|
|
|
|
|
I recently joined advocates and community members at a press conference where speakers outlined several priorities for the disability community during this legislative session. Their message was clear: Connecticut has the resources to strengthen services and protections for residents with disabilities — what’s needed now is the will to act.
Among the priorities discussed:
-
The creation of ADAPT CT, a chapter of the national grassroots disability rights organization. ADAPT advocates for community integration, civil rights, and stronger investment in community-based services. Its mission centers on ensuring people with disabilities have the opportunity to live independently in their communities rather than in institutional settings.
-
Strong opposition to the Governor’s proposal to change Community First Choice, an entitlement program that helps individuals with disabilities transition from nursing homes to independent living arrangements. Advocates are concerned the proposal would eliminate the entitlement and limit access based on perceived levels of need.
-
Improving access to medical equipment, ensuring that individuals can obtain the devices they rely on for daily living and health care.
-
Revisiting eligibility requirements for HUSKY C. Currently, individuals who qualify for HUSKY C — the program that serves residents with disabilities — face lower income and asset limits than those in HUSKY A and HUSKY D. Advocates argue these thresholds are outdated and inequitable.
-
Incorporating input from disability experts when designing affordable housing, so that new units better reflect accessibility needs.
-
Strengthening Connecticut’s wheelchair repair law. While advocates say repair timelines have improved since the law was enacted, they believe additional legislative tweaks could help reduce delays even further.
-
Expanding the use of medical lifts in health care facilities to improve safety and accessibility for patients with mobility challenges.
-
Eliminating the IQ threshold used to determine eligibility for services through the Department of Developmental Services. Advocates note that many states use broader measures of need, and argue that relying on IQ alone can exclude people who require support.
To my legislative colleagues and to Governor Lamont, the question raised at the press conference was a powerful one: Connecticut has the resources — do we have the will to make things right?
I believe we do.
|
|
Due to changes at the federal level, specifically at the CDC, as a state, we are looking at changes to ensure that vaccines can still be covered by insurance and that we remain a state with high vaccination uptake.
There has been a lot of misinformation about these bills, and I thought it important to include the information directly from DPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani.
She spoke to two bills yesterday, the first is the Governor's Bill HB5044 AAC ESTABLISHING CT VACCINE STANDARDS, and the second is SB450, An Act Concerning the Standard Care for Immunization, which establishes a standard of care for vaccines in adults, children, and infants, to include recommendations from several medical organizations and the Department of Public Health commissioner.
Please click on the video below for her comments. |
|
|
Please join the Farmington Community & Recreational Services and the Farmington Polo Club for the annual egg hunt, photos with the bunny, food trucks, entertainment, vendors, ponies, and more, on Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 162 Town Farm Road.
Register here.
|
|
| Please see the flyers below for the Farmington Community Chest's Wine, Beer, & Spirits March Madness Mixer at the Farmington Polo Club on Friday, March 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. |
|
| Calling All High School Artists |
|
|
Are you a young artist interested in showing off your talent? Western Connecticut State University is now accepting submissions for its Student Art Showcase.
Selected students will take part in a special art exhibition at The Gallery at the Visual and Performing Arts Center.
The showcase will accept art pieces in the following artistic categories: drawing and illustration, 3D small works, painting, and photography.
The top-selected artists will be featured and presented with notable recognition and awards at the opening reception.
The showcase is open to all Connecticut students in grades 9-12. There is no entry fee. Entries must be submitted by April 12. Click here to learn more. |
|
Please feel free to contact me if you have any additional questions. My office number is 1-800-842-8267. I can also be reached by email: Mike.Demicco@cga.ct.gov. For more updates, please follow my Official Facebook Page.
Sincerely,
Mike Demicco |
|
|
|
|
|
|
