Wrapping Up February

February 25, 2025
I want to start this with an honest and empathetic message to those of you feeling overwhelmed by the actions taking place on the federal level. There are a lot of reasons to feel uneasy and fearful of the chaos that is playing out on a daily cycle at the hands of the current administration. Many of you have reached out to me with concerns for your loved ones, your freedoms, and your rights as Americans. Some of my constituents are navigating the loss of programs or benefits that are critical to their ability to support themselves or their families. Parents are worried about our public schools and the threats to programming centered on creating equitable, diverse, and inclusive learning communities. Seniors are wondering how they will navigate if their prescription costs skyrocket or their social security benefits are put in jeopardy. These are only a few examples of the many conversations, emails, and communications I have had in just the past few weeks. It is understandable and I am grateful that so many of you feel comfortable in reaching out to me for information and support.

While my role as a state representative does not individually empower me to change directly much of the chaos being wielded by the federal government, we in the legislature have the ability to put strong legislation in place here in Connecticut, consult with our Attorney General regarding his office’s work to combat concerning executive orders, and communicate with our congressional leaders to advocate for their swift and steady action to fight the many unconstitutional executive orders.

But, beyond all of these actions, I want to share this consideration: protect your peace. Be discerning about the amount and source of information you consume. Whether it be a news outlet, social media, website, or published article, please grant yourself permission to limit how much of your mental bandwidth you give to this consumption. This administration is intent on overwhelming Americans, and we need to be diligent in staying focused while also preserving our well-being.

Many of you have asked what you can do to help. How can you best support those working to protect our freedoms and democracy that feel so fragile right now? My suggestion is to choose an issue or action that you care about. Be focused and give your energy to the organizations, action groups, non-profits, or issues that matter most to you and where your support can be most effective. Choose an issue (or two) that connects with you and use the power of your voice to amplify that issue.

My plan, as always, is to stay in close communication with all of you. I will keep you updated on our work here in the legislature, while also connecting on federal issues that may impact our state. Most importantly, I remain steadfast in being your resource for support, representation, and collaboration. We are in this together.
With gratitude,
State Representative Moira Rader
 
Mid-Session Community Forum
Please join us at the newly rescheduled community forum on Tuesday, March 4. 
 
Celebrating Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and in our communities today. Let’s reflect, learn, and continue striving for equity and justice for all.
 
Social Media Press Conference Focuses on Unnecessary Exposure
to Harmful & Addictive Algorithms 
 
Earlier this month, I joined a number of my fellow legislators and Attorney General William Tong to discuss legislation proposed by AG Tong to prohibit social media companies from exposing minors to harmful and addictive algorithms and notifications without parental consent.

The legislation, modeled after similar measures in New York, California, and Utah, would also establish a series of default settings regarding account privacy, time of use, and notifications, including barring notifications between midnight and 6 a.m. and limiting social media use to one hour per day. Parental consent would be required to alter the default settings.

You can read more about it HERE in CT NewsJunkie.
 
Take My Survey
My greatest accomplishments are always rooted in the priorities and ideas shared by our community. Your input drives the work we do together. I’d love to hear what issues matter most to you and what you think I should focus on next. Click HERE or on the graphic above to take a quick survey and share your thoughts!
 
Enhancing Survivor Benefits for Families of State Employees
Killed in the Line of Duty
On January 28, the House and Senate voted on two emergency certification bills. One of the bills was inspired by the tragic line-of-duty deaths last year of two Connecticut state employees, including a trooper from the Connecticut State Police and an employee from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Because of their ages and years of service, neither of those state employees were eligible to receive pensions at the time of their deaths. The change ratified by the legislature today means that both surviving families in those instances will begin receiving survivor benefits, based on their individual eligibility circumstances.
 
Additionally, this change will apply to all future situations in which a state employee who was not eligible to receive a pension is killed in the line of duty.
 
Increasing Medicaid Reimbursement Rates
We understand what's going on nationally, but we can't stop doing our jobs for the people of Connecticut and that starts with putting forward good public policy. House and Senate Democratic leaders have announced a legislative proposal to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for providers, which is long overdue. A recent state Medicaid Rate Study found that Connecticut lags well behind peer states when paying providers under Connecticut’s Medicaid program. Many areas of care are currently reimbursed at the same levels they were in 2007.

Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here.
 
Guidance for K-12 Public Schools Regarding Immigration Activity
The Connecticut State Department of Education has issued a guidance document to every K-12 public school district in response to questions regarding the impact that recent changes in policy guidance from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security pertaining to immigration enforcement activities may have on school operations, student privacy, and the safeguarding of students while in school.
 
New Program to Expand Access to Contraception in CT
The training program, developed by the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy, received final approval this week from the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection. The continuing education program is expected to take four hours to complete and is optional for all pharmacists.

There are 671 licensed pharmacies and more than 6,500 licensed pharmacists in the state who are eligible to complete the course and begin offering this service.

In addition, the state’s first vending machines providing access to emergency contraception and other over-the-counter medications are also now available in Connecticut.
 
CTDOL Introduces Resource for Federal Employees & Contractors
on Unpaid Administrative Leave 
The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has introduced a valuable new resource for federal employees and contractors who have recently lost their jobs or been placed on unpaid administrative leave. These individuals can now apply for unemployment benefits through a dedicated page on the CTDOL website, streamlining access to financial assistance during this challenging time.

Eligibility for benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that each applicant’s unique circumstances are carefully considered. CTDOL encourages affected workers to explore this resource and apply as soon as possible to receive the support they may be entitled to.
Learn More & Begin Your Application
 
CTDOT Developing Plans for a Roundabout in Branford & East Haven

CTDOT is developing plans to replace the existing signalized intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Route 100 with a single-lane roundabout in Branford and East Haven.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is developing plans to replace the existing signalized intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Route 100 with a single-lane roundabout in Branford and East Haven. The goal of the project is to improve intersection safety and address maintenance of the adjacent rock slope.

The present schedule indicates that the design will be completed in March 2027, with construction anticipated to start in Fall 2027, assuming acceptance of the project, availability of funding, and receipt of any required right-of-way and environmental permits.  This project will be undertaken with eighty percent (80%) Federal funds and twenty percent (20%) State funds.

If anyone has any questions or comments on this project, contact Mr. Scott Bushee, P.E., Principal Engineer, at (860) 594-2079 or by e-mail at scott.bushee@ct.gov.   Please make reference to State Project No. 0043-0133.
 
Women's Business Development Council Grant Applications Open
The Women's Business Development Council (WBDC) has announced the next round of the Ignite and Child Care Business Grant Programs. 

The Ignite Grant Program is designed to help women-owned businesses grow. The program offers grants of up to $10,000 to women-owned businesses in Connecticut that have been in business for 2 or more years and have revenues between $25K and $2 million. Since the start of the program, we have distributed 365 grants of over $3.3 million to women-owned businesses in Connecticut. The application period for this grant runs from February 3 through March 10. You can find additional information on Ignite HERE.

The Child Care Business Opportunity Fund, offered in partnership with the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood (OEC), provides grants of up to $25,000 to qualified licensed and aspiring childcare businesses. The program offers grants targeting different stages of business, from start-ups to those ready to expand. Since this program was launched in 2020, more than $7.5 million has been awarded to childcare businesses in every corner of Connecticut. The Child Care Business grants application period runs through March 3. More information on Child Care Business Opportunity Fund grants is available HERE.

Information sessions for both grant programs are scheduled throughout the application periods. These sessions will help applicants understand the grant requirements and provide an opportunity for those interested to ask questions about the grants. Interested applicants can register for a live information session HERE.
 
BPS School Facilities Master Plan Upcoming Events
 
Guilford Youth & Family Services Hosts Mother & Daughter Night Out
To register or for more information or to register, click HERE. 
 
Suicide Prevention Training for Adults
 
To register or for more information, click HERE.