April 26th Update

April 26, 2024
Sine Die is less than two weeks away, and we are busily passing bills in the House, then sending them to the Senate for consideration. I was happy to join Friendly Hands Food Bank in hosting the 2nd Annual Food Insecurity Day at the State Capitol on Thursday. Thank you to my fellow legislators and their food bank representatives for attending and helping spread awareness that food insecurity knows no bounds. It can impact anyone. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend. Warmer weather is on the way!

This newsletter includes:

  • Food Insecurity Day at the Capitol
  • Around the Capitol & LOB
  • MPower Running Series
  • DEA Drug Take Back Day
  • Art on the Spectrum Auction & Brunch
  • Princess Tea Party
  • Torrington Library Blood Drive
  • Sponsorships Available for Friendly Hands Food Bank Golf Tournament
  • Torrington Library's 160th Anniversary Summer Festivities 
  • Torrington's Walk to End Alzheimer's 
Food Insecurity Day at the Capitol
On Thursday, Friendly Hands Food Bank and I hosted the 2nd Annual Food Insecurity Day at the Capitol. My fellow legislators from around the state brought representatives from their local food banks to help bring awareness to the situation. Food insecurity is an official term from the USDA. It’s when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. Food insecurity may be long-term or temporary. It impacts all people and all populations differently, from health outcomes to productivity at work or school.

You can watch the full event on CTN HERE. 
 
 
Around the Capitol & LOB
We were in session three days this week. Some of the bills that passed the House include:
 
HB 5146 – Updates financial records laws
HB 5149 – A pro-small business and craft-maker change to our beer and liquor sales
HB 5237 – Gives students a louder voice
HB 5257 – Revises our dog bite statutes
HB 5288 – Modernizes our service animal laws
HB 5308 – Easing the path to voting for nursing home residents
HB 5317 – An important study on the funding for and effectiveness of the Community Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Program
HB 5343 – CT will study pre-paying college tuition
HB 5379 – Modernizing insurance requirements for state marshals
HB 5381 – A bipartisan vote to update guidelines on police body-cams
HB 5466 – Revises laws on election crimes
HB 5261 - Protects children’s health by creating a working group on the effects of energy drinks on children
HB 5232 - Expands solar energy projects
HB 5153 - Increases workforce housing
HB 5318 - Supports new parents by establishing a license for board-certified lactation consultants 
This week, we:
  • Welcomed the Connecticut Sun Basketball Team to the Capitol, including former UConn Basketball standout and current Connecticut Sun President, Jennifer Rizzotti. 
  • Honored my intern Elyssa Romero for an excellent legislative session with Team Cook.
  • Welcomed my youngest son, Billy, to the House Chamber. He's preparing to graduate with his MBA from Mount St. Mary's in Maryland, and next weekend, competing in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championships in track. I'm one proud Mama!
  • Supported nonprofits during the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance Advocacy Day and Rally for nonprofit services. 
  • Met with firefighters during the Connecticut State Firefighters Association's Fire Service Day at the Capitol (late last week).
  • My husband and I took our visiting granddaughter to KidsPlay Children's Museum in Torrington. She loved it! 
MPower Running Series
Started this week! Ensure your child has a fun time while preparing for Celebrate! West Hartford 5K on June 9. No problem if your child doesn't want to sign up for the 5K, you can register for this program to have them stay active and meet friends! Register HERE. 
DEA Drug Take Back Day
Art on the Spectrum Auction & Brunch
Princess Tea Party on May 5
You're invited to an afternoon tea party with the princesses! Join Cinderella, Snow White, Moana, Belle, Alice in Wonderland, Elsa, and more, on May 5 at The Nutmeg Fudge Company. For tickets and more information, click HERE.
Torrington Library Blood Drive, May 9
Did you miss the April blood drive at the library? You can sign up for the next one on May 9 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Click HERE to make your appointment, or find the blood drive through the Blood Donor App.
Warner Theatre Moonlight Flight 2024 Gala
The Warner Theatre's 2024 Gala, "Moonlight Flight," will take place May 18, 5p.m., at the Carole and Ray Neag Performing Arts Center. The event will include a cocktail and hors d'oeuvre reception, an open bar and dinner, and auctions and entertainment. 

For tickets or sponsorship information, contact Kayle Crowley at kcrowley@warnertheatre.org
Sponsorship for Friendly Hands Food Bank Golf Tournament Available
Torrington Library's 160th Anniversary Summer Festivities 
Alzheimer's Walk in Torrington