Looking Back on 2023 Helps Put 2024 in Focus

December 28, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,
Over the past few days, I’ve made some time to review photos I took throughout the year. I also looked at my emails, calendar appointments, and computer files. I  plan on reading old journal entries, and I've also scrolled through the notes section on my phone, as they provide a fascinating glimpse into the past year. 
 
This form of review allows me the space to remember and reflect on successes, disappointments,  and any unfinished business from the year. 
What stands out most to me is how much I’ve changed in the past year and how much I’ve learned. I've also given myself a chance to journal about lessons, feelings, and areas for growth.
 
I figure, just like I make sure my annual medical appointments are caught up by December 31st, it’s also important to care for my spirit and emotional well-being. It allows me to enter the new year with a refreshed and renewed attitude.
 
I hope you will take the time you need to enter 2024 mindfully. I look forward to keeping in touch after the new year. 
 
New Year, New Laws
As we ring in the new year, there are some laws that go into effect on January 1, 2024 that were passed during the 2023 legislative session. These laws address important issues such as early voting, health and mental well-being, as well as online privacy and data protection.  

Additionally, as of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage will increase from $15.00 to $15.69 per hour. This change was made possible thanks to legislation passed back in 2019, which outlined five incremental increases in the minimum wage followed by future adjustments tied to the percentage change in the federal employment cost index. 

Although extensive, below I share some highlights and a link to the complete list. Please feel free to share and reach out to my office if you would like more details on any of the new laws.
EARLY VOTING (PA 23-5)
Establishes a framework for early, in-person voting requiring a 14-day early voting period for general elections, a seven-day period for most primaries, and a four-day early voting period for special elections and presidential preference primaries.

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE (PA 23-174)
Includes the creation of a Hospice Hospital at Home pilot program to provide in-home hospice care to patients through in-person visits and telehealth.

PROTECTING MATERNAL HEALTH (PA 23-147)
Establishes a new license category for freestanding birth centers, an Infant Mortality Relief Program to review medical records and other data on infant deaths, and a midwifery working group to study and make recommendations on advancing choices for community birth care.

ONLINE PRIVACY, DATA AND SAFETY PROTECTIONS (PA 23-56)
Makes various changes to laws on data privacy and related issues, including provisions on consumer health data, minors’ social media accounts and online services, online dating operators, and a task force on internet crimes against children.

RESOURCES FOR PERSONS WITH AN INTELLECTUAL OR DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITY (PA 23-137)
Among many supportive measures, this law creates a plan to establish a Transitional Life Skills College program to support certain people with IDD who are transitioning out of high school or to independent living.

WORKERS' COMPENSATION FOR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS INJURIES (PA 23-35)
Expands eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits for post-traumatic stress injuries to all employees covered by the workers’ compensation law.
Click Here for a Full List of New Laws Effective January 1, 2024
 
Connecticut Automatic Admission Program
The state now offers a new resource allowing some high school seniors to apply to certain colleges and universities for free through the Connecticut Automatic Admission Program. This program was created as a result of legislation I was proud to support back in 2021. By simplifying the admissions process and removing application fees, the goal is to make it easier for high school students to seek higher education, particularly among first-generation, low-income, and minority students.
Graduating seniors in the top 30% of their class are eligible, as identified by their high school counselors. The deadline to apply for seniors graduating this spring is January 4, 2024. To learn more or to apply, please click here.
 
As always, your concerns and opinions are important. Please continue to reach out to me to share your thoughts, ideas, and questions.
Sincerely,

Robin Comey
State Representative
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