Catching Up: My Legislative Work And District News

April 19, 2024

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Dear Neighbor,

With the legislative session concluding on May 8th, we've been quite busy in Hartford. I wanted to take a moment to share an update on what I've been up to in Hartford and around our district. In this email you will find:

Proudly Serving You
Passing Legislation & Funding for Healthcare Organizations
An Eventful Week in Hartford
Rally for Childcare
Early Childhood Literacy Roundtable
House Bill 5052: An Act Supporting Solar Energy in Schools
Food Allergy Awareness in Restaurants Press Conference
Women and Substance Use-- A Gender Perspective: Differences in Addiction and Treatment Recap
Celebrating Week of the Young Child
Route 146 Corridor Management Plan Public Information Meeting

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Proudly Serving You

Connecticut is a wonderful state. This is the time of the year that I reflect on the awesome responsibility I have to represent you each and every day.

Public service has been the greatest honor of my life, and the rewards of serving you and your loved ones are great.

Passing Legislation & Funding for Healthcare Organizations

This week, we had a few session days to pass legislation that focused on Street Takeovers to help towns regain control of their streets. This bill (HB 5413), passed 148-0.

Additionally, significant funding for local healthcare organizations was announced this week. CT Hospice received $775,000 to upgrade its pharmacy, and nearly $3 million was allocated for a new BHcare facility.

An Eventful Week in Hartford

Democrats and Republicans came together for some friendly competition at our annual CGA Kickball Classic. We had a great time playing, and best of all, we raised money for local charities.

At the Capitol, the Connecticut Human Society hosted Puppy Day, complete with adorable dogs for petting. We also celebrated Nurses Day, honoring the hardworking healthcare heroes. Plus, brave firefighters were recognized on Uniformed Firefighter Day, and dedicated teachers were showered with appreciation on Teachers Day. And let's not forget the excitement of welcoming our victorious UConn Men's Basketball team!

Rally for Childcare

I was invited to speak at the Rally for Childcare to offer legislative support for our teachers. Early care is the absolute cornerstone of Connecticut’s infrastructure, supporting our economy and our state's workforce and allowing our families to thrive. I wanted to shine a light on the critical importance of ongoing and sustainable investments in our state’s youngest learners.

Everyone has a role to play in Connecticut's economic success and childcare must be a part of our collective solution.

Early Childhood Literacy Roundtable

Our 2023 biennial budget invested $1 million in proven literacy programs across our state. Studies show that when we support evidence-based early literacy curricula and teaching practices, the impact is multifold, improving school achievement as well as emotional and social well-being.

Representative Dominique Johnson and I kicked off the discussion on this at our recent Literacy Roundtable. To watch the event in its entirety you can catch it on CT-N here.

House Bill 5052: An Act Supporting Solar Energy in Schools

Governor Lamont visited Branford's Tisko Elementary on Monday to discuss his bill, HB 5052, which supports solar energy in schools. The visit showcased Branford's commitment to energy efficiency, making it an ideal location for promoting the bill.

Connecticut has an important opportunity with The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency measures. Local public schools— often the biggest capital assets in their communities—are prime locations to install energy-saving measures.

Food Allergy Awareness in Restaurants Press Conference

Finally, this week Representative David Michel and I were thrilled to recognize the efforts of advocates in passing Public Act 23-115: An Act Requiring Food Allergy Awareness in Restaurants. We worked on getting this passed for over seven years. I was in Hartford testifying as an advocate back then, alongside the Darmofal family and with the leadership of then Representative Sean Scanlon.

I’m happy to report that this law is being implemented, and the state is making incremental and important progress toward educating and improving communication about food allergies in food establishments.

WHAT I'VE BEEN UP TO

Women and Substance Use-- A Gender Prespective: Differences in Addiction and Treatment Recap

Last week's event, Women and Substance Use-- A Gender Perspective: Differences in Addiction and Treatment, attracted a nice group of people. Thanks to my panelists for an enlightening conversation about the unique issues facing women in substance use and the need for gender-specific approaches in addiction treatment.

The insights shared by the panelists and the engaging discussion with the audience highlighted the importance of acknowledging and addressing the distinct experiences of women in their recovery journeys. It was a powerful event that underscored the need for continued education and advocacy in this critical area. Thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the important conversation.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Celebrating Week of the Young Child

I will be at the Early Childhood Fair and Family Day tomorrow. This free community event is a great opportunity to learn, connect, and have some fun.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, educator, or simply someone who cares about the well-being of our youngest residents, there's something for everyone at the Fair.

Route 146 Corridor Management Plan Public Information Meeting

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) will hold a public information meeting concerning the Route 146 Corridor Management Plan on Tuesday, April 23rd, from 6:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., at the Branford Fire Headquarters (45 N. Main Street).

A question and answer (Q&A) session will immediately follow the presentation. For more information, please click here.

I hope you find this information valuable and informative. As always, if I can be of any assistance, please don't hesitate to email me directly or call my office at (860) 240-8585.

Sincerely,