Eleni Kavros DeGraw

It’s been a very busy session week at The Capitol and I will highlight a couple of the bills in this update. I would also remind you to see more up-to-the-moment information, find me on social media (Twitter: @RepKavrosDeGraw; Instagram: @repkavrosdegraw; and, Facebook: @RepKavrosDeGraw).

It's also safe swimming week. Whether you're at home or at the beach I have included some tips that will help make the experience more enjoyable while keeping you safe, too. And, finally, it was an honor to spend some time with Colton Glasgow and his parents at the Eagles Scout Court in Canton this past Sunday. I share a few thoughts about it below.

HB 6205: AN ACT REVISING CERTAIN ABSENTEE VOTING STATUTES

HB 6205 expands eligibility for absentee voting in a common-sense way.

Under current law, caregivers and family members of those with a disability or illness are not eligible to vote by absentee, forcing them to choose between their right to vote and caring for a loved one. HB 6205 adopts a more general standard of sickness and disability, thereby allowing caregivers and family members the opportunity to vote by absentee.

Connecticut continues to work on voter protections to make voting as easy, safe, and accessible as possible. The House also passed two resolutions focused on voting rights earlier this month: HJ 58 which calls for no-excuse absentee voting, and HJ 59 which allows for early voting.

All three of these voting reforms are awaiting further action in the Senate.

While other states are passing legislation to disenfranchise voters, Connecticut is acting to support participation in the democratic process.

HB 6374: AN ACT CONCERNING SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

Yesterday, we passed HB 6374: An Act Concerning Sexual Misconduct on Campuses. This bill is critical to helping us understand and college campuses by hearing directly from students. It ensures that universities regularly survey students to better understand campus climate and the accessibility of resources.

Colleagues on both sides of the aisle emotionally shared their very personal stories of trauma yesterday. Their words were powerful and led to a unanimously-passed bill, however, there were some comments that indicated some members felt that if a woman (or man) didn't drink or do drugs or if they only dressed less provocatively, then assaults would not occur. It's neither appropriate nor acceptable to blame victims for the crimes against them. This survey will get us closer to helping universities provide appropriate resources to survivors.

If you or a loved one needs support after an assault, the national hotline, available 24 hours a day, is 1-800-656-4673.

SAFE SWIMMING WEEK

With so many people in our district who installed “pandemic pools” last Summer and this Spring, I wanted to share some sobering statistics. Each year, 390 deaths are attributed to drowning in a swimming pool or spa. Worse than that, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional deaths for children ages one to four.

Since Memorial Day Weekend is the unofficial start of Summer, now is the time to review safety procedures and protocols to protect our family and friends.

While we are talking about safety, nothing beats a New England summer out on the beach. In honor of Healthy and Safe Swimming Week, take a moment to refresh on these simple steps to improve beach safety!

CONGRATULATIONS COLE!

I had the absolute pleasure and honor of attending the Eagle Scout Court for Colton “Cole” Glasgow in Canton on Sunday.

I was truly impressed with his project which revitalizes the robotics program in the high school and middle school by providing tables for the program. It’s obvious Cole cares deeply about his community and we are so lucky to have him.

The joy and pride on the faces of his parents say it all. Congrats, Cole! You’ve done more than a good turn.