Updates from State Rep. Travis Simms for Jan. 30, 2025

January 30, 2025


 
I understand there is a lot of uncertainty, anxiety and concern over the recent attempt by the federal government to pause non-defense and Social Security spending, as well as the ramping up of arrests of immigrants in our communities.

What I can say for sure is my colleagues and I will continue to fight to improve the lives of the residents of South Norwalk and the state.

Toward that end, scroll down and learn more about your rights and what we are doing at the Capitol this legislative session.
 
Trust Act
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.

Please scroll down to view the document.
 
Advice from the ACLU
Regardless of your immigration status, you have guaranteed rights under the Constitution.  The ACLU of Connecticut has prepared a comprehensive Immigrants' Rights & Resources Guide below. 

Learn more about your rights as an immigrant here and here.
 
Diaper Bank Funding
Rep. Gillian Gilchrest, House Chair of the Human Services Committee, was joined by Rep. Aundre Bumgardner to advocate for legislation providing Medicaid coverage for diapers to help struggling families obtain necessities to care for babies and young children.

The following was cited at the press conference:
  • Nearly one in two families struggle to afford diapers, which cost about 22% more than they did in 2018, to keep their babies clean, dry, and healthy. 
  • When a family lacks access to diapers it impacts their health and well-being as well as their parent’s mental health. 
  • Children under the age of 1 make up 40% of urinary tract infection hospitalizations. 
  • The savings will offset the cost of medical care, which impacts parents not being able to work while their children are being treated. 
  • Vermont, Delaware, Tennessee, and Minnesota have gone the route of Medicaid coverage for diapers.

I join my colleagues in support of this measure.
 
Improved Medicaid Reimbursement
On Tuesday, House and Senate Democratic leaders 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. One goal is to have providers brought up to a 75% to 80% reimbursement rate. Another goal is to create a system of automatic increases so issues like this don't keep recurring.

Increasing Medicaid reimbursement rates is a worthy investment, and that’s the type of good work we’re going to keep doing here in Connecticut.
 
Happy New Year!
Happy Lunar New Year!

2025 marks the Year of the Snake, symbolizing wisdom, intuition, and transformation.

May this year bring clarity, growth, and prosperity to all who celebrate.
 
Save the Date
There's nothing I like more than reading to young kids.

For Black History Month, I will be doing reading story time on Sunday, Feb. 23,  at 9:30 a.m. at Stepping Stones Museum for Children, 303 West Ave. The reading is part of the museum's Black History Celebration, which is taking place Feb. 21 to 23. 

Save the dates and I hope to see you there!
 
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