$35 Million for Children's Mental Health

April 29, 2022
As we continue to meet in the House for our final days of session, we have passed a number of important pieces of legislation.

I want to make sure I am keeping you posted about our progress throughout session, so I have compiled information on all the bills we have passed out of the House this week, with the exception of today. I will include the bills we pass today in next week's update.

To read more on our work, please click the buttons below:

April 26 Session Highlights
April 27 Session Highlights
April 28 Session Highlights
 
Children's Mental Health
Wednesday, the House passed a historic bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the needs of the children's mental and behavioral health system in Connecticut, a $35 million commitment and priority during this year's legislative session.

As a member of the small, bipartisan working group tasked with creating this legislation, the bill is a culmination of dedicated work starting last November. I was honored to have been a part of the bill drafting process and remain committed to fighting for the health and well-being of our kids.

Please take a moment to listen to my comments on the bill below:

 
In short, HB 5001 addresses these issues immediately and long term by:
  • Enhancing the Behavioral Health Workforce
  • Supporting School-Based Mental Health Services
  • Expanding Mental Health Treatment Facilities Across the State
  • Supporting Existing Services
  • Increasing Access Through Insurance Coverage

Emergency rooms across Connecticut are inundated with patients awaiting placement into inpatient psychiatric beds. Schools across the state are facing a shortage of mental health professionals and are sounding the alarm on the need to expand access and support services. An Act Concerning Children's Mental Health, responds directly to these needs.

 
Child Online Exploitation Bill
In the House last night we made a huge stride in protecting our kids from online abuse and exploitation when HB 5468 passed unanimously.

I created this proposal in collaboration with Rep. Pat Callahan, of the 108th District, to ensure that the predators who are purposely targeting our children with harmful intent can now be captured under the law with the creation of a new Class A misdemeanor.

Online abuse of children has become more and more common, affecting families and children across all demographics. If your family has been impacted by this or you would like more information on resources you can contact my office, or visit the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

.

I will be sure to keep you updated as the bill hopefully progresses through the Senate and onto the Governor’s desk.

Please listen to my remarks here:

 
At the beginning of February I hosted a virtual discussion on how to protect our children from the threat of online abuse and exploitation and how I was committed to raising this legislation. My dear friend and founder of Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA), Roo Powell, joined the discussion and offered insight on just how kids are being targeted.
 
Designating the State Candy
Late last night, the House debated a bill that designated various days, weeks and months in the state. In the same bill, we also heard debate on designating the lollipop as the official state candy, an effort brought to our attention by Mrs. Robb's third grade class in Fairfield.

As a resident of Orange, home of PEZ, I was biased to prefer them as the state candy. While I did advocate for PEZ on the floor, sadly for legal reasons we cannot designate them as the state candy.

Please feel free to listen to my remarks here:

 
All joking aside, it was inspirational to see this specific piece of student-lead legislation come to fruition.

Other days and items designated in the bill include:

  • A Shelter Pet Designated as the State Pet
  • June Designated as Women Veterans Month
  • June 13 Designated as Albinism Awareness Day (requested and inspired by Orange resident Alexandra Crocco)
  • September Designated as Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Awareness Month
  • September 7 Designated as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Awareness Day
  • September 14 Designated as Free Enterprise Day
  • September 17 Designated as Constitution Day
  • March Designated as Peace Corps Month
  • First Week of May Designated as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Day
 
Derby COVID-19 Booster Clinic
The Naugatuck Valley Health District is hosting an upcoming COVID-19 Booster Clinic - open to everyone.
  • Where: Derby Senior Center - 283 Main St. Derby
  • When: Thursday, May 12 from 1PM - 3PM

Gift cards will be given to all who receive a booster. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the senior center at (203) 736-1484.

 
Earth Day in Woodbridge
My daughters and I had a great time last weekend at the Woodbridge Earth Day event! We picked up some books at the library sale, flowers from the Boy Scout Troop 907 sale, and tips from the 4H table on garden soil! Beautiful day and helpful info from so many organizations!

You can learn more about Earth Day here.

 
Valley Literacy Program
The Valley Literacy Program has recently opened their Valley office in Derby and needs volunteers to help adults increase their reading, writing, and English-speaking skills.

Tutors must be 18 years or older, and no prior teaching experience is necessary – we train you!

The next training for new tutors starts in May 2022.

If you are interested in being a literacy tutor, please click here to fill out an application.

​For more information, please call Corinne Fucci, Valley Regional Literacy Coordinator, at (203) 551‑9831.

 
Manufacturing Career Fair
The Quinnipiac Chamber of Commerce will host their 4th annual Manufacturing Career Fair on Wednesday, May 18 from 12:30PM - 4:30PM at the Oakdale Theatre.

The event is FREE and open to the public, so if you are interested in a manufacturing job, I encourage you to head down and meet potential employers.

For more information about the event, just click the image below.

 
Derby Drug Takeback
There will be a Medication Take Back Day at Derby High School on Saturday, April 30, from 10AM - 1PM sponsored by the Alliance for Prevention and Wellness, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Derby Police Department.

Bring all your unwanted or expired medication to be properly disposed of, just check the flier below to see what will and will not be accepted.

 
Orange Drug Takeback
The Orange Police Department is partnering with Partners for Prevention and will be hosting the DEA Drug Take Back event at High Plains Community Center at 525 Orange Center Road, on Saturday, April 30, from 10AM - 2PM.
 
Something different has been added to this year’s Take Back event, Pharmacists from the CT Pharmacists Association will be available to answer any questions in regards to prescription medications.
 
Aid for Ukraine
As we continue to watch the horrifying and saddening conflict between Russia and Ukraine, I wanted to remind you all that we do not have to sit back helplessly, there are ways we can offer aid and support to the innocent citizens of Ukraine.

Fellow community member, Olena Lennon, provided us with this list of legitimate donation sites for aid to the Ukrainian community.

Click here to help volunteer to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn more about projects helping Ukraine.

Click here to support funding to cover administrative costs to help Ukraine.

Click here to learn how to help Ukrainians.

Our community, state and country all stand with the innocent citizens of Ukraine and we will continue to do all we can to offer support while actively trying to deescalate conflict.