Lactation Bill Passage and Other Legislative Updates

May 5, 2023


 
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Dear Neighbor,

Happy Friday! As this year's session progresses, there are a lot of bills and information I want to communicate with you all. From now until the end of session, I'll be sending two emails every week: on Fridays, I will email you a legislative update and show you anything happening at the Capitol, and Mondays will feature events in the Fairfield area and any other general information I want to pass along. 

For your convenience, here are some helpful links to all the information included in this email:

 
Legislative Spotlight: An Act Concerning Lactation Consultants
This week's legislative spotlight is HB 6819: An Act Concerning Lactation Consultants, which studies the licensure of clinical lactation consultants. After many months of work, this bill, which I spearheaded along with the leadership of the Public Health Committee Co-Chair Cristin McCarthy Vahey and the committee's unanimous support, passed the House 143-0.

This bill represents an essential step in enabling our lactation consultants to be eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, so they can serve Connecticut's most vulnerable mothers and babies. Supporting breastfeeding will narrow the alarming racial gap in maternal and infant health outcomes and literally save lives.

Please click on the photo below to watch me speak on the bill on the House floor.

Rep. Leeper Speaking on HB 6819 - An Act Concern Lactation Consultants
 
Early Voting 

Connecticut voters asked the legislature for more voting options through a constitutional amendment on early voting that they overwhelmingly approved, and we are answering the call. Yesterday, the House of Representatives approved H.B. 5004, a measure that will allow early voting in our state beginning in 2024.

This legislation modernizes the state's elections and allows for more convenience and fairness in the process, reflecting the realities of hectic modern-day life. Eligible voters will be able to cast their ballots in person ahead of Election Day for both regular and special elections, as well as primaries.

Passage of this bill in the House is a step towards improving access to the ballot box for all eligible Connecticut voters.

I look forward to the next step – debate in the Senate.

 
 
Bills That Passed

Some of the other critical bills that passed this week include:

  • HB6689: Makes a career in health care a realistic option for more CT students. The Nursing and Mental Health Care Professionals Loan Subsidy Program will mean lower interest rates for students looking to go into health and mental health care.
  • HB6632: Opens previously closed avenues for local housing authorities housing units. On to the Senate for consideration.
  • HB6479: Contains a key provision to maximize federal funds designated for state and municipal climate change resiliency projects, including coastal resiliency projects.
  • HB6615: Repeals the statutes authorizing dog racing and dog tracks. This will make it illegal to race greyhounds in Connecticut.
 
Rescheduled Legislative Update Event
If you'd like to hear directly from myself and the Fairfield delegation about this session, please join me Thursday, May 11 from 7 pm - 8:30 pm at the Little Pub in Fairfield - 2133 Black Rock Turnpike.

As more bills come to the House floor, it's more important than ever to ensure your voice is heard. I hope to see you there!

 
CGA Kickball Classic
It was so fun participating in the CGA Kickball Classic on Monday. Even though the Republicans came out on top, the Democrats were #1 in spirit!

Proceeds from the event went to two amazing causes: the Q Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, in memory of my former colleague and friend, State Rep. Quentin "Q" Williams, who died in a tragic car crash at the start of this legislative session, and the Sarah Foundation, in memory of former State Rep. Noreen Kokoruda. Thank you to all who came out - training for next year starts now!

Donate to the Q Fund Here
Donate to the Sarah Foundation Here
 
Mattress Recycling Event
This Saturday, May 6 from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm, the Fairfield Sustainable Task Force is sponsoring a Mattress Recycling Collection Event at Veteran's Park, 909 Reef Road, Fairfield.

Mattress recycling captures and reuses more than 75% of the components, which is a much more environmentally-friendly option than placing them in the incinerators at Wheelabrator. Connecticut residents (not just Fairfielders) can drop off mattresses and box springs for FREE, and I encourage you to contribute if you can!

 
Puppy Day at the Capitol

And finally, Thursday was Puppy Day at the Capitol hosted by the Connecticut Humane Society - one of the happiest days of the year at the Capitol!

 
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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