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| This week, I joined my colleagues in voting for bills fostering civic engagement among our children, strengthening protections for children on social media, and improving healthcare for seniors. I’ll dig deeper into all those proposals and break down how they make Connecticut a safer and better place to live. |
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The City of Derby celebrated its 350th anniversary this week with a couple of amazing events including the opening of a time capsule. Please scroll below to see pictures of the party!
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children
- Child Social Media Protection
- Strengthening Healthcare for Seniors
- Improving Protections for Survivors
- Derby Celebrates 350th Birthday
- Join Me at a Town Hall in Hamden
- Derby Adds New Vehicle to Its Fleet
- Woodbridge Special & Annual Town Meetings
- Puppies for Adoption Visit Capitol
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
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| Fostering Civic Engagement in Our Children |
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This week, the House passed an education bill that honors civically engaged students, reforms crisis response drills, limits the use of smart devices in school, and much more.
HB 7009 establishes the Connecticut State Seal of Civics Education and Engagement, which recognizes graduating high school seniors for their exceptional achievement in civics.
This seal is for students who demonstrate civic engagement in school, through the completion of classes and assessments, and outside of the classroom by participating in community service, student government, and more.
At a time when civic engagement is alarmingly low in our country, this recognition will encourage students to learn more about the way our government works and the role they play in shaping society.
This seal also sends a powerful message that civics isn't just a class to pass; it's a way to make a difference and give back to your community. |
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The bill also establishes new standards for school crisis response drills to continue to protect and prepare students and staff while being sensitive to mental health needs. While schools must be prepared for an emergency, organizers must ensure these drills are conducted effectively and responsibly.
Other key aspects of HB 7009 include:
- Limiting the use of smart devices in school
- Addressing antisemitism in schools
- Providing curriculum on Islamic and Arab Studies
- Allowing districts to decide whether to allow children under the age of 5 to begin kindergarten early
- Raising the standard for when a student in pre-K to grade 2 can get an out-of-school suspension
- Requiring same-day notification of any use of restraint or seclusion of a student.
The bill is important because it encourages civic engagement and protects our students' mental health, and I am proud to cast my vote in support.
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| Child Social Media Protection |
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We took a step toward addressing the mental health crisis among teens using social media by passing HB 6857 with bipartisan support.
This measure aims to help children the moment they try to join a social media platform, and that’s because it would require parental consent for anyone under the age of 18 to open an account. The bill also tries to regulate content saying social media companies would not be able to target minors with content or with push notifications between the hours of 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. |
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| Connecticut took a major step forward as a national leader with this new effort to reign in big tech’s predatory practices that are reinforcing addictive and harmful choices in minors. |
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| Strengthening Healthcare for Seniors |
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| The House voted to strengthen healthcare for Connecticut's seniors! I proudly co-sponsored this legislation, which reflects our ongoing efforts to support and care for our aging population. |
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The bill:
- Increases access for vital biomarker testing
- Requires nursing homes to consider proximity to family members in any transfer of a resident
- Enhances safety with improved background checks for all nursing home employees
- Establishes a task force to address the specific needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia.
The measure now moves to the Senate. If it passes there and Governor Lamont signs it into law, the legislation would take effect in January.
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| Improving Protections for Survivors |
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| We also passed a bill I co-sponsored to strengthen protections for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault by guarding the physical addresses of shelters and group homes from public access and public discussion during agency meetings. Safeguarding these locations is a testament to our unwavering support for survivors. |
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| Derby Celebrates 350th Birthday |
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| On Tuesday, May 13, the City of Derby celebrated its 350th birthday! The community stood together for the rededication of the Grandfather Clock at Derby Public Library, followed by the opening of a time capsule from 1975, which contained a historical plate and DynaMint candies, on the Derby Green! |
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| You’re invited to join the community for the 350th Celebration weekend on May 30, 31, and June 1. There will be live music, food trucks, activities for children, transportation history, vendors, 350th t‑shirts, hoodies, bells, ornaments, commemorative coins, and much more. |
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| Join Me at a Town Hall in Hamden |
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Join me and the entire Hamden Delegation to learn more and ask questions about our legislative priorities. The community town hall will take place on Friday, May 16 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Miller Memorial Library (2901 Dixwell Ave., Hamden).
This forum provides an opportunity for residents to raise their concerns, share feedback, and ask questions. I look forward to see you there! |
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| Derby Adds New Vehicle to Its Fleet |
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| The Derby Police Department bought a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) to strengthen patrols, especially along the Greenway and other hard to reach areas. This UTV will allow officers to respond more efficiently to emergencies and maintain a police presence in parks, pathways, and off-road areas that are off-limits to standard police vehicles. |
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| Woodbridge Special & Annual Town Meetings |
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The Town of Woodbridge will hold a Special Town Meeting and its Annual Town Meeting to discuss and potentially vote on important issues. It all starts on Monday, May 19 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center Building gymnasium at 4 Meetinghouse Lane.
The Special Town Meeting will focus on the proposed Solar Land Lease at the Woodbridge Transfer Station. CLICK HERE for more information. |
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| Puppies for Adoption Visit Capitol |
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| I would like to thank the Connecticut Humane Society for bringing nearly a dozen puppies to the Capitol! I held Belinda, a 12-week-old hound mix, and I would have taken her home if I had not promised my husband that I would not come home with any more pets. She and the other dogs are up for adoption. |
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| Check out the events and community calendar in Derby below. |
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| Connecticut Foodshare will give away free food to the community on Tuesday from 2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. at St. Mary’s Church on Elizabeth Street. Make sure to bring a bag so you can bring food home. |
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| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
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| Look at the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events in Hamden. |
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| An expert will provide a hands-on introduction to the uses and limitations of artificial intelligence. The event will take place Saturday, May 17 at 10 a.m. at Miller Library. CLICK HERE to register. |
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| Check out the flier and community calendar in Orange below. |
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| Mr. Donald’s Farm is open for the season starting Saturday, May 17 and every following Saturday from 10:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m. |
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| You're invited to join the Jewish Women's Circle on Thursday, May 22 at 7 p.m. to learn about floral arrangements and create your own bouquet! The event costs $36 and will take place at Chabad of Orange/Woodbridge at 261 Derby Avenue. |
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| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
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Check out the events and community calendar below.
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Stop by Woodbridge Town Library on Tuesday, May 20 to hear a real-life account of what it was like to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II. Arnie Pritchard will tell the story of his father, Anton (Tony) Pritchard, at an event called “The Business of Fighting.” The event will take place from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m. Register here.
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