Commitment To Childcare Affordability & Health Equity Week

April 4, 2024

House Democrats have made it a top priority during this legislative session to address childcare affordability. I'll dig deeper into a new bill that will help families save money.

We are in the middle of Health Equity Week, but what does that mean? And how does it affect our neighbors and friends? Keep scrolling to watch a video of my speech where I answer those questions.

You're invited to meet me and some of my democratic colleagues to learn more about what we have accomplished so far in this legislative session. Please look below to find out when and where you can attend our mid-session update and ask questions.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Commitment to Childcare Affordability
  • Health Equity Week
  • Meet Me In Person For Mid-Session Update
  • Passports to Connecticut Libraries
  • Driving Safety Campaign
 
Commitment to Childcare Affordability

House Bill 5002, "An Act Concerning Early Childhood Care and Education," focuses on making childcare more accessible and affordable for families through long-term strategic investments. This is a significant measure that could positively impact many families in our community.

I am proud to support this proposal, as childcare plays a crucial role in nurturing the growth and well-being of our children while also strengthening the economy by supporting parents and guardians. By improving its accessibility and affordability, we are investing in our community's future and providing relief to individuals striving to balance work and family life. 

This bill is about more than just numbers; it's about making a tangible difference in the lives of families who deserve access to quality, affordable childcare.

Together, we can ensure that this legislation reflects the needs and priorities of the families it aims to serve.
 
Health Equity Week
Health Equity Week is here, and we're ready to break barriers and build bridges to ensure everyone has access to quality healthcare, which is a fundamental human right. Join my colleagues as we advocate for fairness, justice, and inclusivity in healthcare systems worldwide.

I co-sponsored House Bill 5230, which has moved to the House Floor after passing the Public Health Committee. The proposal would ensure that certain systemic barriers hindering equitable health would be broken by requiring hospitals to provide financial assistance to patients that are enrolled in certain federal nutrition assistance programs and have a verified household income at or below 250% of the federal poverty level.

Too many patients are entangled in a web of financial debt because they’re skipping preventative care and only going to the hospital when it’s crisis mode, which leads to the most expensive care. We’re trying to pass new legislation to make healthcare more affordable. Together, we can make health equity a reality for all! Please watch the video below to hear why I believe this bill is so important.
We have an obligation to take care of each other, and House Bill 5230 gets us closer to achieving our goal of equitable healthcare.
 
Meet Me In Person For Mid-Session Update

You are invited to meet our democratic legislative delegation for a mid-session update. Please join my colleagues Rep. Lucy Dathan, Sen. Ceci Maher, and I for a conversation on our priorities and the bills we have advanced to the House and Senate floor.

We will meet on Wednesday, April 10 from 6:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. on the second floor of New Canaan Town Hall. Feel free to ask us questions about what we would like to accomplish in the coming weeks. I hope to see you there!
 
Passports to Connecticut Libraries
Stop by your local library for an awesome campaign called Passport to Connecticut Libraries, which encourages everyone to read! Begin your journey by picking up a library passport at one of 150 participating libraries. Make sure to get it stamped before visiting other libraries and doing the same thing there. Each participant will receive a small gift at each new library. 

There are several locations where you can grab your passport in the 42nd district:

  • Ridgefield Library on Main Street in Ridgefield
  • Wilton Library on Old Ridgefield Road in Wilton

CLICK HERE for a full list of participating libraries.

The campaign runs from Monday, April 1 through Tuesday, April 30. The Connecticut Library Association will offer two adults and two children a $200 Visa gift card. 
 
Driving Safety Campaign
The state is reminding all drivers that when you get behind the wheel, Put the Phone Away or Pay. It’s a campaign for National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. Law enforcement will step up its enforcement of distracted-driving laws through April 30.
It’s illegal to use any hand-help mobile electronic device while driving in Connecticut. In addition, 16 and 17-year-old drivers are not allowed to use a hands-free accessory. Fines start at $200, then go to $375, and $625 for a third offense.