Legislative Update, Local News, and more

March 22, 2024


 
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Happy Friday, and happy spring! Given this chilly week, it's hard to believe winter is over but these longer, sunnier, days sure are welcome! Check out all the things you can do in CT this season here.
In this week's eblast, you can read about legislative updates, local news, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
     
    Siting Council Reform Testimony
    You can watch my testimony in full here.
    This week, I was honored to provide testimony on HB 5507 before the Judiciary Committee, which held a public hearing for our fourth and final bill to reform the Siting Council, enhance transparency and accountability, and hopefully, also enforce penalties for failing to meet the requirements. I’ve been so grateful for the support of my colleagues who have recognized the need for Siting Council reform and raised our concerns before four separate committees! We aren’t done yet, but we are making meaningful strides and the work continues. Lastly, as always, I want to thank our engaged and committed community, which continues to show up and represent our interests and also, this week, the interests of our neighboring community, too. Thank you for your continued partnership.
     
    Reforming Our Racial Imbalance Law
    I also want to highlight a personal win from the Education Committee this week. When session began, I told you one of my top priorities was analyzing and updating the state's racial imbalance law. In the Education Committee, we are doing just that.

    HB 5416: An Act Concerning Various Revisions to the Education Statutes was voted out of committee this week and includes provisions for the State Board of Education to review the racial imbalance law and put implementation of the law on hold while they do that.

    The four main provisions we are asking the State Dept. of Education to analyze regarding the racial imbalance law in HB 5416 are:

    • An examination of the effectiveness of various strategies to correct racial imbalances;
    • A cost-benefit analysis of implementing these strategies;
    • The impact of these policies on minority students, including access to neighborhood schools and educational outcomes; and
    • Suggestions for new methods to correct racial imbalances
    The State Board of Education cannot enforce pending or upcoming actions until the completion of this study, which must be submitted Jan. 1, 2026.
     
    HB 5001 Passes Out of Committee
    This week, one of the House Democrats's caucus priority bills passed out of committee: HB 5001 - An Act Supporting Connecticut Seniors and the Improvement of Nursing and Home-Based Care.
    Our aging population faces a growing list of challenges that are not isolated incidents. As our society gets older, these issues will only become more pronounced. Our elderly residents need support and access to resources that will provide them with the best quality of life possible. HB 5001 does this by:
    • Requiring additional training of home care workers
    • Creating a more efficient process for accessing Medicaid
    • Expanding the Office of Long-Term Care Ombudsman
    Click here to read an article that explores additional details of the bill.

    HB 5001 not only acknowledges the complexities our seniors face, it also paves the way for crucial improvements. This legislation will ensure that our seniors will age gracefully. Next stop, the House Floor!
     
    The House Will Be in Session!

    Back in action! 🏛️ The House will be in session Monday at noon.

    Watch live: CT-N.com

    Stay up to date: housedems.ct.gov

    Calendar of events: cga.ct.gov
     
    Recognizing Chris George From IRIS
    It was an honor to join State Rep. Kate Farrar this week to honor Chris George, who is retiring as Executive Director of Integrated Refugee and Immigration Services (IRIS).

    IRIS is one of the top organizations in our state working to empower refugees, introduce them to our communities, and prepare them for independent and successful lives here in CT. Chris has been executive director for over 18 years!

    Rep. Farrar and I worked with Chris in 2022 to secure $1 million in state-level funding to bridge the "Welcome Gap" and ensure refugees can afford to stay in Connecticut. It was a privilege to work with Chris to secure this funding, and I was so inspired by his passion and empathy for refugees and immigrants looking to call Connecticut home.

    Thank you again, Chris, for all you've done, and I can't wait to see what's next!
     
    Celebrating Women's History Month - Colonel Ruth A. Lucas
    Connecticut women are trailblazers, including Colonel Ruth A. Lucas, the first Black woman in the Air Force to be promoted to colonel.
    More of Colonel Lucas's achievements include:
    • Volunteering to teach English to Japanese students while stationed in Japan
    • Receiving a master's degree in educational psychology from Columbia University
    • Spending the 1960s setting up literacy programs for servicemen
    • Serving as the Director of Urban Services at Washington Technical Institute, later becoming the Dean of Physical Science, Engineering, and Technology
     
    Early Voting Locations Announced
    Earlier this week, the Secretary of the State announced the voting locations for those participating in early voting for the April 2 presidential preference primary election.

    For Fairfield residents, early voting will take place at the Old Town Hall 2nd Floor - 611 Old Post Road.

    A reminder that early voting will take place from 10am-6pm on March 26, 27, 28, and 30. Due to Good Friday and Easter, there will be no early voting Friday, March 29 or Sunday, March 31.

    Early voting will provide you - and voters across the state - with more flexibility and access to cast your vote with the confidence that your voice is heard and your civic duty is fulfilled, while avoiding large crowds and scheduling conflicts.

    Learn more about early voting at the Fairfield website, MyVote.ct.gov, or by calling 860-509-6200.
     
    Easter Egg Hunt
    A final reminder that the Greenfield Hill Commons's inaugural Easter Egg Hunt is tomorrow, March 23 at 10am! The family-friendly event will take place at 75 Hillside Road, will feature a very special meet and greet with the Easter Bunny, and even some special Easter Eggs for the adults! I hope you'll check out this wonderful event for the whole family.
     
    I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

    Sincerely,

    Jennifer Leeper
    State Representative
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