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On Monday, I was proud to vote for a bill allocating $40 million in funding to special education, giving immediate support to more than 140 school districts in our state including West Hartford and Newington and helping to provide the highest quality education for our students.
These critical resources will help ensure students receive the specialized support they need to thrive. Since then, the governor has expressed concerns regarding this budget allocation and has suggested the possibility of a line-item veto. However, I remain optimistic that a workable agreement can be reached as we address this critical issue. My colleagues and I have heard from cities and towns across Connecticut that special education costs are squeezing local budgets.
Students and families are dealing with the repercussions of a broken system, and while the legislature considers long-term solutions, we recognized our school districts needed immediate relief. Our ultimate goal is to achieve systemic reform to ensure sustainable funding in this arena.
Special education remains a legislative priority for House Democrats this session, and moving forward, we will continue looking for solutions to lower costs, strengthen services, and provide more financial support for our education system to make sure every child has access to the education they deserve.
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We also took action on tax relief for 100% permanently, and totally disabled Veterans....
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...and House Democrats sent a clear message on Monday that we do not support Washington’s war on diversity and its targeting of vulnerable populations. We treat people with respect and dignity - and legislate that way, too.
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One of the reasons that it was critical to provide immediate financial support to refugee resettlement organizations is because a federal funding freeze continues to prevent them from providing essential services to our residents. Click here to read an op-ed that Rep. Jennifer Leeper and I wrote on why that matters and what we must do.
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In Connecticut we are committed to providing access to reproductive healthcare. Unfortunately, reproductive rights and healthcare are under attack as never before – not just from other states, but from the federal government, where efforts to restrict access and criminalize care are escalating.
In Tuesday's Reproductive Rights Caucus press conference we discussed many issues including increasing the Abortion and Family Planning Medicaid Reimbursement Rates, strengthening Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Protections, and Fiscal Support for Healthcare Vending Machines on Campuses.
I am leading on House Bill 6078 to work with students across the state to expand their access to reproductive healthcare with the installation of healthcare vending machines.
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Reproductive healthcare is a fundamental right. The people of Connecticut deserve dignity, privacy, and access to the care they need to live as their true, authentic selves.
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Affordable and accessible childcare is a necessity for working families and businesses in Connecticut. House Priority Bill 5003, An Act Concerning the Early Childhood Care and Education Fund will:
- Deliver faster funding to families
- Attract and retain childcare educators
- Create new and update current childcare facilities
House Bill 5003 is scheduled for a public hearing in the Children's Committee on Tuesday, March 4th at 1:00 P.M. This important public hearing is an opportunity for you to share your story, feedback and ideas about early childhood care and education. Your testimony on this legislation - whether sharing personal experiences or advocating for resources - can make a significant impact. You can participate in person, via Zoom, or by submitting written testimony.
Click here to register to testify by 3:00 P.M. on Monday, March 3rd.
Click here to submit your testimony online.
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On March 3 at 4:30 P.M., The Connecticut Black and Puerto Rican Caucus (BPRC), will have a public hearing to provide residents an opportunity to share their concerns and perspectives. Established in 1976, the BPRC is a beacon and safeguard for communities of color in the Connecticut legislature.
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Click here to register to speak at the hearing in-person or virtually.
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| STATE AND LOCAL RESOURCES |
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February is American Heart Month. I’m grateful for my colleague and friend State Representative Tammy Exum for continuing to raise awareness of heart health following the tragic loss of her husband Earl. Last session thanks to her efforts, insurance is now required to cover the cost of coronary calcium scans, a simple test that likely would have saved Earl’s life. Learn more about this test here and spread the word.
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Scammers don't seem to sleep, which means we must be ever more vigilant. Two scams are making the rounds recently, both involving cell phones.
The first includes the state Department of Social Services, which recently said scammers, calling from 888-717-9276 and 888-421-6488, have claimed to be DSS workers.
The scammer, according to DSS, tries to create a sense of urgency by saying your card has been deactivated and you need to act fast.
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The second scam sends a fake text from what looks like the IRS, saying you're due a $1,400 stimulus payment, directing you to click on a link and provide some information.
First, the IRS doesn't send out text messages like that. The scam has an air of truth, however, as there was an announcement a couple of months ago that some people would be receiving $1,400 stimulus checks. The people getting those checks, however, received a letter from the IRS. Forward suspicious messages to phishing@irs.gov and report them to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
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| Moment of Remembrance for Tracey Wilson |
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Finally, you may have seen the news this week of the passing of West Hartford's Dr. Tracey Wilson. Tracey was a teacher and historian but most of all a force for justice. Her ripples of impact are wide and deep across the 20th District, our town and our state. Our community was lucky to benefit from her many contributions and I’m grateful to call her my friend. I shared a moment of reflection in Tracey's honor on the House floor this week.
Click here to read more about Tracey's legacy.
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