Event Reminder, Legislative Updates, and More!

March 28, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

I hope your week is off to a good start and you're enjoying this beautiful spring weather. Last week was the final committee meeting in the Education Committee and we voted on many exciting initiatives. Many other committees wrap up their work this week. We now will continue to refine the legislative language and engage stakeholders on the bills that have made it out of committees to get them ready to come to the House floor. Please find in this weekly eblast several updates and for your convenience, here are some helpful links to all the information included in this email: 
 
Rethinking Crisis Response Drills and Student Mental Health
Today, once again, news broke of a devastating and senseless school shooting event. I want to remind you of the timely event I'm co-hosting with Moms Demand Action, Rethinking Crisis Response Drills and Student Mental Health, which will be held this Thursday, March 30, 2023 from 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM at the Fairfield Main Library Rotary Room. We will have an open discussion about gun violence prevention, how we currently facilitate crisis response drills, and what we can do to improve them. This conversation will touch on Raised H.B. No. 6846: An Act Concerning the Implementation of Crisis Response Drills in Public Schools, which is a piece of legislation that I introduced and is currently making its way through the legislative process.
To RSVP, please click on the image above. If you have any questions regarding the event, please email Julianna Goldfluss. I hope to see you there!
 
Legislative Spotlight: An Act Concerning Medicaid Payment Rates
In the past week, Human Services voted Raised H.B. No. 6885: An Act Concerning Medicaid Payment Rates out of committee. This was one of my top two priorities for this session, so I'm happy to see this bill is making its way through the legislative process.
Here in Connecticut, there are 1 million residents on HUSKY-- that's nearly 1 in 3 people. To guarantee individuals have access to quality care, we need to ensure our providers receive a better match from Medicaid for their services. This bill is integral in getting us there. 
 
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC)
I also wanted to let you know that Raised S.B. No. 990: An Act Concerning Cost-Based Reimbursement for Federally Qualified Health Centers passed out of the Human Services Committee this month. This bill aims to increase funding to continue providing vital resources to the most vulnerable populations throughout our state.
S.B. No. 990 has been sent to the Appropriations Committee to consider for inclusion in our state budget package. I will keep you updated on this important bill's status as it continues through the legislative process.
 
Youth Advocacy Day
I'm excited to share that Youth Advocacy Day will be held at our State Capitol (300 Capitol Avenue, Hartford) on Friday, April 21, 2023. You can join the Sustainable Fairfield Students in supporting and working with many Connecticut organizations to help educate our state's youth on environmental issues. 
To RSVP or learn more information about Youth Advocacy Day, please scan the QR code or click on the graphic above. 
 
Avoiding Tax Scams
With tax filing season upon us, I want to urge you to be mindful of potential scams. The IRS produces a list of "dirty dozen" tax scams. While these scams can occur year-round, they tend to increase during this time of the year. It’s wise to stay on top of the latest list of common issues—and take some simple steps to stay safe from them.
A great way to protect yourself is to do additional research on anything that seems suspicious. Do not click on an email or a link to an unfamiliar website. Never give out any personal information (especially your Social Security Number) to someone claiming to represent the IRS over the phone or online. When in doubt, visit IRS.gov for additional guidance.
 
Filing taxes can be a stressful process. Avoiding these scams can prevent an even larger headache. Don't forget that the deadline to file is  Tuesday, April 18, 2023!
 
What Every Parent Should Know About Social Media & Mental Health
The event, "What Every Parent Should Know About Social Media & Mental Health" will take place this Wednesday, March 29, 2023 at Roger Ludlowe Middle School (689 Unquowa Road) beginning at  7:00 PM. Learn from David Kelly, LCSW, about programs and apps children are using, how to keep them safe, and when to seek help. 
For more information or to register, please click here. The rise of social media has undoubtedly allowed individuals to connect with others, but it has also increased potential safety and privacy risks-- especially for children. I want to thank Fairfield CARES for offering this educational event. 
 
Around the District
I was thrilled to end last week with one of my very favorite events of the year, the Team Teddy event to raise funds for St. Baldrick's and their lifesaving pediatric cancer research.

Jessica and Bill Gerber have organized this phenomenal evening of community togetherness every year since the passing of their son Teddy to undifferentiated sarcoma 13 years ago and in doing so have raised over $1.5 million for St. Baldrick's Foundation.
Lastly, congratulations to the Fairfield Rotary Pillars of Our Community honorees, including Becky Bunnell, Dan Cassette, Jim Kuczo, Al DiGuido, and Kenneth Dalling. Thank you for all that you do to support and enhance our community. 
 
I'm committed to ensuring your voice is heard. Please don't hesitate to call my office at (860) 240-8585 or email me if there's anything I can do for you. Be sure to follow @LeeperForFairfield on Facebook and Instagram to stay up-to-date on everything I'm doing at the Capitol.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leeper
State Representative
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