Reproductive Rights Leader, Menstrual Equity Summit, and Weekend Park Cleanup

July 20, 2023


 
I hope you are enjoying the summer weather. Below you will see how Connecticut is a leader in reproductive rights, learn more about a Menstrual Equity Summit, apply for grants to help children in need, and see where you can help clean up a local park this weekend.
 
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                  LEADER IN REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS
                  In the aftermath of the Supreme Court's devastating decision overturning Roe v. Wade, I am pleased that Connecticut has been a national leader in passing a number of measures defending residents, healthcare workers, and those from out-of-state seeking reproductive services and resources.
                  To further protect reproductive rights in our state, Governor Ned Lamont recently signed a number of bills we passed last session into law including:
                  • Public Act 23-128, which enacts protections for Connecticut medical providers who offer reproductive health care services against adverse actions taken by another state;
                  • Public Act 23-52, which allows pharmacists to prescribe birth control;
                  • Public Act 23-41, which increases access to reproductive health care services by college students at public institutions of higher education;
                  • Public Act 23-56, which establishes safeguards against the collection, sharing, and selling of personal data online, including health-related information; and
                  • Public Act 23-147, which improves maternal healthcare by expanding birthing hospitals in Connecticut. 

                  Individuals seeking abortion services can call 1-866-CTCHOICE (1-866-282-4642) or click the button below to find providers available in the Stamford area, community services, and other useful resources.
                  Abortion Access in Connecticut
                  Connecticut remains committed to protecting a person's fundamental right to make their own decisions concerning their reproductive health and well-being.
                   

                  MENSTRUAL EQUITY SUMMIT
                  The Diaper Bank is hosting Connecticut's first Menstrual Equity Summit at UConn Stamford on August 3 starting at 8 a.m. Attendees will learn more about endometriosis research, discrepancies in healthcare, and so much more. 
                  The event is free to attend, but a $10 donation is recommended to support the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
                  Register Here
                   

                  GRANTS AVAILABLE TO HELP CHILDREN IN NEED
                  Many families in our state are feeling the financial pain of inflation. Probate Court-appointed kinship guardians caring for children may be eligible for thousands of dollars in grants. They can use this money on housing, food, clothing, child care, transportation, glasses, summer camp, and other enrichment activities.
                  Local Probate Court have annually awarded $2 million in grants from the state Kinship Fund and Respite Fund to guardians of low-income children. The Kinship Fund awards grants up to $550 per child or $2,200 a family per year. The Respite Fund is also capped $2,200 per year.

                  Guardians can apply for both funds, though a separate application for each is required.

                  Residents can find grant applications online or by contacting their local Probate Court.
                   

                  WEEKEND PARK CLEANUP
                  You’re invited to join a cleanup at Rosa Hartman Park in Stamford. Volunteers will be gathering on Saturday, July 22 at 9:30 A.M. on Brown House Road. Mayor Caroline Simmons and Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo will both be pitching in and answering questions about the environment. I am currently traveling abroad and will not be at the park cleanup, but this is a great opportunity to meet Mayor Simmons and her staff and ask questions.