Upcoming Events & Legislative Highlights

mccv
February 9, 2023
The legislative session means that there are quite a few events and activities as we work to craft legislation. Last Friday, Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto joined the Transportation Committee for an oversight hearing on the department’s activities. Saturday, in the freezing cold, I was grateful for all who joined my first Bridgeport coffee hour. It was great hearing the ways I can best represent you in Hartford. Below, you will find more information on some of my activities, legislative updates and the February 13th event with leaders from PURA and the Sustainable Fairfield Task Force on electric rates.
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.
 
PURA Conversation
On February 13 at 4PM at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, the Fairfield Delegation will host an informative discussion with the Chairwoman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), Marissa Gillett, and Chair of Sustainable Fairfield, Bob Wall, to discuss the recent utility bill spike.

Many of you have questions about how and why prices have spiked, and our panelists will discuss what is happening and what we can do to combat the rising costs.

All members of the public are invited, and I encourage you to join the conversation in person!
 
Transportation Committee Meeting
During our committee meeting last week, CT DOT Commissioner, Garrett Eucalitto updated us on everything from capital planning to rail ridership, safety upgrades and initiatives and federal funding. Following the news that, "2022 among deadliest for CT drivers and pedestrians in decades, data shows," the safety recommendations are more vital than ever in order to keep everyone, especially our most vulnerable users, safe.

Roundabouts are one of the items that the Commissioner has discussed as a tool for safety improvement. Here in Fairfield we have two potential projects, the Post Road Circle and Black Rock Turnpike roundabout proposal that have been in the works over a number of years. We will work with the town and DOT to assure funding for the Post Road Circle improvements and eventually Black Rock Turnpike. These are critical infrastructure improvements that will increase safety, reduce crashes, and advance walkability. You can watch the meeting below, and learn more about some of the safety innovations the Commissioner shared with us.
 
 
Smart Growth
I am honored to have been selected as a Smart Growth America State Legislator Champion.

The State Legislator Champions Institute is a technical assistance and peer learning program designed to help state legislative officials develop effective transportation policies that support public health, climate, and equity goals. I will have the opportunity to learn from national experts and peers about best practices and solutions to help curb the increase in pedestrian and roadway fatalities.

As the House Chair of the Public Health Committee, and a member of the Transportation Committee, I am thrilled to be a part of this group, and look forward to the opportunity to better serve our community. If you would like to learn more about the Institute,

please click here.
 
Roger Ludlowe Middle School Visit
Earlier this week, the Fairfield delegation hosted Education Committee Chair, State Representative Jeff Currey, for a conversation with Fairfield Superintendent Testani, Roger Ludlowe Middle School Principal Meg Tiley, Board of Education members, and teachers to hear about the issues on their minds. We discussed - among other things - equity in education funding, teacher evaluation, and teacher retention, which has become a significant barrier.

Hearing from the teachers and staff, some who are neighbors and friends, and witnessing their joy working with their students was inspiring. Seeing the students’ work, much of it displayed throughout the building was also inspiring. It is clear that our educators at Roger Ludlowe Middle School work very hard to make sure that every student in the building has someone they can go to if they are facing a challenge.
 
Addressing Homelessness
On Friday, as Co-Chair of the legislature’s Public Health Committee, I had the opportunity to join Governor Ned Lamont and federal and state leaders for the announcement that Connecticut is one of a small number of communities nationwide who received $18 million to help support our response to homelessness over the next three years. It is an investment we will need to complement with state and local resources in order to adequately address this growing problem. Homelessness is up 13% in Connecticut in one of the wealthiest places on the globe.
 
The Public Health Committee, has raised HB 6601, An Act Declaring Homelessness a Public Health Crisis. Our work is far from over, but it is inspiring to see so many organizations working together to provide short term support and advocate for long term structural change.
 
Stamford Health Visit
School wasn’t the only place I was able to tour this week. On Tuesday, I joined the leadership of Stamford Hospital for a tour of their state-of-the-art-facility and a conversation regarding hospital priorities for this legislative session. Behavioral Health and Nursing along with workforce development and the Certificate of Need process were some of the conversations we had.

The Public Health Committee will be working on a number of these issues and others that impact hospitals, so it was important to hear directly from leaders. I want to thank Stamford Health for inviting me as I continue to learn more about our healthcare industry and how we can work to care for all Connecticut residents.