut’s early voting process.

For voters who participate in early voting, ballots will now be inserted directly into the counting tabulator, just as they are on Election Day. The tabulator will record the ballot immediately, but the results will not be accessible or tallied during the early voting period.

At the end of each early voting day, election officials will remove the ballots from the tabulator’s storage compartment and place them in a secure vault located in either the Registrar of Voters’ office or the Town Clerk’s office. Registrars are not permitted to access or tally the tabulator results until Election Day.

This process ensures ballots are securely stored while maintaining the same tabulation method used on Election Day.

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. 

Governor Ned Lamont has officially proclaimed March 9–13 as Civic Learning Week in the state of Connecticut. This nationwide initiative highlights the vital role of civic education and engagement in preserving and strengthening our constitutional democracy.

By focusing on deepening public understanding of democratic values, rights, and responsibilities, this effort aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools needed to actively participate in democratic processes.

Through diverse educational programs, discussions, and events, Civic Learning Week fosters a collective commitment to upholding the principles of justice, equality, and freedom that are central to a thriving, inclusive society. Ultimately, it seeks to ensure the health and vitality of democracy for generations to come.

Click here for a list of in-person and virtual programs that you can take part in throughout the week.

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the remarkable contributions women have made to our communities, our state, and our nation. Here in Connecticut, countless women have shaped our history through leadership, innovation, advocacy, and perseverance.

While this month offers a special opportunity to reflect, their stories deserve to be honored all year long. From historic homes and museums to landmarks connected to groundbreaking achievements and social movements, our state is rich with places that preserve and share the legacy of women who helped shape Connecticut’s past and future.

Take some time to explore these meaningful sites and learn more about the women behind them.

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, a time to recognize the strengths, talents, and contributions of individuals with developmental disabilities while also raising awareness about the challenges they may face.

There are many ways to show support during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. You can:

• engage in meaningful conversations
• share stories and experiences
• amplify the voices of people with lived experience
• help break down stereotypes and misconceptions

Supporting local organizations, advocating for inclusive policies, and ensuring that schools and workplaces are welcoming to people of all abilities are also important steps. By working together, we can build a more inclusive society where everyone, regardless of ability, is valued, respected, and empowered.