Michelle L. Cook

Our electoral rights are the foundation of our democracy, but as personal schedules become more and more rigid, voters are less able to make it to the polls. Or when they do, they get discouraged by the long lines on Election Day.

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week and I wanted to remind everyone to "Obey the Orange." Department of Transportation studies found that the top reason why cars crashed in work zones is because vehicles follow too closely.

Connecticut residents have expressed their frustration at the effects of rising prescription drug costs, so we heard your concerns and proposed HB 7174.

Late Tuesday morning, the legislature’s Human Services Committee unanimously voted to move legislation increasing minimum staffing levels in Connecticut nursing homes from 1.9 hours per patient to 2.3 hours per patient for a vote in the General Assembly.

Last week, the state took its first step in potentially introducing a Paid Family Medical Leave program. House Bill 5003, An Act Implementing a Paid Family Medical Leave Program, came before the Labor and Public Employee Committee for a Public Hearing.

State Representative Michelle Cook and Representative-Elect Maria Horn would like to commend the State’s Nonprofit Grant Program grant award totaling $171,000 to the McCall Foundation in Torrington.

Rep. Michelle Cook has been appointed as Deputy Speaker, and as a member of the Education Committee, Human Services Committee, Joint Committee on Legislative Management and Public Health Committee.

With the coming New Year, it might be a good time to drop some bad habits and improve your health, and if you're a smoker, the Charlotte Hungerford Hospital will be offering its "Freedom From Smoking" cessation program in January to help you kick the habit.