Opening Day, Black History in CT, and more

February 9, 2024


 
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Dear Neighbor, 
 
Happy Friday! On Wednesday, the Connecticut General Assembly kicked off our 2024 legislative session.

It's hard to describe the pride I feel every time I walk into the Capitol building, knowing that the residents of our district trust me to represent them in Hartford. I'm so excited to be back, and I can't wait for the work ahead.

And a very special shoutout to all those who wore pink in honor of all our female legislators!

I'll be sure to keep you updated on my work as Vice Chair of the Education Committee and as a member of the Environment and Human Services Committee.

A few of my many priorities for this upcoming legislative session include:

  • Reforming the CT Siting Council to enhance notification, accountability, and transparency with additional criteria to prove project-need
  • Protecting the historic investment in public education we made last year
  • Tackling the teacher shortage we are experiencing by updating and streamlining our teacher certification process
  • Implementing less frequent and trauma-informed school lockdown drills
  • Analyzing and updating the state's racial imbalance law
  • Raising Medicaid reimbursement rates so our providers can continue to serve our neediest residents
  • Licensing clinical lactation consultants
  • Reaching our clean air goals by implementing electric vehicle standards
  • Updating the indoor air quality in schools grant program
I have many other priorities and I hope you will share yours with me. As always, you can reach me at jennifer.leeper@cga.ct.gov, or call my office at (860) 240-8585.
In this week's eblast, you can read about Black history in Connecticut, civics education, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Stay Connected During Session!
As a reminder, here's how you can stay connected and actively participate during session:  
  • The non-partisan Office of Legislative Research (OLR) recently released the 2024 Major Issues Report. This comprehensive document highlights and summarizes key issues the legislature could take up during session. 
  • You can view the Connecticut General Assembly's upcoming events by checking out their 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.
 
Black History in Connecticut/National Park Service Posts
Each week, in honor of Black History Month, I want to bring light to one of the many inspiring stories of Black history in Connecticut.

This week is the Connecticut Freedom Trail. Like other Freedom Trails across the country, Connecticut's honors the Black Americans who bravely fought for emancipation, empowerment, and equality. From Underground Railroad safe houses to historic sites from the Civil Rights Movement, the Connecticut Freedom Trail documents some of the most profound moments in Connecticut's fight for justice.
If you want to learn more about Black History, I highly encourage you to take a look at the National Park Service's 28 Days of Black History. Each day the agency provides information about Black history that is preserved in national parks or through National Park Service programs.

Today's topic is Paul Laurence Dunbar, one of the first African American poets to gain worldwide recognition during his life. The agency provides incredible insight into people and topics that are under-discussed, and I hope you'll check out this amazing project.
 
Civics Education for Connecticut Students Project
In the spirit of our legislative session beginning, I want to bring your attention to the Civics Education for Connecticut Students Project. Five institutions across our state, including the Fairfield Museum and History Center, offer a discounted program for K-5 students to introduce them to civics, community and government.

Now more than ever, it's critical for the next generation of leaders to know the fundamentals of civics and what makes a community, so I encourage you all to look into this wonderful program!
 
Experience Fairfield's February Calendar of Events
Experience Fairfield has released their February calendar of events, which includes a Lunar New Year celebration, Valentine's Day celebrations, and the Pequot Library's midwinter book sale. There's something for everyone in this calendar, so I hope you'll take a look.
 
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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