Legislative & Local Updates for the 149th District for the Week Ending April 28, 2023

May 1, 2023
It’s been a busy few months crafting the state budget, so I’d like to take this opportunity to update you on how it all works.

 
In odd-numbered years like this one, the General Assembly passes a budget for the next two fiscal years. So, when we vote on the budget in June, it will cover the two-year period beginning July 2023 and ending June 2025.
 
Last week, the Appropriations Committee, which I serve on, voted on the spending side of the budget. There was bipartisan support for the spending bill in the Appropriations Committee. While there is still more work that will be done, the bill includes funding to phase in the state’s education cost-sharing, supports and services for members of the intellectually and developmentally disabled community, and funds for early voting starting in 2024. 
 
Next the Appropriations and Finance, Revenue and Bonding committees will negotiate with each other and the governor to craft the final budget. The revised budget will then come to the House and Senate floor for a final vote before going to the governor for his signature.
 
There will be more information coming in the weeks ahead, so stay tuned.

 
Sincerely,

Rachel
 
Video Update: Supreme Court's Decision on Mifepristone
Last Friday, the United States Supreme Court blocked a lower court’s ruling barring the use of Mifepristone. I was relieved to hear of this decision because it means that women will continue to have access to Mifepristone for their reproductive healthcare decisions should they need it. 
 
On Tuesday, I joined members of the Stamford delegation, as well as Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, at Stamford Health, where we discussed reproductive health care and reiterated that Mifepristone is still available without restriction in Connecticut. Read the Patch article HERE and the Stamford Advocate article HERE.
 
House in Session on April 27
In our session on Thursday, April 27, we voted on executive and judicial nominations and several bills. We also had a special visit from the UConn Men's Basketball Team. 
 
HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools
On Tuesday I had the opportunity to visit Stark Elementary School in Stamford. Stark is the recipient of a grant through the HVAC Indoor Air Quality Grants Program for Public Schools. Stark is one of six Stamford Schools receiving approximately $2.8 million to improve their air filtration systems.
 
It’s so important to have good air filtration systems in schools for the physical and emotional wellbeing of kids, teachers and staff. These systems reduce airborne contaminants, including those that contain viruses and will help keep staff, teachers and kids healthy and able to teach and learn. That makes it a triple win: good for education, the environment, and people!
 
Women's Business Development Day

On Wednesday I attended the Women’s Business Development Council’s 9th Women-Owned Business Day to celebrate women-owned and led small businesses in Connecticut. 
 
Several years ago, I started an organic meal delivery service. At the time, there were no mentors I could look to or places to go to to get advice on how to start a business. It’s important to support Connecticut’s women-owned businesses because when women start businesses, they are able to support their own families, create jobs, and contribute to the state's economic growth.
 
Kickball Classic Scheduled for May 1
In case of inclement weather, the decision will be made by noon on May 1 if a rain date is necessary. If the game is postponed, tickets previously purchased will be honored on the rain date. 

The CT General Assembly will be holding its Second Annual Kickball Classic on Monday, May 1, at 4:30 p.m. (gates open at 3:30) at Dunkin' Park in Hartford, home of the Yard Goats. 

The admission price is $10, and proceeds will go to two great causes - the Q Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, in memory of State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who died in a tragic car crash at the start of the 2023 legislative session, and the Sarah Foundation, in memory of former State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda. 

The event is open to the public and we welcome you to come cheer on your favorite team and support two great causes as we honor two great legislators who left us far too soon. Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to donate to CT Foodshare, too.

To purchase tickets online, click HERE (there is a $2.25 fee for online purchases), or purchase at the gate. 

To learn more about the Q Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, click HERE.

To learn more about the Sarah Foundation, click HERE.
 
Tools for Aging Well - April 30
 
Tree Removal on Route 15 in Greenwich

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has announced that a tree removal operation will require the closure of the left lane on Route 15 Northbound and Southbound in Greenwich.

The work is scheduled to occur the evening of Sunday, May 7, 2023 through the morning of Friday, May 26, 2023.

The operation will be performed by Distinctive Tree Care LLC.

According to the Department of Transportation, select trees in the center median have been found to be compromised and in need of removal. The trees that are to be cut pose a hazard to motorists.

LANE CLOSURE INFO

Motorists can expect left lane closure to occur on Route 15 Northbound in Greenwich between Exit 19B (Glen Ridge Road) and Guinea Road bridge overpass and Rt.15 Southbound in Greenwich between Guinea Road bridge overpass and Exit 27. Traffic control personnel and signing patterns will be utilized to guide motorists through the work zone. The work schedule for this project is from 7:30 p.m. to 5 a.m. (Sunday night through Friday morning).

No work will be performed from 6 a.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, until 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 30, 2023, due to the Memorial Day Holiday.

Motorists should be aware that modifications or extensions to this schedule may become necessary due to weather delays or other unforeseen conditions.  Motorists are advised to maintain a safe speed when driving in this vicinity.
 
50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

The 50 year anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War is a solemn occasion that is being marked throughout this year. There will be a ceremony on May 15 at the Arch Street Teen Center in Greenwich at 4pm. If you know of any veterans from Greenwich who served in our Armed Forces during the Vietnam era, please let them know they are welcome at this event being put together by Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.
 
Veterans who are attending are asked to RSVP by Sunday, May 7 and they can do so by calling or emailing executive assistant Ken Borsuk at 203-622-7702 or ken.borsuk@greenwichct.org. This is going to be very special, and we hope that as many Vietnam-era veterans as possible will be able to take part.
 
Earth Day Cleanup in Greenwich

I enjoyed myself at the Earth Day Clean-up and Beautification of Mianus River Park last Saturday morning! Thank you to the Town of Greenwich Parks & Recreation Foundation for organizing this event!
 
Hope Day to Smash the Stigma Around Mental Illness

Thank you Greenwich Together and Yellow Tulip Project for hosting the 1st Annual Hope Day to help smash the stigma around mental illness!