Robin Comey

We are in the final stretch of the legislative session, and we are focused as we push to move our priorities forward by voting on bills to improve our state.  As we collaborate to advance important legislation we have had some long days with some intense debates.

There is a lot in this week’s update, and I hope you will take the time to read about it! 

• Recovery Day
• Connecticut Hospice
• Nonprofit Rally at the Capitol
• Capitol TikTok
• House Bills Passed
• More Medical Debt Relief
• Milling and Paving
• Mental Health Awareness Month
• Community Events

We came together at the Capitol on Thursday for Recovery Day to advocate for vital recovery funding and to raise awareness for recovery support services. I am proud to be part of a group of policy makers who have lived experience. The biggest barrier to recovery is the shame and stigma that keep people from seeking help and keep all of us from talking about it. We need to treat addiction like the medical condition it is, we deserve compassion, not harsh judgement. The people who are still out there struggling deserve the same chance at recovery that I had. They deserve a system that supports them, not one that punishes them for being sick. I’m grateful to be working with my colleagues to shine a light on a path forward for all.

Last Saturday we had a beautiful night at Connecticut Hospice where we honored a great leader, Barbara Pearce, in her retirement. She stepped in during difficult times and led with grit and with principled purpose. I know she must have made tough decisions along the way because that is what leaders do. Thank you Barbara for your vision and tenacity. The organization, the community, and the state are better for it.

On Tuesday, nonprofit agencies supporting homelessness, immigration, addiction, mental health issues, and more proudly attended a rally at the state Capitol for increased state funding. The CT Community Nonprofit Alliance organized the rally, which was drew around 2,500 people, and aimed to highlight the importance of community nonprofits and their vital role in supporting residents. 

After my conversations with leadership about funding, I’m increasingly worried that we will be unable to provide the necessary increases our nonprofits will need. I’ve been making the case that the piling on of federal losses of funding is straining an already fragile and underfunded care system. While there is a bright spot in the budget focusing on investments in Medicaid increases, not every nonprofit will benefit from that. I will continue to work with my colleagues to fight for all nonprofits caring for our most vulnerable residents.

This week, the House worked quickly and effectively to strengthen health coverage for nearly one million elderly, disabled, and low-income children. The vote to secure $284 million in allocations for the current state budget will ensure Connecticut’s federally supported Medicaid health insurance program runs through the end of the fiscal year.

On Monday, the Governor made a Declaration of the Existence of Extraordinary Circumstances. This declaration allowed us to work around our spending restrictions, but it does not impact or expand the spending cap for future fiscal years reassuring those concerned about long-term fiscal discipline.

HB 6863 also includes a provision to help mitigate the financial effect following a Supreme Court ruling that would have impacted businesses. Employers had been bracing for a staggering 265% increase in workers’ compensation claims. This measure had become a top legislative priority for employers and municipal leaders across the state, who warned that inaction would have had far-reaching economic consequences.

Together, the emergency Medicaid funding and the workers’ compensation modification highlight our ability to work together in the legislature and to protect essential services for residents while safeguarding the state’s economic strength.

The House also overwhelmingly approved House Resolution 17, which would grant Connecticut State Police a 2.5% general wage hike and a step increase in the next fiscal year. The raises will affect nearly 900 troopers and are essential to recruitment efforts in the future. There is a concern for public safety since we've seen a 25% decline in staffing prior to 2010. Troopers deserve salaries that reflect the essential work they provide to our state.

After unanimous approval in the Senate, the bill moves to the governor for signing.   

Medical debt relief is coming to more than 100,000 Connecticut residents!

I’m proud to share that the second round of medical debt relief is on the way  — funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and made possible through our partnership with the nonprofit Undue Medical Debt.

What to expect:

Keep an eye out for an official letter from Undue Medical Debt. THIS IS NOT JUNK MAIL! There is no application process, no catch, just relief.

Who qualifies?

• Individuals earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level
• Those whose medical debt equals 5% or more of annual income

This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to health equity, financial relief, and a more compassionate healthcare system for all Connecticut residents. Click here to view a sample of what this letter looks like.

If you receive a medical debt forgiveness form from the state please let me know. I would love to hear your story firsthand.  

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Learning to identify the signs is an important step when seeking help or when trying to help others. Here are some common signs to be aware of:

• Feeling sad or hopeless
• Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
• Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
• Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
• Withdrawal from friends and activities
• Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
• You think about hurting yourself or feel like life isn't worth living

Taking small steps to support your mental health can make a big difference:

• Take breaks from social media
• Go outside and relax or be active
• Connect with others
• Take care of your body by getting at least 7 hours of sleep, staying physically active, and eating healthy
• Reduce your alcohol intake and avoid smoking

Click here for local resources for mental health assistance.

Live music on Friday, May 23rd from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. TGIF concerts are held behind Town Hall (1019 Main Street, Branford).