Update - January 26

January 26, 2024
Dear Neighbor,

The countdown begins! We start the 2024 session on February 7, and as it's a short session, we finish up in early May. There are a number of ways to keep up-to-date with what's happening at the Capitol. 

 Stay up to date as the session begins: housedems.ct.gov
  Calendar of events: cga.ct.gov
 Watch hearings and sessions live: CT-N.com
 Contact me on specific legislative bills or issues 860-240-8500
This e-newsletter includes:
  • Market 32 Tour with CT Food Association
  • Eye-Opening Forum on Female Genital Mutilation and Cutting
  • Litchfield County Farm Bureau Dinner
  • Early Childhood Blue Ribbon Panel Report
  • EITC & the Fight Against Poverty
  • January is Braille Literacy Month
  • Holocaust Remembrance Day is Saturday
  • Data Privacy Day and What We've Done to Protect Your Privacy
  • Take Your Child to the Library Day is February 3
CT Food Association Tour of Market 32
This morning, I had the opportunity to tour Market 32 in Torrington with Senator Lisa Seminara and members of the CT Food Association to discuss local investments, jobs, and legislative impacts on the grocery industry. 
Litchfield County Farm Bureau Hosts Dinner 
Thursday evening, Litchfield County legislators enjoyed a terrific dinner and great conversation with the Litchfield County Farm Bureau. The farm-to-table meal included a discussion regarding legislative issues that impact the farming community. Thank you to everyone who attended. 
Blue Ribbon Panel on Early Childhood Report Sets Early Education Goals
In March 2023, Governor Lamont signed Executive Order 23-1, appointing a diverse Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care and charging the panel with the development of “a five-year strategic plan for Connecticut that supports [family, business and early childhood provider] needs and prioritizes equitable access to early care and education.” 

Since last March, the panel has traveled across Connecticut, meeting with key stakeholders to come up with a plan that touches on four interconnected goals:

Goal 1 

  • Workforce and Quality - Invest in and support the retention and recruitment of a professional, high-quality ECE workforce, and program supports and standards that increase the number of high-quality settings.

Goal 2 

  • Equitable and Affordable Access -  Increase equitable and affordable access to high-quality programs that meet a range of family needs.

Goal 3

  • Systems - Develop an agile, flexible, and responsive high-quality ECE system that maximizes current resources and supports economically viable programs.

Goal 4

  • Funding - Build a well-funded, sustainable ECE funding system that is poised to efficiently leverage future investment.  

Governor Lamont will present the legislature with the Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care's report when we return in less than two weeks. 

Connecticut is home to 181,607 children under the age of five. Approximately 73% of these children (132,573) have all available parents participating in the workforce, making the accessibility of high-quality, affordable childcare a matter of importance for all. Childcare and early education programs make up an industry that supports all other industries.

WNPR's The Wheelhouse devoted a full show to childcare and the report findings on Wednesday - click HERE to listen. To read the Blue Ribbon Panel on Child Care report, click HERE. 
The EITC & the Fight Against Poverty
Why was our EITC increase such a big deal in our fight against poverty?

By changing the rate from 30.5% to 40%, we were able to provide an additional $44.6 million in state tax credits to the approximately 211,000 low-income filers who receive the credit. Typically, more than 95% of filers who receive this credit are families with children.
CWCSEO Panel Discussion on Preventing Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting in CT
On Thursday, as a co-chair of the Bipartisan Women's Caucus, I took part in a very eye-opening forum regarding female genital mutilation. If you would like to watch the full forum, click HERE. 
January is Braille Literacy Month
This month is the 200th anniversary of Braille!
 
Braille Literacy Month celebrates the power of Braille to transform lives and break down barriers. By promoting braille literacy, we create a more inclusive world where people with visual disabilities can fully participate and achieve their potential.
 
Let’s embrace its importance and work toward a world where everyone has equal access to information and opportunities. Happy Braille Literacy Month!‍
 
You can find resources from the CT Bureau of Education and Services for the Blind here: https://shorturl.at/nrBQ1 or call 860-602-4000 for more information.
Saturday Marks Holocaust Remembrance Day
January 27, on the anniversary of Auschwitz in 1945, we remember the millions of victims of the Holocaust…the genocide of 6 million Jews and the millions of other victims of Nazi atrocities.
Sunday is Data Privacy Day
Here in Connecticut, we’re protecting your data…one law at a time!
Take Your Child to the Library Day
is Coming Soon
Take Your Child to the Library Day is February 3! Libraries across Connecticut celebrate this day by offering free, fun, fabulous activities for families. Your local library is an ideal place for children to play, discover, make friends, and have fun. Take Your Child to the Library Day is the perfect time to discover some library magic. From magicians to craft programs, and ice cream socials to story times, each library offers something unique and delightful. 

To learn more about Take Your Child to the Library Day and to see what area libraries are doing to celebrate, click HERE. 

Here's what Torrington Library is doing on February 3 and the events the library has planned for the month of February.
MPOWER Youth Running Coming to Torrington
OPEN FOR REGISTRATION NOW!! Youth runners - come train for the GOAL RACE, Celebrate! West Hartford 5K on June 9.

Registration is only $89 per child for SEVEN weeks of training. Register HERE now. The program starts on April 24!
Chamber of Commerce Job Fair
QPR Gatekeeper Training