My Absence & Staying Up-to-Date with Session

welander
January 27, 2023
Before getting into the resources and updates shared below, I want to take a moment to address my recent absence from these newsletters and other legislative correspondence.

On Wednesday, January 4 - Opening Day of Session - I stood to take the oath of office for my second term, and then immediately left to sit next to my beloved mother, Martha “Marti” Barrett as she passed away after many years of health struggles. My mother was my best friend and taught me many valuable lessons and principles that I am proud to say have helped shape my life.

While taking time to mourn the loss of my mother, tragically, I woke up just a few hours later to the news that my good friend and mentor, Rep. Quentin “Q” Williams, had been killed in a car crash just before 1AM after his vehicle was struck by another traveling in the wrong direction. He was the type of person that lit up any room with his infectious smile and joyful spirit. I owe a great deal of my legislative knowledge to his guidance, and I will miss him dearly. My heart goes out to his family as they struggle with this loss.

I needed to take some time away to remember my beloved friends and family and want to thank you all for the kind words and patience as they helped me navigate many emotions. That being said, during our first Session day - this week - since opening day, I had the privilege of honoring both my mother and Q on the House floor. Please feel free to watch below:
 
 
I want to remind you that this year, Session will look a little different. For the first time since 2020, the Capitol will be fully open to the public! This is exciting news, for not only all of you, but for me as well. My first two Sessions were held in a hybrid model – for obvious safety reasons – as the state mitigated the spread of COVID-19, so this will be my first fully in-person Session.

Below is information on how you can connect with me to discuss your legislative priorities, how to follow Session updates, and some additional resources and information:

You can click on any of the links above to jump to that section of the email. I hope that you find these resources helpful.
 
Committee Work
I am proud to share that I have been asked to Chair the Internships Committee, which works with local university students to offer a hands-on learning opportunity throughout the Session. I love engaging and encouraging young people in the active democratic process, and I look forward to the two-way education this role will offer. My colleagues and I will – inherently – learn a tremendous deal from these students about what issues are at the forefront of our future leaders’ minds.

I will also continue my work as a member on the Committee on Children, Education Committee, and Public Health Committee. All of these committees we will begin public hearings in the next two weeks. While the agendas for upcoming public hearings are not yet finalized or published, you can click the buttons below to access any and all committee resources, and stay up-to-date on all proposals moving through the committee.
Committee on Children
Education Committee
Public Health Committee
 
Follow Session

As we continue work throughout the session, I want to share all of the ways you can stay up-to-date on our work.

How to Follow Session:

  • Check the Daily Bulletin - The Bulletin provides daily updates on meetings, press conferences, and other legislative events happening
  • Visit the CGA Website - The CGA Website offers an array of resources including the calendar, legislator contacts, and additional Session items
  • Watch on CT-N - Every Session will be live-streamed and recorded on CT-N, so you can tune in online if you aren't able to join us in person
  • Committee YouTube Pages - Each Committee will live-stream all of their public meetings (hearings, task-force, working groups, etc.) through their own YouTube account, which is great backup in case CT-N does not cover a specific meeting - they can be found on the CGA Website
  • Sign-Up for My Updates - You can get updates on any number of legislative and community topics directly from me by signing up for my email list, just click the image below
These are just some of the easiest ways you can stay up-to-date and follow the Session as it progresses. If for any reason you need additional assistance, please always feel free to reach out to me and my team.
 
Access Health CT
To diversify the insurance broker community in our state, Access Health CT has established the Broker Academy Program to create a pathway for newly licensed insurance brokers by recruiting from and building the skillset of those who live and work in underserved communities throughout Connecticut.

The Broker Academy provides free training for selected students to become licensed brokers and covers the cost of their licensing exam. You can learn more by visiting the Broker Academy's website or by attending an upcoming virtual informational session. The next session is on Tuesday, February 7 from 6PM - 7PM. Registration is required.
Register Here
Applications for the program will open on Monday, February 27, and the deadline to apply is Friday, March 31. To learn more and ask questions, please email AHCT.BrokerAcademy@ct.gov.
 
Cervical Health Awareness Month
January is Cervical Health Awareness Month. More than 14,000 women in the U.S. are diagnosed with invasive cervical cancer each year, but the disease is preventable with vaccination and appropriate screening.

During January, the National Cervical Cancer Coalition and its many local chapters across the country highlight issues related to cervical cancer, HPV disease and the importance of early detection. Here are 7 Facts About HPV & Cervical Cancer:
  1. HPV is a common virus that ~80% of all sexually active people have at some point
  2. Almost all cases of cervical cancer are caused by HPV
  3. Vaccination helps prevent HPV
  4. Routine HPV vaccination is recommended at age 11-12 years— but may be given to certain adults up to age 45 years
  5. Cervical cancer could be the first cancer to be eliminated IF 90% of girls are vaccinated, 70% of women are screened and 90% of women with cervical disease receive treatment
  6. Cervical cancer is more common among communities of color
  7. HPV vaccines are safe and effective