Newsletter 3/25/2022

March 29, 2022

We are at the point in the Legislative Session where committees are wrapping up public hearings and are voting on bills to be sent to the House floor. 

In this e-newsletter, you'll find information on: 

  • Legislative Spotlight - Session & Education Committee Update
  • Important Legislative Updates for Fairfield
  • Sacred Heart Cheerleading Team
  • Fairfield Stands with Ukraine
  • Donation Drive to Help Ukraine
  • Fairfield Mattress Recycling Collection Event
 
Legislative Spotlight
On Wednesday, the House was in session to vote on an emergency-certification to provide financial relief to CT residents. With unanimous support, we passed a bill to suspend the 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax from April 1st through June 30th, make bus services free until June 30th, and to create a tax-free week on clothes from April 10th through the 16th. More tax relief is coming as we craft our budget adjustments in the next month!

The Education Committee held a public hearing on Monday to hear compelling testimony on bills that impact children and schools. We heard from educators and school counselors in support of SB 1, An Act Concerning Childhood Mental and Physical Health Services in Schools. This bill is critical in addressing the childhood mental health crisis that our school counselors have been sounding the alarm on for years. Some of the components of this bill include:

  • hiring and retaining additional school social workers and school psychologists
  • providing Narcan to school districts and training for school nurses and teachers
  • raising wages to address the shortage of early childhood educators
  • cutting special education costs for schools 
  • increasing funding for youth sports, in particular mental health resources for athletes and training coaches

We also heard testimony on bills concerning teacher certification, minority teacher recruitment and retention, as well as grants for school building projects. I encourage you to watch the public hearing here. 
 
Important Legislative Updates for Fairfield
Yesterday, the Transportation Committee amended HB-5254, the beach parking bill, to simply study the issue, and on a bipartisan basis, it was voted out of committee. You can read the revised bill here. Being voted out of committee does not mean that it will be sent to the floor for a vote by the House or Senate. If this bill goes forward, I will work to ensure local input is considered and that towns are able to be consulted in this study. I will keep you updated!

Similarly, I want to make sure you know that I've been keeping a very close watch on HB-5429 An Act Concerning Transit-Oriented Development. As I have shared previously, I did not believe this proposal would proceed far in the legislative process this session. I am happy to share that it has died in committee meaning it will not progress this session. Similarly, HB-5204 known as the "Fair Share" bill is not progressing any further this session.

It is worth noting that the conversations around meeting our housing needs, limiting sprawl, and incentivizing development near transit centers to reduce our reliance on cars are likely to continue into future sessions. I hope you will continue to share your thoughts and ideas with me on how we can balance future development, housing stock diversification, along with preservation.
 
Fairfield Senior Advocates have done an excellent job highlighting our housing needs and bringing together many different voices on this issue. They are hosting a panel to discuss these important and complex topics on Wednesday, March 30th at 7:30pm. Click below to register for the virtual community conversation entitled "Creating Housing Opportunities: What Fairfield Has Done and is Doing to Address Housing Needs":
Register Here
 
Sacred Heart Cheerleading Team 
A huge congratulations to the Sacred Heart University cheer team for their third consecutive National Championship win! The Fairfield delegation was able to recognize this incredible group at the Capitol on Wednesday. They received citations and a special shoutout on the Chamber floor. We are so proud of these young women for all their hard work and dedication. 
 
Fairfield Stand with Ukraine
The Fairfield Stands With Ukraine coalition is a group of local volunteers committed to supporting Ukrainians in need. In partnership with Al's Angels, Fairfield Stands With Ukraine will hold a fundraising event at Penfield Pavilion on Wednesday, March 30th at 5:30pm. All proceeds will benefit two organizations that are providing urgent aid to Ukraine, RAZOM and the Ukrainian American Coordinating Council.
There will be live music, raffle prizes, silent auction and more. I will be there and I hope you can make it too! Purchase your tickets HERE. 
 
 
Donation Drive to Help Ukraine
A special shoutout to the Ukrainian American Club of Southport, Rep. Devlin and Sen. Hwang for organizing an amazing donation drive on Saturday for the people of Ukraine. We were able to fill hundreds of boxes with first aid kits, hygiene products, baby supplies, bedding, non-perishable foods and more. Thank you to all the donors and those who came to help package boxes. The generosity of our community continues to amaze me. 
 
Fairfield Mattress Recycling Collection Event
The Town of Fairfield is holding their second mattress recycling collection event on Saturday, April 23rd at Veteran's Park from 8:30am-12:30pm. All CT residents are welcome to come donate their unwanted mattresses and box springs for free!