Moira Rader

It's hard to believe that another legislative session has come to a conclusion. In early May, we wrapped up our 2024 session work of committee meetings and hearings, bill drafting and floor voting on various bills brought before the General Assembly. It was a busy, important few months of hard work, collaboration and focus on the needs of Connecticut. I’m proud of what we were able to accomplish, while also cognizant that not every initiative we brought forth saw ultimate success. We had to make compromises among the budget constraints and fiscal “guardrails” put in place to keep our financial house in order. Yet, we made important investments in higher education, our aging population, early childhood care and education, and our non-profit partners. We passed important legislation to support public education, public health needs, environmental initiatives and our elections.
 
It's always disappointing to see certain bills fail to get over the proverbial finish line. But those losses were counterbalanced with important successes. It also fuels our focus to continue working and building consensus around the issues that matter most to all of you. The work doesn't stop simply because we are not in session. Instead, we can take this time between now and January to recalibrate our efforts and develop the legislative concepts that will best represent your voices.
 
As always, your ideas and concerns are my priority. Please don’t hesitate to reach out. I would love to hear from you!

With gratitude,

Among the bills that passed:

PA 24-19 (SB 1) - This omnibus public health bill passed with bipartisan support in both chambers. The bill's goal is to improve the health and safety of Connecticut residents. A small but important section of this bill was inspired by my work and friendship with Kristin and Mike Song. In this section of the law, healthcare providers will be required to provide gun safety information to all patients at their annual appointments. In drafting this language, it was my hope that utilizing the annual physical would be a wonderful way to make the largest connection to the most people regarding safe gun storage, which is the primary component of Ethan's Law.

Ethan’s Law was inspired by Ethan Song, who died by gunshot at the young age of 15, due to access to an unsecured firearm at the home of his friend. In creating this educational opportunity, my hope is that this legislation enables more families and gun owners to better understand Ethan’s Law and our shared responsibility to ensure guns are always securely stored.

PA 24-39 (HB 5001) - A priority bill in the House, this legislation supports Connecticut seniors and improves nursing home and home-based care. 

PA 24-91 (HB 5002) - A House priority bill focused on early childhood care and education, this bill seeks to establish (1) the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund and advisory commission and specify funding for said fund, (2) a Tri-Share Child Care Matching Program in New London County, and (3) for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, a wage supplement and childcare program enhancement grant program.

PA 24-141 (HB 5046) - The House and Senate both passed this bill which will make nursing home living more humane and comfortable for its residents. 

PA 24-41 (HB 5436) - In an effort to update the teaching certification process, the legislature made important changes to the teacher certification laws. The legislation also expands those eligible for the alternate route to certification (ARC) program. These changes were supported by various education advocates and will ensure that Connecticut continues to have the best and most qualified educators in our schools.

PA 24-148 (HB 5498) - Modifies procedures for acquiring absentee ballot applications, as well as requires town clerks to track how a ballot is received (by mail, drop box, or in person), and report information to the Secretary of the State. The bill also requires municipalities to make video recordings of absentee drop boxes during elections and release the recordings to the public.  

PA 24-110 (HB 5198) - Makes permanent certain temporary expanded requirements for telehealth service delivery and insurance coverage that was scheduled to sunset under prior law on June 30, 2024. The act expands the list of authorized telehealth providers to include all Connecticut licensed health care providers and pharmacists.

I also have to report that the climate bill - HB 5004 - passed in the House but was not called for a vote in the Senate. I was proud to work on this important legislation with an invested team of Environment Committee colleagues. We will absolutely continue to advocate for this critical legislation in the future.

To better understand the bills that passed or failed this year, you can read this comprehensive list of bills HERE or HERE to review the Office of Legislative Research's Major Public Acts Report. These are both wonderful resources to better understand the legislation that came out of the Connecticut 2024 session.

Grant funding awarded to these projects can be allocated for a wide variety of purposes, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways, as well as for equipment and trail amenities, such as parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.

Sgt. Maynard, who hailed from Torrington, CT, is interred at Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery in France.

The event the following day featured visits from Lt. Gov. Bysiewicz, Treasurer Russell, and Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. I was honored to address the community, speaking about the importance of belonging. As I stated, “True belonging doesn't require you to change who you are; it only requires you to be exactly who you are. Belongingness entails an unwavering commitment to not simply tolerating and respecting difference, but to ensuring that all people are welcome and feel that they belong.”

Both town celebrations were incredible gatherings of love and support.