Robyn A. Porter

State lawmakers were happy to sit with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. for a legislative breakfast in Hartford last week!

This past Thursday in our Appropriations Committee meeting we had a bill that was referred from the Human Services Committee, "HB5454: An Act Concerning Mental Health for Young Children and Their Caregivers" come before us.

I don't know if you have been following along in the process of hiring an independent ombudsman for the Department of Corrections. I have been because the issue is close to my heart.

This legislation was made possible by a state Constitutional amendment approved by a wide majority of Connecticut voters in 2022. It will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts.

I wanted to inform you about the upcoming Newhallville Community Meeting that will take place on Thursday, March 21, at Lincoln Bassett School, which is located at 130 Bassett Street in New Haven. The meeting will start at 6 p.m.

You are cordially invited to join me and my colleagues for a conversation on solutions and resources related to maternal care for women of color on Wednesday, March 20th, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in Room 1E of the Legislative Office Building, 300 Capitol Ave., Hartford.

As you know, I sit on the Judiciary Committee and we've been very busy during the 2024 Legislative session. That includes Tuesday when a nominee for the Superior Court bench sat before us for support. I could not - in good faith nor conscience - support Devant J. Joiner's nomination.

I hope you can join me for this special event in Middletown on Saturday, March 30th at 10 a.m. Please don't forget to register.