| |
| |
We received the unfortunate news that the federal government is slashing $150 million in federal grants to Connecticut that would support public health. I'll break down how these cuts will put lives at risk and affect our state's ability to fight disease and outbreaks.
A House Democrats priority bill supporting early childhood care is moving closer to the House and Senate floors. The measure that would help kids, families, and educators. I'll let you know where you can join me for a community conversation about this legislation. |
|
|
This week, the nation recognized Equal Pay Day, a reminder that we need to address gender equality at work. I'll break down how our state is tackling that issue.
Here are the sections and topics in this week's email:
- $150M in Federal Cuts to Public Health
- Equal Pay Day
- Early Childhood Care & Education Discussion
- Free Help to Cover Mortgage Payments
- Basketball State Champs!
- Derby Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Hamden
- Orange Events Calendar
- Upcoming Events in Woodbridge
|
|
| $150M in Federal Cuts to Public Health |
|
|
| 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. |
|
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Additionally, healthcare providers will be forced to use outdated fax systems to report diseases instead of sending the information electronically, delaying response times and weakening our ability contain outbreaks.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. |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
March 25 marks how far into the year women must work to earn what men earned in the previous year – an undeniable reminder of the persistent wage gap and the ongoing fight for gender equality in the workplace. Equal Pay Day highlights the systemic barriers that continue to disadvantage women, particularly women of color, who face even wider pay disparities.
In Connecticut, we are making significant strides to close this gap through legislation like the Pay Equity and Opportunity Act, which:
- strengthens pay transparency
- bans employers from asking about salary history
- ensures that workers are paid fairly based on skills and expertise
|
|
There is still work to do. Pay inequity affects families, communities, and the overall economy. When women are paid fairly, households are stronger, children have better opportunities, and businesses benefit from a more motivated and diverse workforce.
Together, we are working toward a future where equal work means equal pay for everyone. We can build a Connecticut where no one is shortchanged simply because of their gender. |
|
| Early Childhood Care & Education Discussion |
|
|
| I invite you to a community conversation about how my colleagues and I are working to strengthen early childhood care and education in Connecticut. This is an opportunity to learn about key legislation designed to support our children, families, and educators – and to share your thoughts on what more we can do. High-quality early childhood care and education is the foundation of a child’s development and a critical investment in our future. |
|
|
State Representatives Robin Comey, Kate Farrar, and I will break down Democratic House Priority Bill 5003, which we all co-sponsored. This transformative legislation aims to:
- deliver faster and more reliable funding to families in need
- attract and retain dedicated childcare educators through better wages and support
- create and improve current childcare facilities to meet growing demand
Your voice matters in shaping the future of early childhood care. We hope you will join us and be part of the conversation on Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. at Branford Early Learning Center. I look forward to seeing you there!
|
|
| Free Help to Cover Mortgage Payments |
|
|
| Do you need help paying your mortgages or HOA fees? The Connecticut American Job Centers of Bridgeport will host a free resource fair on Wednesday, April 2 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Housing counselors will assist homeowners that may be unemployed or underemployed learn more about foreclosure prevention resources such as no-cost training, HUD housing counseling, financial assistance, and judicial housing mediation. |
|
| Congratulations to Hamden's Sacred Heart Academy for winning the Class LL Girls' Basketball state championship! The team rallied from an 11 point deficit in the first half to win 57-47! This is the school’s fourth title in program history. Way to go Sharks! |
|
| Check out the event below, and click the button at the bottom of this section to access the community calendar. |
|
| Enjoy a nature walk with the community every Friday from 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. in the meadow at Kellogg Environmental Center. Registration is required. |
|
| Upcoming Events in Hamden |
|
|
| Look and click on the fliers below to learn more about the upcoming events. |
|
| Check out the flier(s) and community calendar in Orange below. |
|
| You're invited to support Orange Little League (OLL) by enjoying a meal at Chip’s Family Restaurant on Tuesday from 4:45 p.m. - 8:15 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will go directly to OLL. Tickets for this event cost $15. |
|
| Amity High School is proud to present "The Little Mermaid" starting Friday, April 4. CLICK HERE to get your tickets now! |
|
| Upcoming Events in Woodbridge |
|
|
| Check out the event(s) below and click the button under that to access the Woodbridge community calendar. |
|
Meet Paula Wolf, the new state bee inspector, at Massaro Community Farm. She will be at the farm’s first beekeeping workshop of the season at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday to handle a new package or nucleus of bees.
All classes are in person and hands on in the farm’s bee yard where organizers will go over all aspects of beekeeping. A suggested donation of $10 per person supports ongoing education at Massaro Farm. CLICK HERE to learn more. |
|
| You're invited to join Community Collaboration Woodbridge for a master plan community open house on Wednesday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at the Center Building Gymnasium at 4 Meetinghouse Lane. The event will start with a presentation followed by activities for resident participation and feedback. Learn more here. |
|
|
|
| |
|
