It was a pleasure to return to the State Capitol with all my friends and colleagues for the start of the 2024 legislative session. We have plenty of work ahead of us to help the people of Connecticut, and I'm looking forward to that entire process. Please read below to see our list of priorities.
February is Black History Month, a time to honor the many accomplishments and contributions Black Americans have made to American society. It's a time to rejoice, reflect, and remember. Please keep scrolling to see where you can celebrate this month in Stamford.
Do you want to learn how you can save money on prescription drugs? I am taking part in an affordable healthcare forum in Stamford next week. I'll explain when and where the event is taking place and break down the new program that is slashing prices in our state!
Have a great weekend!
You will find the following sections below:
- Start of Legislative Session
- Celebrating Black History Month
- Meet Me at a Senior Healthcare Forum
- Oscar Nominated Film Festival
- Stamford Legislative Breakfast
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Start of the Legislative Session
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| There was plenty of positive energy and optimism as the legislative session got underway at the State Capitol on Wednesday. Many lawmakers, including myself, wore pink as a deliberate symbol of solidarity with all of the women serving in the legislature. Now it's time to work on drafting bills on a wide range of issues that are listed below. |
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The resources below will help you stay updated on crucial developments, events, proposed policies, and key discussions as they happen in Hartford. I urge you to please follow along and get involved.
Here's how you can stay connected and actively participate:
- The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during the upcoming session.
- You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out its schedule on the CGA official website.
- Follow CT-N for live coverage of committee meetings, as well as House and Senate floor debates.
- You can register to monitor any bill's journey as it goes through the legislative process. By signing up, you can enter the bill number and receive real-time updates. Stay informed with email notifications whenever there's a change in the bill's progress.
- Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
Together, we can make a positive impact and ensure that our community's needs are represented. |
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Celebrating Black History Month
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February is Black History Month, a time when we celebrate the many achievements and contributions of individuals from the Black diaspora, as well as reckon with the systemic racism from the past that remains prevalent today. This year's theme, "African Americans and Arts," highlights the creativity and artistry of Black Americans, and their influence on our nation's culture.
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Connecticut was home to several notable moments in Black history. The most recent was in 2019 when our state became the first in the nation to require public schools to include Black and Latino history in their curriculum. Black history is American history -- and this law ensures that these stories are taught throughout the school year. A special thanks to the endless work of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus and other colleagues in the General Assembly to demand this important education.
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You can learn more about Black History Month here in Stamford. Ferguson Library is hosting several events including a "National African American Read-In" at the South End Branch on Saturday, February 10 at 10:30 A.M. Dorothy Ghiorzo, author of The Little French Mushroom, will lead a story time as part of this groundbreaking effort to encourage communities to gather and read books about the African American experience.
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Avon Theatre is celebrating Black History Month by hosting a special screening of the film "The Black Lens: All Dirt Roads Taste of Salt" from award-winning director Raven Jackson. The movie is about a Black woman's life in rural Mississippi.
When: Tuesday, Feb. 13 at 7 P.M.
Where: Avon Theatre at 272 Bedford Street
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And be sure to check out a community vendor fair at UConn Stamford where you will be able to buy apparel, African accessories, handbags, jewelry, and more.
When: Saturday, Feb. 17 from 10:00 A.M. -3:00 P.M.
Where: UConn Stamford Campus at 1 University Place
I encourage you to celebrate Black History Month locally and throughout Connecticut. Our state has several resources that honor the Black experience, such as the Amistad Center for Art & Culture in Hartford and the Ruby and Calvin Fletcher African American Museum in Stratford.
Click here to find more places that celebrate Black history in Connecticut.
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Meet Me at a Senior Healthcare Forum
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You’re invited to learn about Connecticut’s brand new prescription drug discount program! I will join Comptroller Sean Scanlon and members of the Stamford delegation to discuss how ArrayRx can help you save 80% on generics. Keep in mind, all FDA approved prescriptions are included. As of Halloween, more than 300 people in Stamford had signed up for the program.
Our forum will take place on Monday, February 12 at 12:30 P.M at the Stamford Senior Center. I hope to see you there!
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Oscar Nominated Film Festival
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The Avon Theatre will play some of the best movies of 2023 on the big screen before the Oscars in March. This is the perfect opportunity to see some of the Best Picture nominees on the big screen!
The full schedule for the festival is below. Click on the film name to buy tickets.
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Stamford Legislative Breakfast
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| I am looking forward to meeting constituents at a Stamford legislative breakfast on Thursday, February 15 from 7:00 A.M. - 9:00 A.M. at Deloitte on 695 East Main Street in Stamford. |
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