What We've Been Working On

March 22, 2021

As the days grow longer and warmer and we see more and more signs of spring—and brighter days—ahead, we share in the continued highs and lows of 2021: on one hand, the increase in COVID-19 vaccinations and careful loosening of restrictions from restaurants to businesses to schools; and on the other, the tragic loss of life in Atlanta last week and the deeply troubling rise in crime against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders that these murders have shone a light on. 

 

These are difficult days we’re living through, but I continue to be encouraged by the displays of resilience and community we see across Madison and Durham, and I hope to continue serving as an advocate and ally for all the people of our community. 

 

Here’s a quick update of some of my work in the general assembly over the last few months, most of which continues to take place via Zoom.

 

We’ve already passed a few important pieces of legislation through the house, all of which I voted in favor of, including:

  • Preventing double taxation for folks who telecommute and removing CT’s “poverty tax” (HB 6513)
  • Ensuring legislative oversight of COVID-19 relief funds (HB 6555)
  • Improving the changes to the use of force standards from 2020’s police accountability bill (HB 6462)
  • Creating a respectful and open world for natural hair through the CROWN Act (HB 6515)

 
And in my committees (Education, Environment, Public Health) we’re tackling some important issues through legislation, public hearings, and advocacy:

  • Expanding and supporting telehealth (HB 5596)
  • Offering aid in dying to terminally ill patients (HB 6425)
  • Improving solid waste management in the “bottle bill” (HB 1037)
  • Implementing stronger climate change adaptation (HB 6441)
  • Strengthening Social and Emotional Learning (HB 6557)
  • Increasing and expanding equitable education funding (SB 948)

 
Here in the district I’m working on a variety of issues facing our community, including co-hosting a roundtable on youth mental health with Senator Cohen and Representative Scanlon that featured local providers, school administrators, parents, and students. Check out this article in Zip06 to learn more—and, since this was just the first step in an ongoing process to bring more attention and resources to this issue, I’ll continue to share the work we’re doing in future updates.
 
This past Thursday in Hartford I came together with colleagues in the House and Senate to launch Connecticut’s Future Caucus, a group of young bipartisan legislators committed to working together on the biggest issues facing future generations. This work, supported by the Millennial Action Project, will seek to tackle topics like education, climate change, and workforce development, and will bring together Democrats and Republicans to spark civic engagement and bring more and more people into the legislative process. As the founding Co-Chair of the Future Caucus, I’m happy to say that we’re only just getting started, and I can’t wait to share more!
 
Lastly, HB 6119, An Act Concerning Arts, Culture, and Tourism Funding, a bill I introduced to support this important sector across the state, was voted out of the Commerce Committee last week and is moving forward! I’ll look forward to continuing to work on it in the months ahead, and can hopefully get this important bill passed this session!
 
We’re just about halfway through the 2021 session, and there’s much more work ahead. As always, I would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have—simply reply to this email to start a conversation. I want to thank the hundreds of folks who have already completed my legislative survey (either through the mail or online); it’s so great to hear what’s on your mind!