Supporting the WIC Program

March 7, 2024

I am thrilled to share news about my efforts to promote the health and well-being of our community’s families and children. In response to the vital need for improved childhood nutrition, legislators are working on comprehensive legislation to ensure mothers and children who are eligible for federal benefits can enroll in these programs with ease.

WIC (Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, Children) enrollment in Connecticut is among the lowest in the country at 46% of eligible families, resulting in worse outcomes for the health and nutrition of young children. One of our priorities this year is to enhance the use of federal benefits for nutrition assistance programs.

Child nutrition is important for many reasons including: 

  • Strengthening the child's immune system
  • Providing essential vitamins and minerals, and setting the stage for lifelong healthy habits
  • Enhancing brain development and physical growth
Healthy nutrition is also tied to preventing chronic disease, improving mental health, and helping build strong bones and teeth.

As this priority bill moves through the legislative process, I urge you to show your support. Together, we can leverage federal funds to make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of our youngest community members.
Celebrating Women's History Month
March is Women’s History Month. In our quest to honor and protect women in our state, I would like to highlight some of the work we have done and continue to champion in the legislature. In the Connecticut legislature, we have passed some important legislation to protect and uplift women:
  • Protecting patients and providers in reproductive healthcare
  • Paid Family Medical Leave
  • Strong pay equity protections
  • Mandated insurance coverage for breast and cervical cancer screenings

But our work is far from complete. We have several priorities in the 2024 legislative session that directly impact women on a daily basis:

  • Supporting seniors and family caretakers (HB 5001)
  • Reliable funding for early childhood programs (HB 5002)
  • Increasing participation in Women Infant and Child nutrition program (HB 5003)
  • Expanding access to paid sick days from work (HB 5005)

If you’d like to learn more about Women’s History in Connecticut, click HERE.

Participation in the Nursing Compact
 
Summit on Creating Community
On Tuesday, I attended a summit on Creating Community. I've heard from many in my district about the negative effects of social isolation and was grateful to be a part of this important discussion of how we can help create community for young and old alike.
Attending Rare Disease Day

I was pleased to attend a proclamation for Rare Disease Day at Greenwich Town Hall on Wednesday, March 6. There are 10,000 diseases that are considered rare, that affect between 25 to 30 million Americans. Rare diseases are something that all legislatures need to begin addressing in order to help those suffering from them to be able to access the care they need.
Stamford Legislative Update
Greenwich Lions Club Pancake Breakfast
Early Voting Informational Forum
Virtual Informational Meeting from the CT Department of Transportation

The Connecticut Department of Transportation is hosting a virtual public information meeting on the Cos Cob Railroad Bridge Project that is free and open to the public.

This will be a great opportunity for everyone to learn about the project and its effects or to ask any important questions you might have. The meeting will begin at 7:00 pm and registration is required.