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This week started with our 4th Annual CGA Democrats vs. Republicans Kickball Tournament at the Yard Goats' home Stadium. For the first time the Democrats won 4-1. Amidst legislative session, this event is something we all look forward to. It brings us together for some bipartisan fun and raising funds for an important cause like Connecticut Foodshare.
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This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, and much more.
HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.
This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.
At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.
This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community.
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Another key portion of the bill reforms school crisis response drills.
The tragic reality is that children need to be prepared in case of emergencies. But research has shown that some crisis response drills are ineffective and leave children with lasting anxiety.
HB 7009 establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs.
While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.
Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:
- Limiting the use of smart devices in school
- Addressing antisemitism in schools
- Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
- Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
- Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
- Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.
HB 7009 is an important bill that encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I was proud to cast my vote in support.
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We took a step toward addressing the mental health crisis facing Connecticut teens using social media by passing HB 6857 with bipartisan support.
According to the American Psychological Association, U.S. teens, on average, spend 5 hours a day on the seven most popular social media platforms, including Instagram and TikTok. While that's alarming enough, a majority (60%) of teenage high-frequency social media users who had low parental oversight reported they had poor or very poor mental health.
To keep eyeballs on screens, social media companies have algorithms designed to keep their youngest users glued to their screens, so much so that teens often exhibit addict-like behavior in continuing to use the apps.
To address the issue, HB 6857 requires, among other things, age verification methods for minors and limits on the times when social media platforms can send minors notifications.
Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader with this new effort to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors.
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Below is a summary of other bills that passed the House this week:
- HB 6883: strengthens protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings
- HB 6894: improves interagency communication and collaboration on homeless services by establishing an interagency council on homelessness. This council will bring together representatives from state agencies, nonprofits, public housing authorities, and individuals with lived experience of homelessness to ensure that our state agencies are coordinating and developing long-term solutions
- HB 7182: cracks down on the legalized scalping of online ticket sales and resales by requiring the disclosure of hidden fees and markups while banning lookalike companies that profit off speculation and jacking up the price
- HB 1234: supports our public libraries so they have more access to digital content
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Thursday was Manufacturing Day at the Capitol and not only did I meet my first robot dog but I got to catch up with one of our many 20th District manufacturers Legrand, North America. Hundreds of students from across the state visited manufacturers and college students had job interviews with the employers as well.
Last year at this event Legrand recruited five summer high school employees. I'm so glad this event plays a pivotal role in exposing students to these fulfilling and good-paying jobs in manufacturing. Learn more here about the Office of Manufacturing and the range of programs for companies and students.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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As the first state to enact a baby bonds program, Connecticut is receiving attention nationwide and being looked to as a thought leader on tackling issues of wealth inequality as other states seek to implement similar policies aimed at addressing the wealth gap.
Since August 2023, the CT Baby Bond Trust has grown by 15.7% to $460.7 million, this is a first in the nation initiative to address generational poverty through wealth building. Under the program, children who are born into poverty from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2035, will receive a $3,200 investment into their future.
Click here for more information on the program.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing that a milling and resurfacing project will be performed on New Britain Ave (State Road 535) to Ridgewood Road (Route 71 ramp towards Interstate 84 Eastbound) in West Hartford starting on Tuesday, May 27th and be completed on Monday, June 2nd.
LANE CLOSURE/DETOUR INFO
Motorists can expect lane closures in West Hartford from New Britain Avenue to Ridgewood Road and Route 71 towards Interstate 84. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will guide motorists through the work zone. The night work schedule for this project is from 7:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. Monday to Thursday.
Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions. Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this area.
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The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is participating in the Summer Transportation Institute Program this summer with Central Connecticut State University. Learn about land, air, & water transportation in a fun and inspiring environment Hands-on labs, field trips, welcome luncheon at Central, graduation ceremony at CTDOT, SAT preparation, and much more.
When: July 21- July 25 and July 28-August 1 from 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. At Central CT State University (1615 Stanley Street, New Britain)
Participants must arrange transportation to and from the program. Costs will be reimbursed according to Central and CTDOT rules.
Two $1,000 scholarships will be offered, please refer to the application package for details or contact the program director Dr. Bin (Brenda) Zhou at 860-832-0075 or zhoubin@ccsu.edu
Submit your application online at web.ccsu.edu/csti by June 6th for full consideration.
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This Saturday marks the return of the Vietnamese Night Market events in West Hartford that bring together great food and community.
See you there!
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