LEGISLATION PASSED THIS WEEK |
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The 2021 legislative session has officially come to an end! The 2021 legislative session has officially come to an end! I am very proud of the many bills passed to uplift our Fairfield community, and all municipalities across Connecticut.
This past week the House was in session on Saturday, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. On Saturday I had the great honor of opening session with the pledge. Thank you Speaker Matt Ritter for the privilege. |
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For a comprehensive list of legislation passed this week, please click here. I have highlighted a few pieces of legislation that are particularly important to me below.
SB 837: The continued use of forever chemicals like PFAS, which is often found in firefighting foam, pose a significant environmental hazard. Most recently, in June 2019, the state saw a spill of PFAS containing foam threatening the aquatic habitats in the Farmington River. To better support and protect our environment, firefighters, and children, SB 837 will begin take critical steps to reduce our use of PFAS.
HB 6587: Epinephrine cartridge injectors, such as EpiPens, are lifesaving tools for individuals with life-threatening allergies, however high prices keep these devices out of reach for many. EpiPens can cost up to $700, leading consumers to hang on to long-expired epinephrine injectors or forego them altogether. HB 6587 would cap the cost at $25 and require health carriers to include at least one covered epinephrine injector on its lowest cost-sharing tier for certain insurance plans.
SB 1011: Opioid antagonists, like Naloxone or Narcan, and EpiPens save countless lives, rescuing individuals from an accidental overdose or a severe allergic reaction respectively. SB 1011 will require police officers, who are often the first responders to a scene, to carry and effectively administer these life-saving medications.
HB 6688: Trucks cause extreme wear and tear to our roads, and with no means to recoup the cost to fix those roads taxpayers are all left to shoulder the burden. HB 6688 will allow for a user fee only on large trucks (class 8 and above) so that trucking companies pay their fair share to repair and maintain our roads.
SB 660: Over this past year, our health care providers served on the frontlines working tirelessly to ensure the health and safety of our communities – often facing the darkest moments of the pandemic and witnessing untold traumas. Many of our first responders are now suffering from anxiety, PTSD, and other lasting mental health and emotional impairments. SB 660 will expand Workers' Compensation to better support first responder's mental and emotional health in the aftermath of the pandemic. |
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SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE LEGISLATION |
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Local businesses are at the heart of every community in Connecticut, but sadly over the past year, they have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. While a number of great loan and grant programs have been established and implemented to provide aid, many small businesses missed out due to the sheer demand for assistance. In an effort to not only aid small businesses, but also bolster our local economies, my colleagues and I made it a priority to expand and incentivize the state's Small Business Express (SBE) Program by passing HB 6467.
This bill implements extensions to SBE to support small businesses and opportunity zones in Connecticut. Funding from this program will help small businesses in our district to create additional jobs, acquire assets, and expand business operations.
There is still a long road ahead as both our community and state continue to work towards better days. This bill, along with many others voted on this session will help make the challenges we face ahead a little easier. |
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COFFEE WITH POLICE CHIEF KALAMARAS |
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Since being elected, our Police Chief Kalamaras has been open to building a relationship and discussing the many challenges we are witnessing in law enforcement both locally and across the country. We’ve talked about the logistics, the expenses, the politics, the criticisms both those that have been unfair and those that have been fair and more. We’ve also worked to get to know each other as people and not only in these very specific roles in which we serve. I’ve been so grateful to build this relationship, engage in these candid conversations, and to hear one another and learn from each other. I view this relationship as an example of exactly what we need more of - openness and willingness to learn. Thank you Chief for this and all you do for Fairfield and I look forward to continuing to work together. |
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This Saturday, June 9th from 9AM-12PM the Fairfield Moms are hosting a Family Fun Day at the Fairfield Shopping Center! |
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