Launch of Diabetes Caucus & Opening Day of Little League

April 30, 2026

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Opening Day of
    Little League Season
  • Let's Talk About It:
    U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney
  • Launch of Diabetes Caucus
  • Vaccine Bill Signed Into Law
 

Opening Day of Little League Season

It was an honor to celebrate the start of the 75th season of the Willimantic Little League and to watch our kids take the field for the first time in 2026! Opening Day was truly a home run filled with excitement, teamwork, and plenty of smiles.

For 75 years, Willimantic Little League has offered a safe, supportive, and fun environment where young athletes can learn the fundamentals of baseball and softball and develop lifelong friendships. Here’s to a fantastic season! Play ball! ⚾
 

Let's Talk About It: U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney

On this episode of “Let’s Talk About It,” I sat down with U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney, who represents Eastern Connecticut in Washington, to discuss the SAVE America Act and the Affordable Care Act.

U.S. Rep. Courtney explained the Save America Act is rooted in the false narrative that non-citizens are voting in large numbers. He noted the bill would disenfranchise millions of citizens who lack a passport, a birth certificate with matching name, or a naturalization document. Voter fraud is not a widespread issue in Connecticut where the overwhelming majority of eligible voters show ID at their polling place.

Our conversation then turned to health care and affordability. We discussed Connecticut’s proactive efforts to protect residents after federal Affordable Care Act subsidies expired. I was proud to support an emergency response fund dedicating $70 million in state funds to prevent a steep premium increase and ensure families could maintain coverage.
 
We also talked about Groton’s very own growing business, General Dynamics Electric Boat. The company continues to offer high-quality, good-paying jobs while playing a critical role in our national defense and regional economy.

Please click on the video below to listen to the entire show.
U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney discusses voting rights and health care affordability.
 

Launch of Diabetes Caucus

The Connecticut Legislative Diabetes Caucus gathered for the first time last Friday to learn about the far-reaching impact of diabetes, including its human toll and the significant financial costs associated with the disease.
Approximately 300,000 residents in Connecticut live with diabetes, and many more remain undiagnosed. Too often, individuals discover their condition after experiencing a medical emergency, underscoring the need to raise awareness as well as promoting early detection and prevention.

The medical costs are substantial. Insurers report spending an estimated $30,000 per year per patient with diabetes complications and roughly $10,000 per year for those without complications. These costs affect not only patients and families, but also our broader healthcare system.

This Diabetes Caucus will serve as a collaborative forum for lawmakers, health care providers, advocates, and members of the community to work together on meaningful solutions.
 

Vaccine Bill Signed Into Law

I would like to share an update on the vaccine legislation the House proudly passed last week. Since then, the Senate has also approved the measure, and Governor Ned Lamont has signed it into law.

House Bill 5044 protects the ability of Connecticut residents to continue accessing safe, effective, and affordable vaccines. Maintaining high vaccination rates is vital to protecting public health, preventing the spread of disease, and keeping our communities healthy and strong.

Previously, Connecticut's vaccine policies were tied to the expert recommendations developed by the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). However, recent changes at the federal level created uncertainty around those recommendations.

House Bill 5044 is about science and protecting public health. It ensures that families can continue to access the vaccines they need and that our state remains proactive in preventing serious and preventable illnesses.