Newsletter

April 1, 2022
Relief at the Pump is Here!
Our unanimous decision to suspend the gas tax goes into effect today. Learn more about the emergency legislation by clicking on the image below.
 
Outdoor Dining Extension Bill Signing By Day, Youth Eating Disorder Panel Discussion By Night 
 
Wednesday was a pretty busy day, beginning with the signing of bill HB 5271, An Act Concerning the Provision of Outdoor Food and Beverage Services and Outdoor Displays of Goods, which essentially relaxes the rules on outdoor dining, which Governor Ned Lamont established in the wake of the first COVID-19 outbreak, to remain in effect for at least another 13 months.

I was proud to join fellow members of the West Hartford delegation, the governor, West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor, Scott Dolch, Connecticut Restaurant Association President and CEO along with several others for the event outside of Toy Chest on Farmington Avenue.

We-ha.com provided great coverage of the event. To read what I had to say and more please click on the image below.
(photo credit Ronni Newton we-ha.com)

I attended the Youth Eating Disorder & Nutrition Awareness Panel Discussion with the Hartford Delegation at The Village for Families & Children later in the day, an event aimed at addressing eating disorders in young people.

The event was moderated by Connecticut House Speaker Matt Ritter. The panelists included: Dr. Laine Taylor (The Village for Families & Children), Dr. Jennifer Downs (Hartford Healthcare's Institute of Living), Dr. Melissa Santos (CT Children's Medical Center), Dr. Kelly Maynes (CT Children's Medical Center).

Topics included: 
  • What are eating disorders? 
  • Who experiences eating disorders? Why do young people experience them? 
  • How can they lead to/intersect with other mental health issues and substance use disorders?

I participated with my fellow colleagues from the Hartford delegation including, Senator Doug McCrory, State Representatives Minnie Gonzalez, Julio Concepcion, Maryam Khan, Edwin Vargas and Joshua Hall, who is sitting to my right.
 
Retaining Doctors in Connecticut
The daily selfless and dedicated acts performed by healthcare workers have been highlighted throughout the pandemic. As a community, we relied on them to provide vital information and resources to help us safely navigate our unprecedented challenges.
 
Wednesday was National Doctors' Day, a day where we recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by physicians – pivotal members in the healthcare community. While I want to take a moment to personally thank all Connecticut doctors for their continued support, I also want to explain how we are taking steps in the legislature to address the growing concern of a depleting physician workforce in our state.
Last week, SB 449, An Act Concerning The Recruitment And Retention Of Physicians In The State, was unanimously voted out of the Public Health committee. The goal of this legislation is to make Connecticut more attractive for working doctors by:
  • Creating a necessary loan forgiveness program to graduates of in-state medical schools or who have completed their medical residency at a CT hospital.
  • Establishing a task force to look at the impact of medical liability insurance on CT’s practice climate and physician retention.
  • Establishing a physician recruitment grant program to provide an incentive grant for physicians who relocate to CT, and practice full-time as a physician in the state for at least 2 years.

HB 5001, An Act Concerning Children's Mental Health, a piece of legislation in which I am a lead sponsor, also works on these retention efforts specifically for mental health physicians.
 
Additional COVID-19 Booster Shot Eligibility Expanded For Certain Individuals
Have you heard the news? Certain individuals are eligible for an additional COVID-19 vaccine booster. Learn more straight from the CDC by clicking on the image.
 
Renters' Rebate Program for Elderly, Those With Disabilities
Attention CT residents! If you are elderly or have a disability, you may qualify for the Renters' Rebate Program! You could end up with $700 ($900 for married couples) to help with your rent. The application process opens today and goes until October 1st. Learn more and apply today HERE.
 
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Today marks the start of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's focus is creating safe online spaces. Follow along as I share important steps we can take to create safe spaces and combat harmful online behavior. You're not alone. Reach out for help. National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673
 
Spring Yard Waste Collection Begins in West Hartford on Monday
 
The Department of Public Works is set to begin spring yard waste collection on Monday. For more details, please the latest article in we-ha.com by clicking on the image below.

(photo Ronni Newton we-ha.com file photo)