Public Hearings, Protecting Nurses and Patients, and more

February 7, 2025


 
View this email in your browser
Dear Neighbor,
Happy Friday! It's been another busy week representing you at the Capitol.

This week we began public hearings in the Public Health Committee and the Committee on Children. These public hearings can go on for several hours, as we give all constituents and advocacy groups the chance to make the case for or against certain legislation. It's great to hear arguments for all sides of a bill when deciding how I'll cast my vote.

I'll make sure to keep you updated as the session progresses.

If you're interested in testifying or watching a public hearing you can see the schedule for next week below:
Visit this website for information on how to testify on a bill at a public hearing.
 
In this eblast, you can read about a meeting I had with students in the STEPS Coalition, bills protecting nurses and patients, and more. You can click on the links below to navigate between sections.
 
Bills Protecting Nurses and Patients
I recently introduced several bills aimed a protecting nurses and patients. Last week, I sent a letter to members of the Public Health Committee requesting they raise or reserve the following bills that I introduced for a public hearing:
  • HB 5775: An Act Concerning The Safety Of Home Health Care Workers
    • This bill ensures the safety of home health care workers by allowing them to park their vehicle in close proximity to their patients' homes.
  • HB 6580: An Act Concerning Patient-To-Staff Ratios for Nurse's Aides And Nurses In Long-Term And Acute Inpatient Facilities
    • This bill improves patient-to-staff ratios for nurse's aides and nurses in long-term and acute inpatient facilities, which would improve patient care quality, improve working conditions and retain health care staff in long-term and acute inpatient facilities.
  • HB 6585: An Act Establishing A Database And Hotline For The Reporting Of Criminal History Records Or Violent Incidents Of Patients Of Home Health Care Workers
    • This bill ensures the safety of home health care workers by providing them access to the criminal background information and violent incident reports of their patients.

All of these bills are meant to protect the safety and wellbeing of nurses and patients alike, and I hope they will have the opportunity to be debated and discussed by the public.
 
Legislative Coffee Event

I hope you'll join me and State Rep. Chris Poulos this Sunday, Feb. 9 from 8:30-10:30am at Lions Den Coffee Shop (57 W. Main St, Plantsville) for a legislative coffee event!

We will talk about what is happening at the Capitol, our priorities this session, and most important, what's on your mind. These events are a great opportunity to have your voice heard, and I hope to see you there!
 
Black History Month
Black History Month is a time to honor and celebrate the achievements, contributions, and resilience of Black individuals throughout history and in our communities today. Let’s reflect, learn, and continue striving for equity and justice for all.
 
Meeting with STEPS Coalition Students
It was great to see the Southington STEPS Coalition students and advisors at the State Capitol this week.
 
We met to discuss the status of HB 5427, a bill I co-introduced with Representative Chris Poulos to address the sale of Kratom, an unregulated, addictive and harmful substance. I look forward to continuing my work with Southington STEPS as we strive to protect the health and safety of Southington residents, as our legislative proposal moves forward.
 
Sincerely,

Rebecca Martinez
State Representative
Website
Website
Email
Email
Facebook
Facebook
Instagram
Instagram

Forward to a friend | Unsubscribe from this list | Update subscription preferences