Governor Signs Children's Mental Health Legislation

June 8, 2022


 
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Dear Neighbor,
 
It's been another busy week in our district so I hope you'll bear with the length of this week's update!
 
From celebrating new Eagle Scouts to congratulating the Avon Police Administrator on a job very well done, it's been a very inspiring week.
 
We have two big events coming up this weekend with the Pups and Pride Parade in Canton on Saturday and the Farmington Valley Pride Picnic in Avon on Sunday. Let's hope the weather holds long enough for us to do both! Saturday also marks many Open House events around our beautiful state as well.
 
Also mark your calendars for an upcoming Pollinator Pathway walk and talk, an ice cream social to talk about the legislative session and soon we will have a few other events to share. I am looking forward to seeing you in and around the district.
 
Wishing you an easy week,

Eleni
 
Environmental Walk & Talk
On Saturday, June 18 at 9 a.m., I hope you'll join me for an Environmental Walk & Talk at Collinsville Pollen Trail. You'll have the chance to learn more about legislation we passed to protect our environment and ask questions. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes!
 
Happy Pride Month!
Pride Month commemorates the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which helped propel the modern LGBTQ+ Liberation Movement. It's also a chance to honor all the LGBTQ+ heroes and allies who've fought for basic human rights and those who carry the torch today. In our state, we're fortunate to have strong bipartisan support for strengthening basic human rights that lawmakers in so many other states are seeking to erode. This year's state budget adjustment bill includes language to make Connecticut a refuge for reproductive health care services and gender affirming care. 

In recent years, we've passed legislation to keep Connecticut a safe place for everyone. Below are just a few highlights:

  • The 2021 Connecticut Parentage Act (PA 21-15) ensures all children have equal access to the security of a legal parent-child relationship, regardless of the circumstances of their birth, or the marital status, gender, or sexual orientation of their parents. 
  • PA 21-79 expands the definition of veteran so that LGBTQ+ veterans with less-than-honorable discharge status solely due to their sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression receive the benefits they are completely entitled to. 
  • PA 19-27 prohibits the use of Gay and Transgender Panic Defense in criminal cases, which has historically been used to justify acts of violence based on sexual orientation, gender identity and expression. 
  • PA 19-117 establishes a Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Health and Human Services Network to make recommendations to the state legislative, executive, and judicial branches about health and human services delivery to LGBTQ+ people in the state.  
  • PA 19-109 increases access to preventative and prophylactic (PrEP) interventions for minors at risk of exposure to the human immunodeficiency virus by allowing physicians and advanced practice registered nurses to provide PrEP to minors without parental or guardian consent.

If you're looking to celebrate Pride Month this year, there are numerous events planned across the state. You can find a full list of events happening in and around our community here. I hope you’ll have the chance to join in the fun at the second-annual Avon Pride Picnic for the entire Farmington Valley on Sunday June 12 at 1 pm at the Avon Congregational Church.
 
 
 
Come Get the Legislative Scoop
Come get the full scoop on the 2022 legislative session on Saturday, June 25 at 3 p.m. at America the Beautiful Ice Cream Shop in Collinsville! Join me for some ice cream and learn more about the bills we passed this session. You'll also be able to ask questions and share your ideas for future proposals. I hope to see you there!
 
Celebrating Avon Director of Police Jim Rio
Yesterday I was pleased to join the Avon Police Department to celebrate Director of Police Jim Rio, who is retiring. Jim has served our community with dedication and integrity, especially during a time of significant challenges over the last 2.5 years. It was lovely to see so many officers turn out to celebrate him. When you have the respect of the people you lead, it says a lot about the kind of leader you are.

Congratulations to a truly public service-minded gentleman and I hope you get a much-deserved rest.
 
Recognizing Avon's Newest Eagle Scouts
Earlier this week I had the pleasure of celebrating 7 new Eagle Scouts with Boy Scout Troop 274 in Avon! Each of these ceremonies is special and this one was incredibly moving (I don’t think it left a dry eye in the church). These young men and their stories of perseverance through adversity are truly inspiring.

Congratulations to Ian Paul Anderson, Seth Robert Donlin, Sean Rylan Conner Frost, Nils Padraig Jerger, Thomas Robert McCue, Jack Manuel O’Donnell, and Andrew James Rock. Wherever they go, I hope they continue to inspire others and find ways to help their community. 
 
Children's Mental Health Bills Signed Into 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. Last week, three transformative pieces of legislation were signed into law so that our children can access the care they need to be their best, authentic selves.
The three laws, which include SB 1, SB 2, and HB 5001, take critical steps to strengthen our state's mental and behavioral health system, which experienced unprecedented strain during the COVID-19 pandemic. These laws, 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

It is more important than ever for us to invest in mental health. As state legislatures across the country cut funding for these vital services, in Connecticut, we're choosing to make critical investments in the health of our children and our state's future.

If you would like to learn more about these bills, Connecticut Children's will be hosting a webinar on Wednesday, June 15 from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. During this virtual event, you will learn more about the legislation we passed this session to address children's behavioral health and what it means for kids and families. You can learn more about this event and register here.
 
June is Immigrant Heritage Month
June is Immigrant Heritage Month, which celebrates the rich diversity and heritage of our communities, state, and country. Immigrant Heritage Month has been recognized since June 2014 and gives us all the opportunity to explore and reflect on our heritage and how each and every one of us contributes to the rich tapestry that is America. Our country is a nation of immigrants whose contributions and sacrifices have fueled our economy and advancements in every profession. This month, and every month, let's celebrate the immigrant experience and how diversity makes our communities stronger.
 
CT Open House Day
Scenic boat rides, farm animal encounters, and behind-the-scenes tours are just a few of the great activities Connecticut residents and families can enjoy this Saturday as part of Connecticut Open House Day. More than 200 tourism attractions across our state are participating in Open House Day, which celebrates Connecticut's vast array of history, art, culture, nature, and adventure experiences. In our neck of Hartford County, you'll find free admission to the Canton Historical Museum and 10% off for certain on-site rentals at Collinsville Canoe & Kayak. You can learn more about Open House Day and find all the participating organizations here.
 
Sincerely,

Eleni Kavros DeGraw
State Representative
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