The legislative session is moving quickly right now, with committees wrapping up their work by deadlines to start sending bills to the floor. We are in a “long” session, which happens every odd numbered year, and that means this is a year in which we will enact a new biennial budget. While this process is always filled with difficult choices, this year poses unique and unwelcome challenges.
With the federal government just having announced $150 million in cuts to public health in Connecticut, as well as cuts to education funding and threatening to do the same with Medicaid, the predictability of our own budget process hangs in the balance. There is a widely-held belief that the state legislature will need to return to Hartford in the “off season” -- after the federal government passes its budget over the summer -- to address the impacts of the new federal budget on Connecticut. I'll break down what we know so far about how these decisions could affect our children, seniors, and the rest of our community. |
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Meanwhile, our state is offering resources to help displaced federal workers. Please keep scrolling to learn how Connecticut can help those who have lost their jobs.
Local cub scouts stopped by the Capitol to learn about the democratic process of making laws. You will find some photos of their visit below.
You have a great opportunity to nominate a volunteer or an organization that is going above and beyond to protect our environment. Winners receive a cash prize. Check out the details below.
Here are the sections in this week's email:
- $150M in Federal Cuts to Public Health
- Rally for Medicaid
- Help for Displaced Federal Workers
- Cub Scouts Visit State Capitol
- Nominate an Environmental Champion
- What Bears Are Up To in March
- Free Resources to File Your Taxes
- Teen Photo Challenge
- Community Events
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| $150M in Federal Cuts to Public Health |
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| The Trump Administration is cutting approximately $150 million in federal funding to Connecticut, jeopardizing critical public health, mental health, and addictions services. These drastic cuts will put lives at risk, eliminate jobs, end essential contracts, and severely weaken the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s (DPH) ability to track and prevent public health crises. Without these grants, DPH will struggle to monitor emerging health threats and share real-time information. |
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Most alarmingly, these cuts will cripple DPH’s ability to track and respond to disease outbreaks such as measles, avian flu, and mpox. The agency will lose access to real-time data from emergency departments, leaving public health officials less prepared to the warning signs of potential epidemics.
Additionally, healthcare providers will be forced to use outdated fax systems to report diseases instead of sending the information electronically, delaying response times and weakening our ability contain outbreaks. This will have a trickle-down effect to our local health departments, already stretched thin, being less equipped to respond to infectious disease threats in our communities. |
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The consequences extend beyond disease tracking. These cuts will significantly disrupt:
- newborn screenings
- childhood immunization programs
- testing for viruses and other pathogens
- timely laboratory diagnostics
- staffing to respond to outbreaks including in nursing homes
The Connecticut Department of Public Health released a comprehensive report detailing the full impact of these devastating funding cuts.
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| Hundreds of people gathered at the State Capitol in a powerful show of unity, urging the federal government to reject proposed cuts to Medicaid, that would disproportionately hurt low-income children, families, pregnant women, seniors, and people with disabilities. The rally was part of a nationwide day of action and brought together a broad coalition of voices including members of our federal delegation, state legislators, healthcare workers, advocates, Medicaid recipients and many other members of the community, all standing in solidarity to protect this vital program. |
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Passionate speakers underscored the irreplaceable role Medicaid plays in ensuring healthcare access to the American people. They shared personal stories and compelling data, highlighting that Medicaid provides critical health insurance to more than 70 million people including seniors, working families, and children enrolled in the HUSKY program.
Without Medicaid, millions could lose access to life-saving treatments, preventative care, and essential services that support health, well-being, and economic stability. Cuts to Medicaid would not only jeopardize individuals but place greater strain on hospital, healthcare providers, and the broader community. Medicaid is not just a safety net – it’s a lifeline for millions, and protecting it is a moral and economic duty. |
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The federal government’s proposed massive budget cuts would have far-reaching consequences beyond Medicaid. Our public schools stand to lose vital funding, jeopardizing the quality of education for countless children.
According to the Connecticut Voices for Children, an advocacy organization, Simsbury could face the loss of millions in essential resources – funds that support everything from classroom instruction and special education services to mental health support and after-school programs.
Here are some of the potential takeaways:
- $4.5 million loss to Simsbury Public Schools
- Approximately 830 Simsbury residents lose SNAP benefits
- Around 3,000 Simsbury residents lose healthcare through Medicaid
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| Help for Displaced Federal Workers |
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| If you live in Connecticut and were fired or put on unpaid administrative leave from your job with the federal government, please know we are here for you. Connecticut appreciates your contributions and employers in the state are eager to benefit from your expertise. |
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| The Connecticut Department of Labor (CTDOL) has brought together several programs and services specifically designed to assist you during this time. Displaced federal workers and contractors can find more information on the CTDOL homepage at portal.ct.gov/dol. |
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| Cub Scouts Visit State Capitol |
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| It was an honor to welcome Cub Scout Pack 76 to the Legislative Office Building, where they got a firsthand look at their inner workings of state government. Their visit was not just a field trip – it was an opportunity to pull back the curtain on the legislative process and understand what it takes to pass laws in Connecticut. |
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| The Simsbury scouts demonstrated leadership, teamwork, and maturity as Senator Paul Honig and I had the privilege of breaking down the steps of how laws are made, from an idea to a bill and ultimately to a law. The scouts were eager to learn, asked insightful questions, and showed a genuine curiosity about how our government operates. |
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| I would like to thank Cub Scout Pack 76 for taking the time to visit, participate in meaningful discussions, and asking thoughtful questions. I look forward to welcoming them and other young leaders back to the Capitol in the future. |
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| Nominate an Environmental Champion |
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| Aquarion Water Company is asking for your help honoring Connecticut’s environmental volunteers who work tirelessly to protect and improve our state’s air, water, soils, and natural habitats. The Aquarion Environmental Champion Awards honors the remarkable efforts of Connecticut individuals, businesses, and organizations who go above and beyond for conservation! |
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Organizers encourage you to nominate an adult, nonprofit, or business to receive a $5,000 grant, which they will donate to an environmental nonprofit of their choice. You can also nominate a high school student for a $1,000 award.
The deadline for nominations is May 9, and Aquarion will celebrate the winners at a special ceremony on June 7 at Beardsley Zoo in Bridgeport. |
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| What Bears Are Up To in March |
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You may spot a bear in Simsbury this month, but it could be short lived since many of them return to their dens to rest. Some full-grown male bears may emerge skinny, hungry, and thirsty and scour for food. Now is a good time to make sure anything around your home and property that could possibly attract a hungry bear is stored out of sight, smell, and reach.
CLICK HERE to learn more!
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| Free Resources to File Your Taxes |
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There are several free resources available this year for anyone who needs to file state and federal taxes.
You can use the IRS Direct File Tool, which is a new option for anyone who lived and earned all their income in Connecticut last year. |
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The federal government is also offering the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to eligible taxpayers. Here are some of the eligibility details from VITA:
- Household income less than $68,000
- If self-employed, business expenses should be less than $35,000
- No income from a rental property
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CLICK HERE to book your appointment now!
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save money when filing your taxes!
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| The Simsbury Public Library and the Simsbury Camera Club invite those who are 12-19 years old to the Teen Photo Challenge! Contestants may submit up to three photos in black and white or color in any category of their choice. Each image must have a title and a signed release form. |
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Participants must drop off their prints at the library’s information desk between now and April 22. The winner will receive a $75 Amazon gift card.
CLICK HERE for more a full list of rules, guidelines, a list of the prizes, and more. |
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The Theatre Guild of Simsbury presents My Big Gay Italian Wedding from now through March 30 at Eno Memorial Hall. This outrageous comedy invites you to join the chaos as family, friends, and fabulous surprises collide in a celebration of love and acceptance.
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You're invited to make miniature houses on Saturday from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. at Trinity Episcopal Church. All materials are included. CLICK HERE to sign up!
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