Newsletter 6/3/2022

gunreform
June 6, 2022
Last year, our state strengthened its “Red Flag” law to protect and save lives of Connecticut residents, and avoid tragedies before they happen. It is estimated that the state's red flag law has prevented 227 suicides since its adoption. Key provisions of this law took effect on June 1, 2022. 

Public Act 21-67 incorporates language from these laws and closes technical loopholes to strengthen Connecticut's Risk Protection Order statute. Relevant forms to petition state courts for a risk warrant are available on the CT Judicial Branch's website using the following links.

In the wake of the recent tragedies in New York, Texas and Oklahoma, it is particularly poignant to highlight how our state continues to lead on gun reform legislation while our federal lawmakers consistently choose not to act. 

Our "Red Flag" law  is just one of the common sense, life-saving solutions our state has enacted to combat gun violence. 
If you are looking for ways to get involved in the movement to end gun violence, I encourage you to attend the in-person event with the Fairfield & Westport Moms Demand Action leaders to hear how you can make a direct impact. The event will be held on Tuesday, June 14th at 7PM at the Southport Congregational Church. Click below to register:
Moms Demand Action Event
 
Children's Mental Health Legislation Becomes Law
In February, at the beginning of the 2022 legislative session, I stood beside my legislative colleagues and committed to addressing our children's mental and behavioral health needs.

I'm pleased to share that we delivered on our commitment. On Wednesday, the Governor signed a series of transformative bills that invest in children’s mental health and provides support for parents, teachers, and providers.

The three laws, which include SB 1, SB 2, and HB 5001, in combination with the historic budget adjustment bill, will:

  • Expand 24/7 emergency mental health response and create walk-ins for mental health emergencies
  • Address shortages of mental health staff in our schools by offering grants to local schools to hire social workers, counselors, and psychologists
  • Provide mental health training to parents, students, and pediatricians
  • Expand school-based health centers to develop mental health programming
  • Create a state oversight and coordination of a state response to kids' mental health needs

I am proud to have co-sponsored this legislation and to have stood beside the bill champions and lead sponsors, including the incredible State Rep. Tammy Exum and Fairfield's own Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey. This legislation is the result of tremendous teamwork from legislators on both sides of the isle, as well as many state agencies and stakeholders.

Now is the time to make critical investments in the health of our children and our state's future.
 
Happy Pride Month
LGBTQ+ PRIDE Month is here! I'll be highlighting trailblazers, resources and legislation all month long to bring light to the incredible impact that the LGBTQ+ community has had on our state, and discuss all of the work we still have left to ensure every person’s dignity is respected and protected from discrimination.

The Town of Fairfield will celebrate Pride Month with the Pride flag raising followed by the first Rainbow Rendezvous, a fun filled family event! I hope you can join us on June 16th at 5:30PM as we raise the PRIDE flag at Old Town Hall and then head over to the Burr Mansion tent to celebrate. 
 
Park ConneCT Program
It is now easier than ever to visit a Connecticut State Park! Park ConneCT, a transportation service that offers fare-free buses to Connecticut beaches and state parks, is now open for the summer season.
The following parks are included in the Park ConneCT program: 
  • Hammonasset Beach State Park (Madison)
  • Silver Sands State Park (Milford)
  • Fort Trumbull State Park (New London)
  • Sleeping Giant State Park (Hamden)
  • Sherwood Island State Park (Westport)
  • Osbornedale State Park (Derby)
  • Indian Well State Park (Shelton)

If you are looking for a great outdoor activity during the summer months, I encourage you to take advantage of the free ParkConneCT busses. For more information on the program, including a schedule, please click here.
 
Move Over for Emergency Vehicles
REMINDER: Connecticut drivers are required by law to move over for emergency vehicles. To ensure the safety of other drivers and law enforcement, please reduce speed and move over one lane when approaching a pulled over or broken down vehicle. 
 
Legislative Forum
Thank you to the League of Women Voters of Fairfield for hosting the 2022 Legislative Forum. It was wonderful to connect with constituents and discuss the legislative work we accomplished this session and the work that we have ahead of us. 

If you were unable to join us for the forum, you can click the image below to listen to the full conversation. I hope you will take the time to watch and reach out to me with any questions you may have.
 
 Memorial Day Parade
Our Memorial Day parade is always one of my favorite events in town because of the way it brings the entire community together to remember and pay tribute to the men and women who gave everything for our country and our freedom. A very special thank you to Betsy Browne Miller, our Town Clerk, who organizes the parade every year. It was a beautiful day to honor our fallen heroes.