Robyn A. Porter

It was a pleasure and a blessing to read to the precious pre-scoolers at Harris and Tucker School, Inc. in Hamden, CT this morning! The value of literacy to our democracy cannot be understated and reading to our children helps to inspire and expand their curiosity and thirst for knowledge. Each one teach one. Each one lead one.

Now that cannabis is legal in Connecticut, our criminal justice system needs to redeem those caught up in the system for cannabis-related offenses. I support House Bill 6787 and believe we are long overdue to make our communities more equitable and fair.

Last week I testified to ensure Connecticut has environmental and labor creation standards for offshore wind.

Very soon, there will be changes for some of our most vulnerable individuals and families who are on Medicaid. Starting on April 1, the COVID-19 public health emergency protection will be coming to an end. Medicaid enrollees who were continuously covered will again have to provide proof of eligibility to continue getting benefits.

I joined the Justice Reinvestment Coalition, Regulate DOC Healthcare Coalition, and Recovery for All to advocate for Justice Reinvestment for communities throughout Connecticut. We highlighted the Coalition’s funding proposals that address the staffing crisis, the need for better medical attention, mental health supports, and reentry programs, while providing more oversight throughout DOC healthcare.

Today I joined my colleagues to discuss the 2023 State of Reentry Report. The report focuses on examining substance abuse, mental health, medical needs, education, employment, and housing conditions is important, as these are all factors that can impact successful reintegration into the community.

Last week, I was blessed to share in the Black History presentation hosted by CWCSEO, "Celebrating Black Fatherhood."
It was truly an enriching experience that validated the importance of shared parenting—a huge THANK YOU to CWCSEO for providing a safe and liberating space that embraced vulnerability.

The Commission will host a New England Regional Forum, "Increasing and Diversifying the Educator Workforce," on Friday, February 17, 2023, at the Legislative Office Building Room 1D from 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.