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It’s always great to connect with constituents at the legislative office building! On Wednesday I met with Alex and Liz with the American Cancer Society in Connecticut Advocacy Day to learn more about the need for insurance coverage for genetic biomarker testing. Biomarker testing helps assess what targeted treatments will be best for the cancer patient which improves outcomes and reduces costs.
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House Bill 6771 will require insurance coverage for biomarker testing. As a co-sponsor I am supportive of this bill and grateful for Alex and Liz sharing their expertise as genetic counselors. Please reach out to me anytime you are at the Legislative Office Building or Capitol and I would be happy to connect and hear what matters most to you.
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This week I joined Tuesday's Medicaid rally at the Capitol as a part of a nationwide day of action that brought together state and federal leaders, healthcare workers, advocates, and Medicaid recipients. The rally warned of the consequences should Congress approve drastic reductions to Medicaid funding proposed in the recent continuing resolution. Medicaid serves hundreds of thousands of the most vulnerable people in Connecticut, primarily seniors and people with disabilities as well as 40,000 children.
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Also this week, President Trump signed an Executive Order to eliminate the federal Department of Education. Not only is this illegal but it is devastating for our Connecticut students, families and teachers. This is devastating because Connecticut receives nearly $400 million in federal funding for our schools. Students every day receive free and reduced school meals, access Pell grants to pursue their higher education, and rely on federal civil rights protections that includes students with disabilities.
Just this week our Education Committee heard a bill to establish 504 plans which are protections for students with disabilities into our Connecticut state law. I can tell you that I will fight to get this bill passed and continue to fight for students, families and teachers to keep education accessible to all.
There are many West Hartford and Newington residents that will be deeply affected by these federal funding cuts.
- West Hartford Public Schools receive $12.9 million in federal funding
- 12,891 West Hartford residents receive healthcare through Medicaid
- Newington Public Schools receive $5 million in federal funding
- 7,200 Newington residents receive healthcare through Medicaid
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On Thursday we completed the business of the Transportation Committee to vote bills out of committee for further action this session. There are many bills we worked on that will improve road safety, increase access to public transit, and solidify our state’s transportation funding.
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 House Bill 7058 - to have DOT develop a plan to expand speed cameras on state highwaysSenate Bill 1243 - to provide bus service for free to veterans and increase access to reduced bus fares for high school studentsHouse Bill 7060 - to create new highway work zone safety awareness education program and increase violations and penalties for distracted driving or endangering a work zone. And I worked closely on a section of Senate Bill 1375 that requires DOT to support municipalities to adopt and implement Complete Streets policies which create better designed roadways that are safer for all users - drivers, cyclists and pedestrians. Stay tuned as these bills make their way through the rest of session for further action.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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Join Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) to talk about your experiences and ideas for improvements to your public utilities. PURA is responsible for making sure that Connecticut's electric, natural gas, water, and telecommunications utilities provide safe, clean, and reliable service.
- When: March 20th 6:00P.M.-7:15P.M. (doors open at 5:30pm)
- Where: Hartford Public Library - Downtown, Center for Contemporary Culture. 500 Main Street, Hartford.
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Click here to RSVP for this public meeting. RSVPs are not required to attend, they simply help plan the meeting to better meet your needs. Walk-ins are encouraged. Spanish interpretation will be offered. Refreshments, child care-child-focused activities & snacks for them provided.
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The United States of America turns 250 in 2026. Across our nation, towns, cities, and states are reflecting on the past, present, and future of our democracy.
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Members of the community are invited to join the West Hartford America 250 Commemorative Committee, which will plan educational and cultural opportunities over the next year. To express your interest in joining us, please submit the Committee Interest Form found here: https://westhartford.seamlessdocs.com/ng/fa/WHAmerica250
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Enjoy the Newington Children's Theatre Company's upcoming show Disney’s “Moana Jr. from March 27th-April 6th.
The musical features 150+ kids ages 5-15 from 25+ towns in six casts for two weekends only at John Wallace Middle School, 71 Halleran Drive, Newington.
For more information and to buy tickets click on the image below.
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