Weekly Update 4.25.25
April 25, 2025
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
On Monday, I had the honor of participating with a group of lawmakers in a community discussion on HB5003, An Act Concerning The Early Childhood Care and Education Fund. As we enter the end of session and the House convenes for votes more often, it's more important now than ever to support bills like this one—bills that will contribute to the comprehensive childcare and public health improvements desperately needed in our state.
In the meantime, we have several upcoming events in Avon and West Hartford. This week, I'll detail what you can do to celebrate Arbor Day, where to get help disposing of old prescription drugs, information on fire safety, and more!
As always, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, I can be reached by phone at 800-842-8267 or by email at Tammy.Exum@cga.ct.gov. For legislative updates, please sign up for my weekly emails at housedems.ct.gov/Exum/Updates and like my Official Facebook Page.
Sincerely,
Tammy Exum
State Representative
The House will be back in session next week. Stay tuned for key updates, votes, and what’s on the legislative agenda.
Arbor Day
Today’s a great reminder that trees do so much more than look beautiful. They clean our air, protect our climate, and support life on Earth. Let's teach the next generation how to love and protect our planet.
Kid-friendly ways to celebrate and care for the Earth:
🌱 Plant a tree. Teach kids how trees help fight climate change
📚 Read a book about the environment or how forests support wildlife
🎨 Create eco-art using fallen leaves, sticks, or recycled materials
🚮 Pick up litter at a local park or along a nature trail
♻️ Start a backyard compost or learn about recycling together
🐦 Make a bird feeder to support local wildlife
🌎 Talk about climate action and how small choices make a big difference
Let’s grow a greener future by inspiring young environmental heroes!
National Prescription Drug Take Back Day Saturday @ Town Hall
The West Hartford Police Department, in collaboration with the West Hartford Bloomfield Health District and the West Hartford Prevention Partnership, will host National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot at 50 South Main Street.
The day's events will also include:
- Touch-A-Truck activities (Police, Fire, CERT)
- Informational resource tables hosted by the West Hartford-Bloomfield Health District, West Hartford Public Library, and West Hartford Social Services/Prevention
- Free Narcan training sessions and distribution
- Local prevention campaigns and wellness resources
- Community Mural with RiseUP for Arts and Youth Recovery CT
The "Change the Script" Resource Van will also be on site. This mobile outreach initiative offers accessible mental health and substance use prevention resources, as part of a statewide campaign addressing the opioid crisis.
Additionally, the "Hidden in Plain Sight" exhibit, created by the Alex Fisher Foundation and Alex's Army, will be featured. This interactive display simulates a teenager's bedroom and helps parents and adults identify potential signs of substance use. The demonstration is open to individuals ages 23 and older.
For more information, please contact the West Hartford Prevention Partnership at (860) 561-7571 and Gretchen.Levitz@WestHartfordCT.gov
Avon Volunteer Fire Department Open House Saturday
The Avon Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting an Open House on Saturday, at 25 Darling Drive, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Please see the flyer below for more details.
Parent Leadership Training Institute Stops In
A special thank you to the Parent Leadership Training Institute (PLTI) for paying a visit to the Capitol this week. I’m a big supporter of this program. As a former graduate, coordinator, and facilitator, I have seen firsthand, its transformational impact.
PLTI goals:
- Help parents become the leaders they would like to be for children and families;
- Expand the capacity of parents as change agents for children and families;
- Develop communities of parents within regions of the state that will support one another in skills development and successful parent action for children;
- Facilitate systems change for parental involvement with increased utilization of parents in policy and process decisions; and
- Increase parent-child interactions and improve child outcomes through parent involvement.
Sen. Derek Slap and I talked to the group about the three branches of government: Legislature, Executive, and Judicial and the checks and balances between them; the connection between the state, local (county and municipal), and federal government and how the state is the intermediary. We also discussed the structure of the legislature, the roles of committees, and more.
Raising Autism Awareness Event @ The Capitol Monday
This free event, open to the public, aims to raise awareness, enhance understanding, and address challenges faced by the autism community while advocating for legislative action and supportive policies.
The Program will feature insights from medical professionals, personal stories from individuals with autism and parent advocates, and discussions with legislators on current legislative efforts supporting the autism community.
- 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Program (Room 310)
Organizations from across the state will participate by sharing information about the resources and services they provide to the autism community. Of note: Resource tables will be set up as early as 9 a.m.
- 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM | Information & Resource Tables
Of note: Resource tables will be set up as early as 9 a.m.
3rd CT Food Insecurity Awareness Day is Wednesday
May 8th: Senior Day @ The Capitol
Hosted by State Representative Jane Garibay and the Aging Committee on Thursday, May 8th at 10 a.m., Senior Day At The State Capitol is a chance to meet with legislators and learn about important programs and resources available for older adults in Connecticut. Enjoy refreshments, conversations, and community. Food and ice cream will be served.
3rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Day is Tuesday, May 20th
You are invited to attend the 3rd Annual Mental Health & Wellness Fair at the Capitol on Tuesday, May 20th, 2025, in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, and May 5th being Maternal Mental Health Day. The day kicks off with a press conference at the North Lobby of the State Capitol at 9:30 AM, and the fair will begin shortly after at 10:00 AM.
4th Annual CGA Kickball Classic Set for Monday, May 12th
The Connecticut General Assembly is coming together to support Connecticut Foodshare!
Don’t miss the 2025 CGA Kickball Classic.
📅 May 12, 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM
📍 Dunkin’ Park in Hartford
🎟️ $10
Grab your ticket HERE.