|
Early Voting
Among the most exciting legislative advances in Connecticut this session concerned voting rights. Despite the many ways our state is progressive, we have lagged behind in voting access - Connecticut was one of the few states in the country to prohibit early voting, for example. (Rather than holding votes on just one day of the year, early voting provides voters with options, so they don’t miss their chance to vote because of such obstacles as restrictive work schedules, illness or caretaking, and lack of transportation to the polls, to name but a few.)
Effective July 1, voters will have 14 days of early voting for general elections, 7 days of early voting for most primaries, and 4 days of early voting for special elections and presidential preference primaries. I am deeply grateful to all the voting rights advocates who worked tirelessly with me and my colleagues on early voting And a big shout-out to our town registrars and clerks, who will facilitate this significant change.
Voting Rights Act
Too often in our country, certain people are denied access to the polls because of willful obstruction or negligence on the part of authorities. The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Act, named for the late Congressman, will protect voters from intimidation, deception, or obstruction related to voting and allows aggrieved parties to seek remedies in court. Read more HERE.
Debt-Free Community College Eligibility Changes
The law extends eligibility for the state’s debt-free community college program to returning students by removing requirements that 1) a qualifying student must be a first-time enrollee at a community-technical college and 2) that awards must be applied during a student’s first 48 consecutive months. By removing these obstacles, the bill allows returning students to receive the award if they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Baby Bonds
Under the law, $3,200 would be placed in a trust on behalf of each baby born into HUSKY, the state’s Medicaid program, starting July 1. Those investments would grow over time and recipients could access that money between the ages of 18-30. This bill is an investment in the future of our state. While predictably some will balk and a “government handout,” others will see this initiative for what it is: a way to help lift low-income families out of poverty and give children a chance to succeed, thereby helping them become productive citizen taxpayers, rather than a burden all society must bear.
Endometriosis Data and Biorepository Program
Endometriosis is a painful, common, yet largely underdiagnosed condition. For those suffering from this condition, endometrial-like tissue grows outside the uterus with nearby reproductive organs often affected. The law requires UConn Health Center to develop an endometriosis data and biorepository program to enable and promote research on early detection and ways to manage the condition in adolescents and adults.
Menstrual Products
Certain public agencies, including colleges and universities, and homeless and domestic violence shelters that receive state aid, will start providing free menstrual products.
|
